Producers, Beat the Rush – Call Today to Make an Appointment (USDA/FSA) — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers to enroll now in the Agriculture Risk Loss (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. March 15, 2020 is the enrollment deadline for the 2019 crop year. Although more than 200,000 producers have enrolled to date, FSA anticipates 1.5 …
Phase One Trade Deal May Benefit Cotton the Most
By Clint Thompson Wednesday’s phase one trade agreement signed by the United States and China is a historical moment in the country’s history, according to Stephen Censky, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary. “It addresses a lot of the trade issues we have had with China about their structural impediments to our exports as well as make some substantial purchase …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on USTR Commitments to Seasonal Produce Protections
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement regarding formal commitments recently made by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to protect American seasonal produce growers from unfair trade practices harming the industry: “While discouraging that the USMCA and its implementing legislation lacked protections for our seasonal producers, I thank Ambassador Lighthizer for his formal commitments to address this urgent …
Possible E-Verify Compromise Emerges
(NSF) — The Republican-dominated Legislature has long pushed back against requiring employers to conduct immigration background checks for new hires, but a bill filed Friday includes a potential compromise that could hand a win to Gov. Ron DeSantis on the controversial issue. The bill, filed by Rep. Cord Byrd, R-Neptune Beach, would require government employers — such as state agencies …
USMCA to Face Additional Senate Approvals
(NAFB) — The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) timeline remains uncertain. However, lawmakers seem certain they will pass the agreement, at the latest, following impeachment hearings. The Senate Finance Committee did approve the agreement earlier this week, but a Senate parliamentarian has determined that eight other Senate committees must offer approval of the agreement. So, depending on how long a further review …
Georgia Submits Revised Industrial Hemp Plan and Rules
In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) promulgation of the interim final rule governing the production of hemp under the 2018 farm bill on Oct. 31, 2019, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has submitted an updated “Georgia Hemp Plan” to comply with USDA’s requirements. View the plan here. Pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, O.C.G.A. …
Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer December
(NAFB) — The December Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer suggests farmers are optimistic about the future, despite a weakened perception of current conditions. The survey dropped three points in December to a reading of 150, down from 153 in November. The Index of Current Conditions dropped 12 points to 141, down from 153 in November. Meanwhile, the Index of Future …
USDA Taking Public Comments on EQIP Interim Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners they are still taking public comments on the interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS Chief, Matt Lohr, discusses some of the changes proposed in the interim final rule for EQIP reauthorized under the 2018 Farm Bill. (audio) USDA’s flagship program helps producers plan and …
Lawmakers Seek to Scuttle Conservation Appeal
(NSF) — The House, Senate and two state agencies asked the Florida Supreme Court this week to reject an appeal in a fight about how lawmakers carried out a 2014 constitutional amendment aimed at boosting land and water conservation. Attorneys for the Legislature, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services filed briefs Monday asking …
Fire Safety Tips: Christmas Tree Disposal
(FDACS) — The Florida Forest Service is encouraging Floridians to dispose of Christmas trees safely. Dry limbs and needles from discarded Christmas trees can be an ignition source for fire if not properly cleared away from homes and natural areas. “We are encouraging all residents and visitors to be vigilant this holiday season,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. “Trees discarded improperly can quickly turn …