The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced five grants totaling more than $2.5 million for agricultural research that is funded jointly with national or state commodity boards. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), which was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Our collaboration with commodity boards …
Valenstein Chosen as State Environmental Chief
by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida With Gov. Rick Scott describing him as “passionate about the environment,” Noah Valenstein was named Tuesday as Florida’s next environmental secretary after a short interview with Scott and members of the state Cabinet. Valenstein, a former Scott aide who is executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management District, will take over at …
Florida Farmers Turn Out for Putnam in Large Numbers
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam made his bid for the governor’s office official last week, following up the announcement from his hometown of Bartow with a whirlwind bus tour of the state from one end to the other. I caught up with Putnam at the end of his final tour stop at a farm in north-central Florida for a sit …
Stabenow Expresses Concerns with EPA Scientist Dismissals
The ranking Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee has expressed concerns over the dismissal of scientists by the Environmental Protection Agency. Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow specifically voiced her concerns over EPA administrator Scott Pruitt’s move to dismiss nine members of the Board of Scientific Counselors, a major scientific review board within the agency. The board reviews the research carried out …
Alabama Farmers Fare Well in Legislative Session
Farmers and forest owners fared well in the 2017 regular session of the Alabama Legislature, which was marked by a leadership change in the governor’s office. The Legislature adjourned for the session Friday evening. Alabama Farmers Federation priorities included passage of bills enhancing irrigation tax credits and the Farm-to-School program, as well as funding for the Concentrated Animal Feed Operation …
Eight Counties in Florida Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
In response to a request from Debbie Folsom, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Florida, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 8 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are: Charlotte Glades Highlands Osceola DeSoto Hardee Okeechobee Polk Farmers and ranchers in the …
Initial Results of the 100-Day Action Plan of the U.S. – China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue
President of the United States Donald Trump and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping agreed at their Mar-a-Lago meeting to advance U.S. – China economic cooperation with a 100-day action plan under the framework of the U.S. – China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue. Under the leadership of the co-chairs, Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary of …
USDA Designates 19 Counties in Georgia as Primary Natural Disaster Area with Assistance to Producers in Florida
In response to a request from Dianne Westmoreland, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Georgia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 19 counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by freeze that occurred from March 15, 2017, through March 18, 2017. Those counties are: Appling Brooks Echols McIntosh …
Overall Tractor Sales Trending Higher in 2017
Tractor sales in the United States increased again last month, representing a six percent increase since the beginning of the year. A monthly report by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers shows April tractor sales were up seven percent, compared to April of last year, with more than 67,000 sales reported. For the month, two-wheel drive under 40 horsepower tractors, were …
Secretary Perdue Announces Creation of Undersecretary for Trade
Reorganization of USDA Elevates Rural Development as Department Priority U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a recognition of the ever-increasing importance of international trade to American agriculture. Perdue made the announcement standing by barges filled with agricultural products along the banks …