USDA is once again celebrating No-Till November. This fall, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging America’s agricultural producers to keep the stubble and give their farm a more rugged, natural look. While many farmers till during the fall, NRCS notes the reasons not to do so. They note that No-till improves soil health by not disturbing soil microbiology, …
USDA Invites Input on CSP Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced it is seeking public comments on its interim final rule for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The program is designed to help farmers have more robust conservation activities. The rule, which is now on the Federal Register, takes effect upon publication and includes changes to the program prescribed by …
USDA Set to Allow Chinese Poultry Imports as a Sign of Progress
(NAFB) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to allow poultry imports from China. Farm Progress Dot Com says it’s a sign of ongoing progress in the talks between Washington and Beijing that will hopefully lead to a resolution in their trade dispute. The new regulation covers birds as well as poultry parts and products slaughtered in …
ADAI Encouraged by USDA Disaster Aid Block Grant Award
(ADAI) — Commissioner Rick Pate is encouraged by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue’s recent announcement awarding $800 million in a disaster aid block grant for agricultural producers in various southern states. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has worked with USDA leadership for the past four months on a disaster aid block grant program, specifically for producers impacted by …
USDA Announces Block Grants for Three States as Part of Broader Disaster Relief Package
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make available $800 million to agricultural producers in Alabama, Florida and Georgia affected by hurricanes Michael and Florence. The state block grants are part of a broader $3 billion package to help producers recover from 2018 and 2019 natural disasters, which includes the Wildfire …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Announces USDA Disaster Relief for Florida
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $380.7 million in federal block grant funding for Florida farmers devastated by Hurricane Michael, including direct relief for timber producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will administer the USDA block grants alongside the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Through consistent engagement with USDA officials, Florida …
USDA Designates Eight Alabama Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available (USDA/FSA) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated eight Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Clay, Coffee, Coosa, Covington, Elmore, Jackson, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural …
USDA Designates Four Florida Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available (USDA/FSA) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated four Florida counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers who suffered losses due to recent weather events may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. These natural disaster designations allow FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on USDA Federal Hemp Program Rules
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its long-awaited Domestic Hemp Production Program rules, following the reclassification of hemp as an agricultural commodity in the 2018 federal Farm Bill. Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried, who will oversee Florida’s state hemp program through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, offered the following statement: “The announcement by the USDA is welcome news …
USDA Establishes Domestic Hemp Production Program
(USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the establishment of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. This program, as required by the 2018 farm bill, creates a consistent regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States. “At USDA, we are always excited when there are new economic opportunities for our farmers, and we hope the ability to …