(NSF) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wants the federal government to act as quickly as possible to deliver part of a new stimulus package to aid farmers. In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week, Fried said many of Florida’s 47 thousand growers are sitting on surpluses of products as restaurants and other establishments have closed …
Farmers and Other Essential Food Production Workers will Carry Permission Letters during COVID-19 Shutdown
(U.S. Sugar) — All U.S. Sugar employees and suppliers who have been deemed essential to the nation’s food supply and national security will begin carrying authorization letters to inform authorities that they are approved to be out of their homes and working. “Our farmers, workers and other essential food production vendors will continue working around the clock to keep safe, …
Secretary Perdue Announces New Innovation Initiative for USDA
The Agriculture Innovation Agenda is a Solution for Farmers, Consumers, and the Environment (USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the Agriculture Innovation Agenda, a department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stimulate innovation so that American agriculture can …
Hemp Production Meetings Scheduled Throughout Alabama
(ACES) — As industrial hemp producers enter their second production year in Alabama, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering informational meetings for interested growers. Alabama Extension’s hemp action team has spent the past year researching and assembling best management practices for new growers in Alabama. Specialists and regional agents will provide informational meetings throughout the state over the next few months. …
NCBA Unveils Top Policy Priorities For 2020
(NCBA) — The Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) approved the organization’s top 2020 Policy Priorities. Approval came at the annual Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Like last year, NCBA’s top policy priorities include issues related to international trade, proper regulation of fake meat, and regulatory reform, although after a series of significant policy victories …
Plants to Brighten Your Outdoor Patio Space
Cathy Isom has a bit of information about some plants to brighten up your outdoor patio space. While you’re sprucing up your patio with some greenery, you might also consider enhancing the overall look by hiring driveway and patio cleaning experts at https://topcleaners.ie/driveway-and-patio-cleaning/. A clean, well-maintained patio can provide the perfect setting for your new plants, creating a refreshing outdoor …
Commissioner Nikki Fried: New Energy Efficiency Conversation Needed
Tallahassee, FL (FDACS-Sept. 26, 2019) — Last week, the Office of Energy in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) filed a brief required by the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (FEECA). Since 1980, FEECA has directed Florida utility companies to develop meaningful energy efficiency and conservation measures. Every five years, most major utilities are required to …
USDA Research is Driving Technological Innovation
USDA scientists and researchers reported 320 new inventions in 2018 (Salinas, California — USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its annual Technology Transfer Report (PDF, 14.9 MB), which highlights innovations from scientists and researchers that are solving problems for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers; and creating opportunities for American businesses to thrive. Secretary Perdue discussed the release …
Senators Perdue, Merkley Lead Bipartisan Effort To Ease Burdens On Agricultural Trucking
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) are leading a bipartisan effort to level the playing field for the transportation of agricultural products. The Agricultural Trucking Relief Act will expand the definition of an “agricultural commodity” to include horticultural and aquacultural products, promote consistency across all federal and state agencies, and ease regulatory burdens on the trucking industry. …
Tyson Foods and Auburn University Partner to Build First Stand-Alone Solar-Powered Poultry House
Off-the-grid broiler poultry house will be key to informing sustainable energy practices at scale Auburn University’s National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC), a leader in poultry housing and associated technologies for more than a decade, and Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN) announced the opening of the largest stand-alone solar powered poultry house to be operated completely off the grid. The 54-foot …