The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing $15 million in the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. But a reminder, applications are being accepted until October 11, 2022. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart …
USDA Extends Deadline for Grazing Land Agreements
The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended the application deadline for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Cooperative Agreements. The new deadline is now October 6. USDA is investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Associate Chief, …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Shares USDA Hurricane Preparation & Recovery Reminders for Florida Farmer’s
(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/Sept. 26, 2022) —  As Hurricane Ian approaches, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is sharing important reminders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with Florida producers to prepare for and as they recover from any potential impact from the storm. Take precautions to prepare and protect your family and agricultural operation. Develop an Emergency Plan – Ensure your household and employees know your hurricane plan, including …
North Florida Farmer Selected for Pot License
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Sept. 21, 2022) — The owner of a Suwanee County farm is in line to be the state’s newest medical-marijuana operator, beating out 11 other applicants competing for a license earmarked for a Black farmer with ties to Florida. The state Department of Health announced it had issued a “written notice of intent” to approve a medical-marijuana license for Terry …
Florida Ag Commissioner Calls on USTR to Take Action Protecting Florida Farmers from Harm of Decades-long Unfair Foreign Trade Practices
(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/Sept. 15, 2022) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried wrote to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai in support of the September 8th petition filed by members of Florida’s bipartisan delegation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 requesting the administration conduct an investigation into the flood of imported seasonal and perishable agricultural products from Mexico. Commissioner Fried shared with Ambassador Tai a recent report from the Florida Department of Agriculture …
USDA Announces Climate-Smart Partnership Projects
USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement this week. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to talk about farmers, ranchers, and producers who are on the frontlines of climate change, feeling the impacts on a daily basis,” …
U.S. Corn, Soybean, and Cotton Production Down from 2021
(USDA-NASS/WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2022) — Corn, soybean, and cotton production is down from 2021, according to the Crop Production report issued today by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Corn production is down 8% from last year, forecast at 13.9 billion bushels; soybean growers are expected to decrease their production 1% from 2021, forecast at 4.38 billion bushels; cotton production …
A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm Hosted Mental Health Training in Troy
(ADAI/TROY, AL) — Leaders from several organizations across the state of Alabama participated in a QPR, (Question, Persuade, Refer) training hosted by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). The trainings are a vital part of the A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm initiative. The Alabama Department of Mental Health, an essential partner in this initiative, is assisting in …
USDA Awards Grants to Further Strengthen Meat and Poultry Supply Chains
(USDA/WASHINGTON, August 31, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced an additional $21.9 million of funding is being awarded to 111 grant projects through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant Program (MPIRG), bringing total funding to $54.6 million. This year’s awards will fund projects in 37 states. The funding will help strengthen and develop …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Local Work Group Meetings
Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia join forces each year to host local work group meetings. During these meetings, local input is gathered from agricultural producers, private forestland managers, conservation organizations and natural resource agencies to help identify and prioritize the natural resource concerns most important for the area. The local …