(NCBA) — Following final passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) sent a letter urging United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to “take immediate action to provide much-needed relief to cattle producers who have been negatively impacted due to the ongoing …
Secretary Perdue Applauds State Department’s H-2 Decision
(USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement in response to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to authorize temporary waivers for in-person interviews for eligible H-2 visa applicants. “Temporarily waiving in-person interviews for H-2 visa applicants streamlines the application process and helps provide steady labor for the agriculture sector during this …
NASS Remains Operational and Reports on Schedule Amid COVID-19
Asks farmers and ranchers to complete surveys online (USDA/NASS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. NASS also continues to collect data for all upcoming reports, asking farmers and ranchers to complete their …
COVID-19 Response: UF/IFAS Extension Statewide Uses Multiple Methods to Meet Floridians’ Needs
(UF/IFAS) — From Homestead to Pensacola, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff are using all tools necessary – including many virtual activities — to help businesses, neighbors and governments navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. Here are some examples from UF/IFAS Extension county offices and Florida 4-H of our faculty assisting their communities around the state: Pinellas JP Gellerman, director of …
USDA Service Centers Open for Business by Phone Appointment Only
(USDA/NRCS) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. USDA Service Centers will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Issues Emergency Orders & Rules During COVID-19
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried issued the following emergency orders and rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this pandemic, we are taking every step necessary to protect Floridians,” said Commissioner Fried. “This includes waiving fees for businesses and license applicants, extending the expiration on concealed weapons and security guard licenses by 30 days, providing training flexibility for workers, and helping …
Georgia Farm Recovery Block Grant Application Guide OPEN!
(GFVGA) — At the end of February, Governor Kemp announced details surrounding the $347 million in federal block grant funds that the state has secured to combat the devastation incurred by Hurricane Michael. The state will began accepting applications for block grant funds. Georgia farmers and forest landowners in 95 eligible counties (see map below), who suffered losses to beef, dairy, …
Public Field Hearings in Florida, Georgia on Seasonal and Perishable Produce Postponed
Washington, DC – Consistent with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the field hearings scheduled in Florida and Georgia on April 7 and April 9 by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Commerce will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. The Office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had scheduled hearings …
USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak
(USDA) — While President Donald J. Trump continues to take action during this COVID-19 National Emergency and enact measures to ensure Americans are safe, secure, and healthy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to be open for business to provide services to the American people. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recorded the following video message reassuring the American …
Senate Rolls Out Last Minute E-Verify ‘Compromise’
(NSF) — A last-minute deal on E-Verify emerged in the Senate on Friday, moving the Republican-dominated Legislature closer to giving Gov. Ron DeSantis a win on a key campaign promise. After weeks of negotiating with the governor’s office and reviewing a House proposal, Senate bill sponsor Tom Lee said Friday the Senate earlier that day had reached a “compromise” that …