The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions were posted this week and the public comment period closes April 23, 2020. There 49 updated national conservation practice standards include: agronomic practices for water quality and …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Letter to USDA Secretary Perdue: Ensure Farmers Are “Not Left Behind”
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting flexibility to help move Florida perishable crops quickly to food banks, school meal programs, and other federal food purchase programs. With many restaurants and food service establishments closed, Florida agricultural producers are facing a sudden market decline for fresh commodities ready to be harvested such …
Alabama Farmers To Plant More Corn And Wheat, Less Cotton, Peanuts And Soybeans
(ALFA) — Alabama farmers will plant more corn and wheat this year, but less cotton, peanuts and soybeans, according to the March Agricultural Survey released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture today. Farmers decisions are greatly influenced by the economy, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady. Fluctuating markets, weather, unstable foreign trade, and in some cases erratic buying habits …
COVID-19 Update for Growers and Packers
(UF/IFAS) — The CDC, FDA and USDA all agree “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19”, including imported foods and materials. FDA has issued guidance that if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 they “do not anticipate that food products would need to be recalled or be withdrawn from the market”. Citrus growers, harvesters, packers, …
NCBA Sends Letter to Ag Secretary Perdue Urging Aid for American Cattle Producers
(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 …