We are hearing more and more about hemp production and what is taking place in various states. In Georgia, the “Hemp Farming Act” requires the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to promulgate rules regulating hemp growers and processors in the state and submit its plan to USDA for approval. According to the GDA, they are currently in the process of …
2019 Field Day: New Technology and Research
(Sunbelt Ag Expo) — The 2019 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day is July 25, and farmers are invited to come and get practical information from the region’s top agricultural scientists about the newest technologies farmers can use to improve their operations. The half-day event will take place at the 600-acre Darrell Williams Research Farm, located at the Expo show site …
Perdue Says Farmers Are “A Casualty” in Trade War
(NAFB) — Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue acknowledged in an interview earlier this week that farmers are “casualties” in President Trump’s trade war with China. Perdue told CNN he didn’t think a trade deal was likely this weekend when Trump and Chinese President Xi meet in Japan. He’s now hoping a deal can be reached by the end of this …
USDA Farm Bill Implementation Progress Update
Washington, D.C., – (USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced an update on the implementation status of the 2018 Farm Bill. President Trump signed this Farm Bill into law on December 20, 2018, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) promptly began implementing key programs. In addition, USDA held several listening sessions with stakeholders and the public specific to …
Sign Up for Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on June 20 its plans to invest up to $75 million in the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. Details on how to submit proposals are now available on Grants.gov. Click here to view the announcement. The …
USDA Offers Producers Options to Re-enroll or Extend Expiring CRP Contracts
WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA) – Farmers and ranchers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts may now re-enroll in certain CRP continuous signup practices or, if eligible, select a one-year contract extension. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also is accepting offers from those who want to enroll for the first time in one of the country’s largest conservation programs. FSA’s 52nd signup for …
USDA Opens Signup for Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Grants
(USDA/NRCS) The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) was established by the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. USDA is focusing efforts through this pilot where feral swine pose the highest threat. Program at a Glance FSCP is implemented jointly by NRCS and USDA’s Animal and Plant …
Commissioner Fried Statement to Congress on Cannabis Industry & Small Businesses
Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – The U.S. House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on opportunities for small businesses within the cannabis industry. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried submitted a statement to committee chairwoman U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez for entry into the Congressional Record. Below is the statement in full, which can also be viewed on Twitter. Statement of the Honorable Nicole “Nikki” FriedU.S. House Committee …
NCC on MFP and Ag Appropriations
It was almost four weeks ago that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they would be implementing some $16 billion in programs to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. This includes the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which is currently under review at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The National Cotton Council (NCC) VP of Washington …
USMCA: Trudeau Heads to Washington
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau heads to Washington, D.C. this week, as part of an effort to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The trade deal has the least path of resistance in Mexico, where lawmakers are expected to ratify the agreement this month. The trade deal also faces a quick route to passage in Canada, leaving passage in the U.S. …