A review of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade (KORUS) Agreement by South Korea claims to show little basis to support the U.S. desire for renegotiation. A South Korea-based newspaper reports that Korea submitted an analysis to Washington, D.C. showing that preferential U.S. duties as part of KORUS had almost no direct effect on the increase in South Korean exports to the U.S. over …
New ARS Website Enhances Access to Scientific Information
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) launched a newly designed website that improves access to information about ARS research. The new site features mobile responsiveness allowing users to better navigate and view information on both mobile and desktop devices. ARS maintains scientific information stemming from research conducted by nearly 2,000 Federal scientists researching animal and crop health, human nutrition, food safety, …
UF Study: Consumers See ‘Organic’, ‘Non-GM’ Food Labels as Synonymous
Consumers are confused between foods labeled as “organic” and “non-genetically modified,” according to a new study led by a University of Florida professor. In fact, researchers found that some consumers view the two labels as synonymous. When Congress approved the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard in June 2016, lawmakers allowed companies two years – until June 2018 – to label …
Trump may be Keeping Campaign Promise on Protecting Renewable Fuels Mandate
President Trump may be keeping his campaign promise on protecting the nation’s renewable fuels mandate. Administration sources have told various media that the White House ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to hold off on controversial changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The move comes after a political backlash from Midwestern lawmakers. Calls to the White House were not immediately returned, …
New Invasive Ant in Florida Identified by UF Researcher
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers have discovered a new invasive ant species in south Florida that can have dire consequences for homeowners and for surrounding ecosystems. The yellow ant, Plagiolepis alluaudi, is native to Madagascar and is already invasive in several Caribbean Islands, including Barbados, St. Lucia and Nevis, among others, said Thomas Chouvenc, UF/IFAS …
Soil Moisture Sensors Help Suwannee Valley Growers Manage Irrigation
Soil Moisture Sensors (or SMS) are a precision agriculture technology on the rise in North Florida. Using electronic sensors at various depths, moisture readings are taken continuously throughout the day. By using this technology, growers are now able to “see underground” and at a distance through cell phone transmission of data. UF/IFAS Extension, as part of the land grant system, …
USDA Designates 19 Counties in Florida as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 19 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by Hurricane Irma that occurred from Sept. 9, 2017, through Sept.12, 2017. Those counties are: Alachua Gilchrist Indian River Monroe Bradford Glades Lake Osceola Broward Hendry Lee Palm Beach Charlotte Highlands Marion Sumter Collier Hillsborough Miami-Dade Farmers …
U.S., Japan, Planning Another Trade Meeting
Vice President Mike Pence is meeting with Japan Monday in Washington. D.C. to talk trade. Politico reports that Pence and Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister will meet for the second round of the U.S.-Japan economic dialogue launched by the Trump administration in the wake of Trump’s decision to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Japan is expected to propose to change …
USDA Suspends CRP Enrollment
The Department of Agriculture announced this week that it would process many pending eligible offers for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program. USDA also announced it would suspend accepting most new offers until later in the 2018 fiscal year. All current, eligible CRP continuous enrollment offers made through September 30th, 2017, except for those made under the Pollinator Habitat Initiative, …
NIFA Invests in Research to Help Boost Organic Farming, Ranching
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to help farmers and ranchers grow and market high-quality organic food, fiber, and other products. The grants are funded through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions Program (ORG). “Organic farming is one of many approaches to making American agriculture sustainable …