Real output in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting labor sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.3% from 2020 to 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported. That’s slightly higher than the 2.2% annual growth rate projected for the entire U.S. economy. According to the report, the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector is …
Robert Bonnie Confirmed as Under Secretary of Agriculture for FPAC
Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Robert Bonnie as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As Under Secretary, Bonnie will oversee the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency and FPAC Business Center. He will also manage the USDA’s Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Program. And various folks …
New Promotional Opportunity for Agritourism Venues
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is looking for orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more to showcase on a new app. The American Farm trail app is dedicated to connecting consumers with agritourism venues. Created by the Farm Bureau Foundation and sponsored by Corteva, the app allows farmers, ranchers and farm attraction managers to sign up for free …
USDA Invests $3 Billion in Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a comprehensive set of investments to address challenges facing America’s agricultural producers. The $3 billion in investments include assistance to address challenges and costs associated with drought, animal health, market disruptions for agricultural commodities and more. The support will be made available via the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Specifically, funds will be …
NASS Reviewing Acreage Earlier for Certain Crops
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced Wednesday it will review planted and harvested acreage for select crops earlier than normal. The crops under review include corn, cotton, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans and sugarbeets. NASS will review all available data, including survey data, satellite-based data, and the latest information from USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency. They …
Agriculture Pleased with Senate Passage of Infrastructure Package
Many in agriculture announced their pleasure with the U.S. Senate passed this morning of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The bill includes investments of importance to many areas agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (WASHINGTON, August 10, 2021) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement following Senate passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs …
Grant Application Deadline Nearing for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering up to $4 million in grants for the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production is accepting proposals for planning and innovation projects, and these grants are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture. But, the deadline to apply on Grants.gov is 11:59 …
Pate Speaks at Alabama Agribusiness Council Meeting
Folks in the agriculture industry across Alabama have been in Orange Beach this week attending the Alabama Agribusiness Council (AAC) Annual Meeting. One of the guest speakers was Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate. In an interview with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman, Pate noted he was pleased with how the Alabama Legislature funded the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries for the …
Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Announced
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the availability of up to $4 million for grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production is accepting proposals for planning and innovation projects, and these grants are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture. USDA will accept …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS Submit Public Comment on USDA Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy
Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services submitted formal public comment on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the President’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. As part of the Executive Order, the USDA was directed to collect stakeholder input on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. Commissioner Fried …