With the year drawing to a close, the U.S. Department of agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is preparing for 2018 with renewed vigor, building on its scientific and technological accomplishments to date—from a food nutrient database that consumers can access with the click of a mouse to a natural tire rubber made from guayule, a small flowering shrub native …
Negron Backs Aid for Agriculture Industry
Florida lawmakers should provide financial help to the agriculture industry to aid its recovery from Hurricane Irma, the Senate president said Friday. Without putting a price tag on the state’s contribution, Senate President Joe Negron appeared to favor tax cuts and mitigation measures rather than loans. He pointed to major damage sustained by citrus growers but also said assistance should …
Pilot Research Projects Selected for Funding to Improve Agricultural Worker Safety and Health
The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety is awarding more than $56,000 to three pilot research projects to improve the safety and health of agricultural workers. Scientists will use mobile app monitoring to prevent heat-related symptoms among Hispanic farmworkers; research mental, physical and occupational health issues among Haitian and Mexican migrant farmworkers; and identify work and movements to …
Sommet de l’Elevage Report on “This Week in Agribusiness”
AgNet Media Founder and President Gary Cooper attended the Sommet de l’Elevage in France. The Sommet is the European Union’s largest livestock exposition, featuring competitions, workshops and nearly 1,400 exhibitors. This weekend, tune into “This Week in Agribusiness” to view Cooper’s report on the Sommet. You can find the air times for “This Week in Agribusiness” here. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement …
Agriculture Reacts to House Tax Reform Proposal
The House Ways and Means Committee tax overhaul plan released Thursday provides a blueprint for tax reform. The plan is essentially a set of promotional documents, with many details unaccounted for. The documents say the estate tax would be repealed, and that the legislation will lower individual and corporate tax rates. Agriculture groups are reviewing the first draft of the …
Agriculture, Environmental Funding Pitched
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will ask state lawmakers for $75 million next year to fund a depleted program that helps shield agricultural land from development. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday he will propose spending $21 million to help struggling citrus growers reeling after Hurricane Irma. “They have one crop a year. With all the wind and the rain, it …
Florida FFA Chapter Named National Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture
The Barrington Middle FFA Chapter from Florida has been named the 2017 National Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture winner at the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and …
Agriculture Leading Commodity Trade Job Changes
Job changes in the commodities markets are led this year by agriculture, which makes up 43 percent of all job changes in the industry. Bloomberg reports that shrinking profits stemming from years of bumper harvest levels is reducing volatility and trading opportunities for major trade clearinghouses, forcing them to tighten their belts. At least 40 senior managers and executives in …
UF/IFAS’ Top-Ranked College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Sees Record Enrollment
The enrollment of the University of Florida IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) has continued to trend upward over the last several years, resulting in the college’s largest enrollment to date – 6,167 students. These numbers reflect the growing interest students have in understanding how food and agriculture impact the world. UF’s recent ranking as a Top 10 …
USDA Helps Small Businesses Develop New Agricultural Products, Technology
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to help bring agricultural business ideas from the drawing board to the marketplace. Funding is made through NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program. “For small agricultural businesses, the federal government is a key, initial investor to help them get great ideas into the marketplace,” said …