(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 …
UF Plant and Soil Diagnostic Labs Essential to Florida Agriculture, Economy During COVID-19
(UF/IFAS) — In the time of COVID-19, plants still get sick, and the soil that nourishes them needs care. The health of plants and soil is critical to agriculture, an industry designated an essential service in response to the pandemic. That’s why, when many American universities have transitioned to online-only and their employees adapt to working from home, scientists at …
More Economic Security Act Details
Late last week the U.S. Congress sent the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, (CARES Act) to President Trump and he has signed it. Tyron Spearman has a look at more of the key agricultural provisions in the bill. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
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if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 they “do not anticipate that food products would need to be recalled or be withdrawn from the market”.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, …
Commissioner Fried Advising Farmers to Utilize New Flexibilities on Crop Insurance Due to COVID-19
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is advising farmers to utilize new flexibilities for crop insurance announced by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). “Our team has been in constant communication with agriculture producers, industry leaders, and the USDA throughout the coronavirus outbreak — we have relayed concerns and challenges facing the …
Secretary Perdue Statement on Coronavirus Rescue Package
(USDA)– U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed the CARES Act: “The passage of the Coronavirus response legislation will provide much needed relief to Americans across this country, especially workers and small-business owners who have been impacted by COVID-19. President Trump has made the safety and security of the American people …
Coronavirus Relief Package Details
The new Coronavirus relief legislation package provides crucial federal disaster assistance for various aspects of agriculture. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
NCBA Applauds Senate’s Unanimous Passage of Relief Legislation
(NCBA) — NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, released the following statement in support of U.S. Senate passage of Coronavirus relief legislation that provides crucial federal disaster assistance for American cattle producers: “Tonight’s passage of the CARES Act by the Senate represents the culmination of more than a week of unprecedented bipartisan work on behalf of the American …
Coronavirus Bill Offers Dairy Aid in What May Be a Long Effort
ARLINGTON, VA – A massive coronavirus aid package poised to pass Congress that includes crucial assistance to dairy producers is a critical, but likely not the last, step in assisting sectors hard-hit by economic disruptions, said Paul Bleiberg, NMPF’s vice president for government relations, in an NMPF podcast. “There are absolutely going to be further legislative efforts,” Bleiberg said. “Congress may take …
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 …