USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida is accepting pre-proposals for fiscal year 2018 funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCCP). But a reminder, those proposals are due in just over two weeks, April 21.
Report Highlights Changes in Community Supported Agriculture Business Model
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a report, Community Supported Agriculture: New Models for Changing Markets, highlighting six case studies of farmers using the community supported agriculture (CSA) direct-to-consumer business model and how that model has changed since the 1980s. Many CSAs still use the traditional business model of a farmer or network of farmers offering consumers regular (usually …
USDA Expands Meat and Poultry Hotline Hours
To Further Provide Food Safety Information to Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that it is increasing the delivery of safe food handling and preparation information by expanding the hours of its Meat and Poultry Hotline and Ask Karen chat services. As detailed in the Agency’s 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, FSIS is focusing on …
APHIS Announces Public Meetings on Animal Disease Traceability
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a series of public meetings to receive input on the current Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) system. The meetings will allow APHIS to hear from the public about the successes and challenges of the current ADT framework, specifically for traceability in cattle and bison. They …
Funding to Relieve Veterinary Shortages
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $2.4 million in available funding to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services. Funding is made through NIFA’s Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Veterinarians play significant roles in assuring animal health and well-being, food safety and security, public health, …
USDA Warns it Only Takes One Person to Spread Harmful Invasive Pests
April is Awareness Month for Invasive Plant Pests Each year, harmful invasive plant pests and diseases cost the United States about $40 billion in crop losses, damage to forests and vulnerable ecosystems, and expensive eradication and control efforts. It only takes one person who moves one piece of infested firewood, one infected plant, or one piece of infested fruit to …
Financial Assistance Helps Ag Producers Improve Water Quality
Application Deadline is May 19 Agricultural producers in three watersheds can apply for financial assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) until May 19 to improve water quality in high-priority streams and rivers.
Trump Document Proposes Cuts to 2017 USDA, FDA Spending
An internal budget document by the Donald Trump administration outlines a plan to cut funding to the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration this fiscal year.
Funding to Support Research on Sustainable Water Use
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced $34 million in available funding for projects that promote sustainable water use for food production, processing, and other competing uses. Funding is made through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
USDA Funding to Provide Fellowships for Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced more than $5 million in grants for fellowship opportunities for undergraduate students at colleges and universities. These awards are made through NIFA’s Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduate (REEU) Fellowships program, part of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Education and Literacy Initiative.