WASHINGTON – The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Sunday that it will pursue avenues to assist the Southeast seasonal produce industry in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) after Members of Congress requested an examination of certain issues in a Sept. 8, 2022, Section 301 petition. Southeast producers have faced challenges, which …
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct …
USDA to Measure Florida, Georgia Vegetable Chemical Use
Members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will interview almost 300 vegetable producers in Georgia and Florida to compile data for the 2022 Vegetable Chemical Use Survey this fall. The survey will gather information on bearing acreage, pest management practices, treated acres, application rates and fertilizer and pesticide applications for 22 different vegetable crops. Growers …
Hurricane Ian Damage Assessment Gets Underway
By Frank Giles There is no question Hurricane Ian will go down as a historic catastrophe in Florida. It’s impact on agriculture will likely be historic as well. While it is too early to know the full extent of damage, AgNet Media is reaching out to growers and various industry associations and agencies to learn the extent of damage to …
Biden-Harris Administration Makes $500 Million Available to Increase American-Made Fertilizer Production
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Tuesday that the Biden-Harris Administration is making $500 million in grants available to increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers caused by the war in Ukraine. “USDA believes in the growth of innovative, local businesses owned and shared …
USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for ’22 Crop
ATHENS, GA – During the last week of September, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information generated from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2022. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in southern states and it is crucial for us …
AFBF Applauds Climate-Smart Projects Announced by USDA
By Clint Thompson Count the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) as one organization applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for investing nearly $3 billion in selected projects under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. “Secretary (Tom) Vilsack announced $2.8 billion in funding to help develop 70 projects that will advance climate smart agriculture practices,” said AFBF president Zippy Duvall. …
Alabama Extension Part of Upcoming Food Safety Webinar
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension will be part of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) webinar on Thursday highlighting food safety. Kristin Woods, Alabama Regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and food safety, will join Michelle Danyluk, from the University of Florida, and Dawanna James-Holly from USDA National Agricultural Library (NAL), to discuss the implementation of the Food Safety …