The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is partnering with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC), to host a series of regional economic development workshops on the “Path to Prosperity” in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia to provide small businesses, including farmers and ranchers, with the resources and tools they need to grow. “These independent businesses, …
USDA Invests $29 Million to Assist American-Made Fertilizer Production
ORLANDO, Fla. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Friday that the Department received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses from 47 states and 2 territories for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity. USDA also announced the first $29 million in grant offers …
Whitmore Farm Field Day Features New Citrus Varieties and Rootstocks
The A.H. Whitmore Foundation Farm near Groveland, Florida, recently hosted a field day. The event was presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Varieties Development and Management Corporation (NVDMC) and the Florida Citrus Research Foundation. The farm opened in 1959. The 400-acre property includes 110 acres of groves on prime citrus land. Some of the state’s most popular varieties and …
New USDA Aid Packages Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Nov. 15 announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). The two programs help offset crop and revenue losses for growers. USDA is sharing early information to help …
Growers Encouraged to take Farm Bill Survey
Florida specialty crop growers are encouraged to provide feedback via the House Agriculture Committee 2023 Farm Bill online feedback survey. Providing input is essential to inform federal representatives of the needs and interests of Florida’s agricultural community as Congress looks to enact major policies that will drive the food and nutrition systems for years to come. “Agriculture is the backbone …
Florida Hemp Program Celebrates its Second Year
April 27 marked the two-year anniversary that Florida’s hemp program overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). That’s when the agency began to accept applications to grow industrial hemp following formal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). FDACS manages and regulates Florida’s hemp program and permit kitchens that make edible cannabis products, under the …
Ag Secretary: China About $16 Billion Short in Purchases in Phase One Agreement
By Clint Thompson U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the importance of exports and holding countries to specified agreements during a speech to the American Farm Bureau Federation on Monday. He was especially specific when discussing the country’s relationship with China. “I know that 30% at some point in time of what we grow and raise is ultimately exported …