USDA Announces April Lending Rates for Farmers

Clint ThompsonUSDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for April, 2024, which became effective April 1. USDA’s Farm Service Agency loans provide access to capital to help farmers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices …

Exhibitors Support Florida Citrus Show, Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson This week’s Florida Citrus Show allowed more than 50 exhibitors to continue their support of the event, hosted by AgNet Media. As a result, they continue to show support for fruit and vegetable farmers in the Southeast; at least, that’s how Mike Adrover views it. “It’s incredibly important because they are the lifeline of the state. They’re …

USDA to Issue $306 Million in Final Payments to Farmers Impacted by ’20, ’21 Natural Disasters

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) started sending these additional payments to eligible producers last week. “In the natural disaster recovery process, every little …

Commissioner Simpson Announces Approval of First Loan for Farmers Impacted by Idalia

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced on Friday, Jan. 26 the approval of the first Hurricane Idalia recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two first-of-their-kind agricultural disaster recovery programs with more than $112 million in funding to …

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Legislative Leaders Launch Hurricane Idalia Recovery Programs for Florida Farmers

Dan CooperAgribusiness, Economy, Legislative, Specialty Crops

The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two agricultural disaster recovery programs with more than $112 million in funding to assist Florida farmers in rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Idalia. Impacted agricultural producers can now apply for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and the Silviculture Recovery Program.  In …

Fight the Fight: Georgia Agribusiness Council a Strong Supporter for State’s Farmers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers rely on industry supporters like Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, to be a voice at the state and federal levels. It is a responsibility that Bentley does not take lightly. “For us at the Agribusiness Council, we feel like our role is to take that fight to the capitol; whether that’s …

Paper Mulch Provides Incredible Potential for Southeast Watermelon Farmers

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Paper mulch is a management option that watermelon producers could be using in the near future. While plastic mulch has long been utilized in vegetable production, paper mulch provides growers a more efficient and effective product to use during the season. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent …

Florida Farmers Can Join the TEAM Soon

Frank GilesAgribusiness

Florida farmers can apply for the Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) Card beginning Jan. 1, 2024, to use for sales-tax-exempt purchases of agricultural materials. The plastic wallet-sized Florida Farm TEAM Card is a physical alternative to the paper exemption certificates. “I am pleased to make this exciting announcement that will help to alleviate administrative burdens felt by farmers and …

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USDA Invests Nearly $28 Million to Support Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Web AdminLegislative, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced an investment of $27.9 million across 45 organizations that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers, including programs for U.S. veterans who are entering into agricultural careers and starting new farming businesses. “The next generation of farmers and ranchers hold the promise for future American agriculture and rural …

Sprouts Farmers Market named FFVA Customer of the Year  

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Specialty Crops

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association honored Sprouts Farmers Market with its 2023 Customer of the Year Award during FFVA’s 79th annual convention at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples last month.  The annual award recognizes the important role that food service and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce. It is given to a valued partner …