Yoho Introduces an Ag-Only Guest Worker Bill

Web AdminLabor, Legislative, Top Posts

In the midst of a farm bill being finalized, labor is still top of mind for U.S. Congressman Ted Yoho. In mid-July, he visited AgNet Media to discuss imperative agricultural legislation. There is currently a bill for agricultural labor, Rep. Goodlatte’s AG Act. Yoho says it’s a good bill and he could support it. However, he is pushing for his …

Register Today for Georgia 2018 Ag Issues Summit

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Legislative, Top Posts

The Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) invites those interested to attend the 2018 Ag Issues Summit, which will be held Aug. 23 in Perry. While the meeting is free, registration is required as space is limited. While the meeting is free, registration is required as space is limited. Georgia’s two Agriculture Committee Chairmen, Senator John Wilkinson and Representative Tom McCall, are hosting this year’s event. The agenda includes …

House Farm Bill Vote Surprises and Disappoints

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By Brian German Republican lawmakers were shocked that the farm bill vote in the House of Representatives did not get the anticipated support from legislators.  Disagreements between GOP leadership and more conservative elements of the party resulted in a final vote of 198 in favor and 213 opposed, with nearly 30 Republicans voting against the bill. House Agriculture Committee Chairman …

Florida Tomatoes and Strawberries Feel the Heat from Mexican Imports

Web AdminBerries, Legislative, NAFTA, Top Posts

Florida tomatoes and strawberries have been facing heavy competition from Mexican imports for the past 10 to 15 years. Zhengfei Guan, an agricultural economist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, says the imports of strawberries from Mexico have increased fourfold, and it is a similar story for fresh tomato …

specialty crop farm bill

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Announces Farm Bill Priorities

Web AdminIndustry News Release

More than 120 organizations urge Congress to support key nutrition, block grant and research programs. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations, has announced its 2018 farm bill priorities focusing on programs for a healthier America heading into Wednesday’s U.S. House Agriculture Committee meeting on the farm bill. The SCFBA …

Georgia Department of Ag Promotes Signage Program

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Georgia is hoping to spread the word about a piece of legislation that was passed almost 10 years ago. Cindy Norton, agritourism director for the Georgia Department of Agriculture, says farm signage legislation was enacted in 2009. The department makes the public more aware of the farms around the state by placing signs on busy roadways that point toward the …

Chairman Conaway Introduces the Agriculture and Nutrition Act

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Legislative, Top Posts

Three years, 114 hearings, six listening sessions and countless industry meetings have laid the groundwork for the 2018 farm bill. The House Agriculture Committee delivered what it calls a strong farm bill for producers, consumers and all of rural America. After introducing the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2) during a teleconference, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway …

When Can Growers Expect to Receive Relief Funds?

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts, Weather

Florida growers can now breathe a sigh of relief since disaster funding is coming their way. On Feb. 9, a relief package was passed to help the United States following the array of natural disasters in 2017, which included approximately $2.4 billion dollars specifically for U.S. agriculture. However, the big question on everyone’s mind is, how and when will growers …

E-Verify Could Mean Trouble for Growers

Web AdminLabor, Legislative, Top Posts

E-Verify was once a part of U.S. Congressman Goodlatte’s Agriculture Guestworker Act (AG Act), but now E-Verify is a standalone piece of legislation. According to Amy Wolfe, president and CEO of AgSafe, this separation could mean trouble for growers. Wolfe compares E-Verify to a digital I-9 form. “It’s (e-verify) the online, instant feedback equivalent to I-9. We’ve all filled out …

The Top 3 Things on Florida Farm Bureau’s Legislative Plate

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts

The Florida Farm Bureau held its legislative days in Tallahassee, where it advocated for an “Ag Strong” legislative agenda. Adam Basford, director of legislative affairs for Florida Farm Bureau, was pleased with the turnout at this year’s events. Sporting “Ag Strong” pins, nearly 200 members of the Florida Farm Bureau made appointments with their legislators to advocate for critical agriculture …