The quantity was there to make Georgia’s 2020 pecan crop one of its best. However, the prices that farmers received per pound were well below average, as evidenced by the USDA Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2020 summary. Georgia produced 147.5 million pounds in 2020; more than double its output in 2019 (73 million) and in 2018 (70 million). The value …
USDA Vegetable Outlook
Fresh vegetable production value in the United States was down 11% in 2020, according to the USDA Vegetable and Pulses April Outlook. Spinach experienced the biggest decline, dropping 28.7% a year after increasing 49.8%. Cauliflower dropped 25%. A year after increasing 22.8%, cabbage production dropped 18.2%. Bell peppers dropped 11.2%, while Carrots declined 7.1%. Dry onions also dropped 14.5%. Sweet …
United Fresh: Organization Critical of USDA’s Food Box Cancellation
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told lawmakers this weekend that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending the Farmers to Families Food Box program. However, the United Fresh Produce Association was critical of the decision. Here’s its statement:On behalf of the millions of Americans who gained access to healthy fresh produce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are deeply disappointed in USDA’s …
Key Investment: USDA Invest in Specialty Crops Grants, Incentives to Purchase Fruits and Vegetables
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to help agricultural producers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Tuesday the availability of more than $330 million to help farmers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic. The funding is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance …
Feral Swine Control: USDA Launches Program
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — One of the most destructive pests of crops in Alabama roam 365 days per year. Feral hogs will damage food plots and a myriad of other natural resources. Alabama Feral Swine Control Program The Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee recently launched a three-year program to help farmers remove wild pigs from their property. The Alabama …
USDA Applauded: Commissioner Fried Speaks on USDA’s Pandemic Assistance
Tallahassee, FL — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $6 billion in expanded pandemic assistance on Wednesday. This will aid specialty crop and seasonal produce growers who did not benefit sufficiently from last year’s USDA assistance. “Florida’s proud farmers, ranchers, and growers have had a tough year, working to overcome half a billion dollars …
Micro-Grants: USDA Announces Funding Available for Food Security Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on Tuesday there will be $5.3 million in funding for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). The MGFSP was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill and is designed support communities that have significant levels of food insecurity and import significant quantities of food. Grants are awarded non-competitively to …
Pecan Promotions: USDA Seeks Nominees for Board
Southeast pecan producers interested in serving on the American Pecan Promotion Board can submit a nomination no later than March 26. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for the board under the Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order. The board will be comprised of 17 members; 10 producers and seven importers. The producers …
Agricultural Trade: USDA Updates Outlook
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, horticultural product exports for fiscal year (FY) 2021 remain the same from November’s forecast at $34.5 billion. Whole and processed tree nuts are unchanged at $9.0 billion. Most exports are bound for Europe and Asia. Fresh fruit and vegetables also remain the same at $6.9 billion on stable shipments to top markets like …
USDA Issues Domestic Hemp Production Final Rule Notice
The flurry of last-minute regulations from the Trump administration includes a final rule concerning domestic hemp production. The Department of Agriculture published the final rule notice in the Federal Register Tuesday. The U.S. Hemp Growers Association says the final rule appears to address many of the concerns the organization expressed during a comment period. Changes include allowing a producer a …