Browse Agriculture Policy Stories - Page 12

In a year when Georgia’s economy struggled to get back on its feet, agriculture gave local communities a much-needed boost, according to a report released by the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.

Agriculture is the food you eat, clothes you wear and the fuel that runs your life. From the local Georgia farm to the globally stocked supermarket, access to safe and affordable products is important. Learn what's ahead for this vital industry at the 2012 Ag Forecast series to be held 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 23 in Macon, Jan. 24 in Tifton, Jan. 25 in Statesboro, Jan. 26 in Gainesville and Jan. 27 in Carrollton.

China is a major supplier of food ingredients and products to the U.S. and Canada. However, food safety concerns for both Chinese and U.S. products have resulted in food recalls in recent years. To address these concerns, the University of Georgia held the fourth International Summit on Emerging Issues in Food Safety and Marketing.

Despite an uncomfortable mix of wet, cold and windy weather, North America’s premier farm show, the Sunbelt Ag Expo, marched on this week in Moultrie, Ga. More than 70,000 visitors perused the wears of 1,200 vendors, a North Carolina farmer was tapped as the Southeast’s top and land-grant universities brought their messages to the masses.

Local food hubs may be the next evolution in Georgia’s agricultural industry, turning the state’s largest economic sector into an even larger engine of job creation and rural community revitalization. A meeting is set for Oct. 27 in Athens, Ga., for those who want to support the effort.

Changes in certain policies affecting farm labor and improved business strategies are needed to help farmers weather farm labor shortages, says a University of Georgia agricultural economist.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced in Athens, Ga., June 6 a federal plan to help farmers and landowners use agroforestry to earn more money and protect the environment.

Ok, I admit it. The “sustainability” movement in agriculture makes me uncomfortable at times. I bet most seasoned ag folks out there understand what I’m talking about.

A report this week from the Foreign Agricultural Service and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council shows U.S. poultry meat exports in February increased by 15 percent in quantity and nearly 18 percent in value over the same month last year. This signals an improvement in the world economy, but also shows the value of our ports and agriculture’s driving force to improve our economic situation.

For many years commodity and food prices have been so low it’s been hard for American farmers to make a profit and consequently a decent living for their families. Like any business, no profit means farmers will go out of business, forcing food production overseas.