NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

AFBF Looking for Ag Innovation Challenge Applications

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online for the 2004 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. This national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Applications are open through May 12. Each of the 10 semifinalists will be awarded $10,000 and a chance to compete to advance to the final round where four teams will receive an additional $5,000 each and the overall winner takes home $50,000. Application information is available at: fb.org/challenge.

March Blooms at the Plant City Commons Community Garden

Visitors are invited to the Botanical Treasure Gardens of the Plant City Commons Community Garden to view the wide range of March blooms, both in color and variety. The Garden is located at 2001 East Cherry Street in Plant City. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Plant CityCommons/. Admission is free.

USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP).

The competitive Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 27, 2023.

OUAIP is led by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture and innovative production. The grants are part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture.

Planning Projects initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. Projects may target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers and the development of plans related to zoning and other needs of urban production.

Implementation Projects accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor and other agricultural practices that serve farmers and communities. Projects may improve local food access; include collaboration with partner organizations, and support infrastructure needs, emerging technologies, and educational endeavors. For more information, visit: USDA.gov. Governor Appoints Tampa Attorney to District Board

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Tampa attorney Robert Stern to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board. Stern, who will represent Hillsborough County on the District Board, is a partner and attorney with Trenam Law. His appointment is subject to Florida Senate confirmation.

Florida Federal Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Protect Seasonal Growers

Florida Congressional Representatives Vern Buchanan and Darren Soto have introduced bi-partisan legislation to help the state’s fruit and vegetable growers combat Mexico’s unfair trade practices. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate. Under current federal law, only year-round producers who can demonstrate a nationwide impact of unfair trade practices can seek relief from the U. S. Department of Commerce and the U. S. International Trade Commission. The pending legislation would enable season fruit and vegetable growers the ability to petition the federal government for relief from unfair trade practices.

Community Garden Sets April 15 for Earth Day Festival

The Plant City Community Garden has set April 15 for its Earth, Wind and Garden Earth Day Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, which will be held at the garden, 2001 East Cherry Street in Plant City, will include activities for all ages, including children, such as a plant sale, educational workshops, food trucks, music, entertainment, garden tours and more. This is a free event, open to the public. For more information visit the Garden’s FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ PlantCityCommons.