South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Post

Vertical Harvest's Chief Operating Officer, Todd Hanna, participated in The Western Governors' Association's annual winter meeting back in November. The event featured a presentation by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas Vilsack, who outlined the USDA's three-pronged strategy for tackling challenges in the agriculture industry. The approach involves promoting climate-smart agriculture, cutting operational costs, and supporting local and regional food systems. Vertical Harvest and Controlled Environment Agriculture were emphasized as crucial components aligning with this strategy to address threats to the U.S. agriculture sector. #smartagriculture #regionalfood #supportinglocal #agriculture

North Carolina had a successful year in agriculture in 2023, with significant economic impact and investments in farmland preservation. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler remains optimistic about the future, but expresses concerns about rising costs and affordability. The state has experienced population growth, particularly in urban areas like Raleigh and Charlotte, which could strain energy resources. Troxler emphasizes the importance of farming in the state and highlights the achievement of surpassing the $100 billion economic impact goal. The 2023 Appropriations Act also includes investments in agriculture and natural resources. Farmland preservation is a priority, as North Carolina faces potential farmland loss in the future. The NC Chamber's "Ag Allies" conference and the establishment of "NC Ag Leads" initiative further support the state's agriculture industry. Troxler also praised the launch of the department’s new website (still at buff.ly/3TK9YIs@ncagr.gov) after close to a year’s worth of work behind the scenes to create this new, more user-friendly site. And, as with the start of every New Year, NCDA and CS is launching a new year-long social media series that will focus on young people in agriculture. #NorthCarolinaAgriculture #FarmlandPreservation

“Data is as important as the crop we are harvesting.” –Kyle Bridgeforth, Alabama farmer, at #CFS51. Bridgeforth presented SfL’s farmer-developed farm data policy guidance internationally today. Farmers of all sizes can use data as a secondary source of revenue.   See the farmer recommendations, “Data Policy Guidance on Farm Data: Strengthening Collection, Analysis and Use of Agriculture and Food System Data for SDG Attainment,” at bit.ly/493iZS3.  

Check out our first spring webinar for farmers and local food system leaders. Please share. The Common Market Urban Agriculture Cooperative Urban Agriculture Cooperative

https://lnkd.in/e23_tM_C Brilliant initiative from the HSE. The resources referred to can be accessed by using the link above. Stay safe. Rich. #farmsafety #farmsafetytraining

In this video, HSE’s Agriculture Sector Lead Adrian Hodkinson discusses how we are working together with farmers and the farming community to prevent injuries and deaths and help make British farms safer. Learn more about the Work Right Agriculture campaign and download our free resources here: https://lnkd.in/eeYqEAxT

LET'S START A CONVERSATION! Everyday Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research builds public/pvt partnerships to fund bold food & agriculture research. Today for #WorldSoilDay we challenge YOU to share this post w/your own response to: What's the biggest challenge today & tomorrow for healthy soil & water?

🌾 The backbone of agriculture: Agricultural Associations! 🌾 In the vast landscapes of America, agricultural associations are the unsung heroes, supporting farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders across the industry. From providing educational programs to fostering community connections, these associations play a pivotal role in shaping the success of our agricultural landscape. 📚 Knowledge Powerhouse: Offering workshops on cutting-edge technologies, animal husbandry best practices, and financial management skills, they keep producers ahead of the curve. 🤝 A Network of Support: Regional and national conferences provide opportunities for networking with industry experts, troubleshooting challenges, and sharing successes, strengthening the agricultural community. 💼 Market Mavens: Helping members find new markets and bypass traditional channels, they increase profit margins and connect farmers directly with consumers and partners in the supply chain. 🚜 Farm-Focused Events: From livestock shows to farmers markets and field days, these events celebrate the dedication and skill of farmers while fostering community connections and educating consumers about the origins of their food. 🌱 Benefits Beyond the Farm Gate: By ensuring a secure food supply, contributing to economic growth, and bridging the gap between farmers and consumers, agricultural associations have a far-reaching impact on society. As we look ahead, these organizations will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring agriculture remains vibrant and successful for generations. Let's celebrate the backbone of our food system!  Read the whole article at: https://lnkd.in/g2ixZVbF #SVVG #medford-food-co-op #eden-streets #AgriculturalAssociations #Agriculture #CommunityBuilding #FoodSecurity #BenSearcy #DrewGibbs #RustedGateFarm #SouthernOregon #Food #Foodassociations

For #WorldSoilDay today I'm sharing my thoughts on the biggest challenge today & tomorrow for healthy soil & water. 1) #climatechange 2) Overconsumption & pollution of surface & groundwater resources 3) Under-prioritization for healthy soil practices. Please share this post and respond with your own thoughts?

The basis of all we do in agriculture - to sustain our communities.