USDA Invests Renewable Energy and Food Safety for Super Bowl Sunday
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The USDA will invest $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects in an attempt to lower energy bills, generate new income and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and ag producers.
The plan was announced by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City.
Vilsack said the investments “will expand access to renewable energy infrastructure and increase domestic fertilizer production.”
**Whether delivered or prepared at home, the Food Safety and Inspection Service has some gameday plans to keep your Super Bowl Sunday celebration from getting intercepted by foodborne illness.
Among their many food safety tips, FSIS says if it’s takeout, make sure someone is there to get to the food in a timely manner.
Perishable foods that have been sitting out at room temperature must be eaten within two hours of being cooked.
**The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service estimates that Hawaiian producers incurred $23.1 million in economic loss and damages from wildfires and high winds last August.
Producers estimate they lost $5.2 million in sales revenue, nearly $4 million in agritourism, $75,000 in livestock, $5.4 million in crop damages, and $8.5 million in property damage.
Over 7,800 acres of pasture was reported damaged by the wildfires and high winds.
