Georgia Summer Air Quality Precautions and USDA Trade Mission to Hong Kong
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**Summer air quality precautions are now in place for north Georgians through September 30.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources restricts residents in 54 counties from burning yard and land clearing debris because smoke may affect ozone levels in urban areas.
Outside of the 54 counties with restrictions, prescribed burning and some outdoor burning are still permitted when weather is suitable, but must continue to follow specific fire safety rules.
www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/north-georgia-summer-burn-restrictions-in-effect
**USDA will lead a trade mission to Hong Kong May 12-16 to enhance market access and expand American agricultural exports.
Mark Slupek, of the Foreign Ag Service, says Hong Kong is a key gateway for U.S. exports, connecting our farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses with one of the most dynamic markets in Asia.
As a free port and gateway to Southeast Asia, Hong Kong plays a crucial role in facilitating food and ag exports.
**The U.S. and Mexico reached an agreement on how to handle a damaging livestock pest called New World screwworm.
Reuters says the agreement was reached only after Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins threatened to limit Mexican cattle imports coming across the border.
Screwworms can infect livestock, wildlife, and in rare cases, people.
The screwworm flies leave maggots that burrow into the skin of animals, doing significant and often fatal damage.
