Wednesday, October 20

USDA Releases Report on the Impact of the Recovery Act on America's Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2010 – USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager today issued a report on how the agency's distribution of loan and grant funds provided to the agency through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) has helped the Nation's rural residents. The report estimates that millions of business owners and agricultural producers; Internet users, and thousands of homeowners will benefit and over 300,000 jobs are being created or saved. The job estimates contained in the report are derived from recipient reported data or program-based economic models.

"With Rural Development's loans, grants, and loan-grant combination financing for new and existing programs, we have leveraged our Recovery Act funds to ensure the greatest bang for the taxpayer's buck, allowing our agency to make unprecedented and lasting investments in rural America," said Tonsager. "I am proud of what we have accomplished over the last two years towards building livable, innovative, and sustainable rural communities."

The entire report can be read at: http://www.usda.gov/documents/USDA_ARRA_AnnualReport_10192010.pdf

President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) into law last year. It is designed to jumpstart the Nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. More information about USDA's efforts regarding the Recovery Act is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the economic stimulus is available at http://www.recovery.gov/

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Press Release

Contact: Daniel Collins
225-771-2242
Daniel_Collins@subr.edu

Date: October 20, 2010

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium

Baton Rouge, LA - Scientists and professionals who are working on the frontlines of Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity research will gather at Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, on November 9-10, 2010, to uncover potential threats to our nation’s natural resources and agriculture. They will participate in the university Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium.

“This symposium features presentations and demonstrations from researchers at universities, state and federal agencies that are monitoring high consequence plant pathogens, insect pests, invasive weeds that threaten our nation’s food security and renewable natural resources,” says Daniel Collins, professor of plant pathology and symposium organizer.

Workshop topics include:

Sudden Oak Death: A Threat to Our Forest Ecosystems
Strategies for Safeguarding American Plant Resources
Food Biosecurity and Fresh Produce Safety
Agro-Forestry Systems and Food Security
Exotic Pest Detection in Urban Environments
Mycotoxins and Food Safety
www.urbanforestry.subr.edu/biosecurity.htm

Southern University Ag Center Satellite Headquarters Set for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Press Release
Contact: Christopher J. Rogers
225-771-2242
chris_rogers@suagcenter.com

Date: October 20, 2010

Southern University Ag Center Satellite Headquarters Set for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Opelousas, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new headquarters for the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives (SCRI) on Wednesday, October 27 at 2:00 pm. The SCRI operates as a satellite entity of the SU Ag Center whose mission; in its land-grant role, is to conduct state-wide basic and applied research and to disseminate information to the citizens of Louisiana in a manner that is useful in addressing their scientific, technological, social, economic, and cultural needs. The SCRI serves a 10-parish region in Southwest Louisiana. Those parishes include: St. Landry, Lafayette, Vermilion, Acadia, St. Martin, Pointe Coupee, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Allen, and Evangeline. For the past five years, the SCRI has been housed in a temporary location at 242 S. Liberty Street in Opelousas. “This is a great day for the Southern University Ag Center! It’s been a long and tedious journey to this day,” says Chancellor Leodrey Williams. This accomplishment is due in part to the interest and tireless efforts of several elected, appointed and community leaders. The new headquarters is located at 1209 Diesi Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.

The SCRI was created as an extension of the Louisiana Center for Rural Initiatives. The Center coordinates and links university-based needs and strategies to address the current status of socioeconomic conditions, with particular emphasis on rural and persistent poverty areas.

- www.suagcenter.com-

Tuesday, October 19

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium

Global Food Security and Plant Biosecurity Symposium


NOVEMBER 9-10, 2010


SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY - BATON ROUGE

The symposium is free and open to the public and media. Registration form, locations and schedules are posted online at http://www.urbanforestry.subr.edu/biosecurity.htm

Please click below to view flyer.

Tuesday, October 5

Monday, October 4

Seminar on Plant Pests

Seminar on urban plant pests will address trees, gardens and lawns. Flyer is displayed below: