KAP President Planning To Follow Up On Broadband Announcement

Nov 13, 2020

Earlier this week, the federal government announced $750 million in funding for the Universal Broadband Fund. This is additional funding to the $1 billion announced in the 2019 budget.

The government also announced a $600 million agreement to improve connectivity and expand high-speed Internet coverage to the far north, rural, and remote regions across Canada.

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) President Bill Campbell welcomes the announcement, but says he'll be looking for some answers.

"Through this pandemic we have seen the reliance and dependence on rural connectivity. I'm encouraged by this announcement but we have heard money being thrown at these programs before and I can guarantee you I will personally be investigating this because our internet service is not adequate for what my requirements are at this particular time."

The government also announced that $150 million from the fund will be available immediately for projects.

The Universal Broadband Fund is predicted to provide 98% high-speed internet coverage by 2026, and 100% by 2030.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.