Florida strawberry growers have not only had to battle adverse weather the last few years, but also some public backlash that was a result of some unfortunate consequences from necessary freeze protection practices. But grower, Michelle Williamson says they have been able to successfully work with the local water management district in finding solutions for future freezes. Download Audio
Ag Secretary Disappointed in Senate Ethanol Vote
The Senate voted to immediately end the ethanol tax credit late last week, a move that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack believes is ill advised. Download Audio
More information on Food Allergies
Numerous studies are assisting in the continued progress of understanding the introduction of solids to infants and the role timing plays in developing food allergies. Download Audio
Recent Legislative Action Likely to Affect Ag
The House passed Ag Appropriations bill will cut almost three-billion dollars in USDA and agency spending, and includes several amendments that could have a significant impact on the ag industry. Download Audio
Florida Citrus Spreads Lipitor/Grapefruit Juice Study Info
Florida Department of Citrus Public Relations Director Karen Mathis tells about a recent study indicating that those taking the cholesterol drug Lipitor may be able to drink grapefruit juice safely, and tells how the department is using the information. Download Audio
GA Peanut Commission Decreases Budget & USDA Accepting FSA County Committee Nominations
The Georgia Peanut Commission recently met and approved their new budget, which Tyron Spearman says is a decrease from the current budget. Tyron also has a reminder that the FSA County Committee nomination process is underway. Budget: Download Audio Nominations: Download Audio
FL Commissioner’s Spotlight on Xtreme Cuisine
This week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight is about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ “Xtreme Cuisine” program, which teaches school children how to prepare nutritious meals and snacks using fresh Florida fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and lean meats. More information is available online by clicking on Xtreme Cuisine. Download Audio You can follow Commissioner Putnam on Facebook, www.facebook.com/adamputnam, or …
Florida Citrus Processors Aid HLB Research Effort
The Florida Citrus Processors Association (FCPA) and Peace River Valley Citrus Products last week announced they will each donate $250,000 to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation to help fund HLB research. Peace River Executive Andy Taylor has the basics in the first report. In the second report, Taylor and FCPA board member Bob Behr tell why the donations were …
“Kitchen sink” Committee Will Review Florida Citrus Law
Florida Citrus Commission Chairman George Streetman last week appointed what he called “a true all star committee” to review and possibly recommend changes to the section of Florida statutes that govern the commission and the Florida Department of Citrus. The so-called “kitchen sink” committee will consider a broad array of citrus industry issues. This report has more about the committee’s …
Farm Exports
Everett Griner explains how farm exports boost economic recovery. Download Audio