TALLAHASSEE – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 34 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to frosts and freezes during this winter season and drought over the last six months. The USDA has designated an additional 28 counties in Florida as contiguous natural disaster areas. “Florida’s growers have …
Urging Discussion on Biotech Issues
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke before the House Ag Committee this week and explained why biotech crops need to be a big part of world food production. Download Audio
Digesting Gluten
For the 2 to 3 million Americans affected by celiac disease, a condition in which the human immune system erroneously attacks gluten proteins, causing the inability to absorb the nutrients, new research could soon give them more options in their diet. Download Audio
Bug Detectives
100% Effort to control bugs is a constant job. Everett Griner tells us who takes on this monumental task. Download Audio
AL NRCS WRP Reminder
Bob Beaty, Easements Manager for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, reminds landowners about the Wetland Reserve Program as it works great for those with land that’s too wet for crops or pastures. Download Audio
FL Ag Commish Putnam Plugs Into Immigration Debate in Tallahassee
A special state Senate committee is already exploring the immigration issue surely to be a big one in the coming Legislative Session. While much was said during the campaign about it, some reality check seems to be starting to come back into the discussion, thanks in part to people like Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, and some Florida business interests who …
Our Changing Eating Habits
Even though Americans are continuing to eat many of the same foods they ate three decades ago, the way they prepare those meals has changed. Download Audio
2012 Farm Bill
Everett Griner tells us how the 2012 Farm Bill progress will be slow. Download Audio
South Florida Farm Chemical Thefts Continue
South Florida Multi-County Extension Agent Gene McAvoy says farm chemical thefts in the region continue. For this report, we share his information about the situation and how farmers may better protect their inventories. Download Audio
EPA Approves E15 for Older Vehicles
Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that E15 blends, which are 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, are safe for use in all cars and pickups built in 2001 and later. Download Audio