FL Farm Bureau “Ag Watch” Tallahassee Report March 19, 2010

Ag Watch (pdf file) from the FFB Legislative office in Tallahassee.

Ag Watch (pdf file) from the FFB Legislative office in Tallahassee.

Sustainability is hard to identify. Everett Griner gives it a shot.
American Agriculture: Abundant, Affordable, Amazing. That’s the theme for Ag Awareness Week which culminates this Saturday, March 20th, with National Ag Day. And in the following two reports, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, celebrates those principles and the farmers that work tirelessly everyday to bring them to us.
Ocala, FL — Southeast AgNet Publications Inc. announced the acquisition of Florida Science Source Inc., a citrus book publishing and reseller operation. It bought the business from founder Will Wardowski and his wife Christie.
Wardowski is well known in citrus circles all over the world as a post-harvest expert. He was the first editor of Fresh Citrus Fruits 1st edition, published in New York in 1986. Known to citrus packers as “The Green Bible,” Fresh Citrus Fruits 1st and 2nd editions include more than 40 authors from around the world. Read the rest of this entry »
State lawmakers are hearing from hundreds of concerned farmers and ranchers this week as Florida Farm Bureau members again descend on the Capitol to tell their industry’s story. The ‘budget’ word abounds in most discussions – the state budget billions in the hole and many legislators saying there will be no new taxes this election year. Meanwhile, ag leaders and University of Florida economists are scurrying to see details in the latest agriculture economic research study yet to come in hopes it will help prove the value of agriculture to Florida’s economy. House Speaker Larry Cretul has invited Farm Bureau members into the House Chamber this afternoon, and afterward Farm Bureau hosts its annual reception for lawmakers near the Capitol building.
Florida agriculture industry volunteers are encouraged to take part in the seventh annual Agriculture Literacy Day, to be held Tuesday March 23, 2010. More information and online registration is available on Florida Agriculture in the Classroom’s website.
Florida’s Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry has issued a pest alert as a new exotic mealybug has been found in southern Florida, marking the first time that the pest has been found in the United States.

Ag Watch (pdf file) from the FFB Legislative office in Tallahassee.
TALLAHASSEE (FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have joined together in a cooperative effort to prevent giant African snails (GAS) from making their way into Florida and are asking the public for help. Giant African snails are considered a serious plant pest and potential threat to public health because of their ability to destroy plants, damage ornamental plants and spread disease. Giant African snails are illegal to import into the United States without a permit, and currently no permits have been issued. Read the rest of this entry »
The Parental Authority bill before the Florida Legislature this session is one that’s being watched closely by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and others in agriculture across the state. And State Representative Mike Horner of Kissimmee told me it’s an issue that’s near and dear to his heart.
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Researchers have discovered that geraniums can help control Japanese Beetles. An invasive pest that causes damages of approximately 450-million dollars each year to the ornamental plant industry alone.
Iraq farmers are studying the U.S. system and Everett Griner tells us why.
The U.S. is now the leader in having resistant weeds. Why? Everett Griner explains.

Everett Griner explains how resources and population growth are positive assets.

Ag Watch (pdf file) from the FFB Legislative office in Tallahassee.
There are many business people in Florida who have been worried about the increase in unemployment compensation taxes but now many in the state, including District 2 Florida State Representative Dave Murzin, wants to make sure all those concerned about this issue are aware the legislation has been delayed for 2 years.
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2010 is more than shifting funds. What? Everett Griner tells us.

We figured it appropriate for this ten-thousanth news post to this website, to advance this news release that will be officially distributed throughout industry circles in the days ahead. Southeast AgNet began permanently archiving its news posts to this website back in May of 2006.
Ocala, FL — Southeast AgNet, a multi-media enterprise dedicated to “deep southeast” agriculture, is pleased to announce the addition of two new positions to assist the company’s continued growth in digital and print arenas. Marc Stockwell and Tacy Callies joined the Southeast AgNet team March 1. Read the rest of this entry »
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey predicts cooler than normal weather for much of the country, and wet conditions in the South during the period from March 9 to 15.

2010 is an off year for farm markets. Everett Griner tells us why.

The budget is firmly in place as the main theme for this year, but Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, gives some insight on what other issues will be a priority for the Florida Department of Agriculture during 2010.
Agriculture is hampered by major media. Why? Everett Griner explains.

Would you like to donate an item to be auctioned off? Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff gives us information about this event and go to http://florida4h.org/foundation/auction.shtml for all of the details.
New technology must be developed because population growth is not slowing down. Everett Griner explains to us how many people will have to be fed in the near future.

Americans are eating cheaper than anyone and Everett Griner is here to tell us how much cheaper.

Help for Haiti from the farm sector. Everett Griner tells us about it.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA - By KEITH LAING
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Feb. 15, 2010……….Panhandle residents got their chance Tuesday to let federal water officials know how they feel about proposed new standards for Florida water pollution that have angered the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the state’s business community. Read the rest of this entry »
Today starts a three day whirlwind tour by Environmental Protection Agency officials out to hear what Florida stakeholders have to say about new numeric nutrient water standards. These EPA proposals only affect the state of Florida, although opponents say the issue could appear in other states if EPA is successful in singling out Florida this time. Southeast AgNet’s coverage of this EPA numeric nutrient water standards issue began early on, a year ago, and many stories about it are archived in this website. The following hearing schedule update was received this week from EPA: Read the rest of this entry »
Kathy Vogel, Executive Director of the Florida Water Quality Coalition, is one of those scheduled to speak at hearings being held this week on EPA’s proposed nutrient standards. And the following report includes her thoughts on the issue and the importance of it to Florida Agriculture.