WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Putnam has gathered strong bi-partisan support from Florida’s congressional delegation for speedy federal reaction to the severe cold weather which appears to have done significant damage to much of Florida’s agriculture. After a week’s worth of freezing temperatures across most of the state Putnam anticipates that a formal request from the state for emergency assistance will …
Rooney Urges Swift Action from USDA for Freeze Victims
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) joined members of the Florida Congressional Delegation urging Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to act promptly to assist Florida agriculture growers recover from damage caused by the recent freeze. “I have been in contact with local farmers since last week, and I have been working with Florida’s Congressional Delegation to ensure the …
Bronson Announces Arrest for Citrus Quarantine Violations
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced the arrest of the husband and wife owners of a Central Florida nursery and the couple’s son for allegedly violating state statutes involving the movement of citrus products from a quarantined location. The arrests were made just eight weeks after one of the owners, Shelby A. Mahon, …
Farm Bureau Asks Members to Speak Out at EPA Water Hearings
Ag Policy Bulletin-ACTION ISSUE: On January 14, 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will propose numeric nutrient criteria for flowing waters in the State of Florida. EPA will hold public hearings throughout the state on February 16, 17, and 18. Florida Farm Bureau Federation is asking that members attend and participate in the public hearings. It is imperative …
Ag Connect Expo Starts Tomorrow
Farmers from across the Southeast are invited to be a part of the industry’s newest event, Ag Connect Expo, which starts Wednesday in Orlando, Florida. Learn more and register now at www.agconnect.com
Horticulture Census
Well, we have learned that horticultural farming is still growing. How much? Everett Griner explains. Download Audio
FL NRCS Says Apply Now for FRPP
USDA‘s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida reminds producers they are now accepting proposals for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. For more information contact Ronald Howard, Florida FRPP State Program Manager at 352-338-9508, or log on to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp/
FAWN To Hold Weather School for FL Growers This Week in Bartow
It’s kind of eerie that this week’s University of Florida/FAWN (Florida Automated Weather Network) Winter Weather School has been scheduled since long before this week’s cold weather came along. Even so, it should still be good timing for growers in the area to gather to learn more about what is happening right now and what they can do in the …
Freeze Watch Remains In Effect for South Florida Tonight 1/10/10
Again, we’re posting this localized, farm specific weather information for south Florida growing areas from Gene McAvoy, County Extension Director, LaBelle, Florida, regarding tonight’s continuing cold weather (posted Sunday 2:30 p. m. 1/10/10) A HARD FREEZE WATCH CONTINUES IN EFFECT FOR SOUTH FLORIDA AREAS TONIGHT AS VERY COLD AIR WILL CONTINUE IN PLACE OVERNIGHT. THE LOWS TONIGHT ARE EXPECTED TO …
USDA: FL Farmers Brace for Deeper Freeze Some Areas Sun Night
Farmers in Florida face their biggest freeze battle yet. Gary Crawford and Brad Rippey explains what is headed Florida’s way (posted Friday afternoon 1/8/10): This arctic wave is not only affecting Florida farmers. Brad Rippey, USDA meteorologist, says the arctic wave could threaten newly emerging shoots of sugarcane in Louisiana. There may be a silver lining to the cold weather …