Farm Bureau members from across the state will be joining together Tuesday, March 16 for Farm Bureau day in Tallahassee. Florida Farm Bureau director of state legislative affairs, Ben Parks, says this event is a major citizens lobbying effort at our state capitol. Click here for the details.
The second week of the 2010 Florida Legislative Session was a good one for agriculture as Florida Farm Bureau director of state legislative affairs, Ben Parks, says they saw good progress on their General Ag Bill.
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.
The U.S. Senate this week approved a disaster package which would help farmers affected by weather-related disasters, as this was actually a part of the Tax Extenders Act of 2009.
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 »
As the EPA takes some time to go back for another look at the proposed nutrient criteria for Florida waters, Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson says one of the main concerns is whether the standards are based on science and if they can realistically ever be met.
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.
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.
During his recent address to the School Nutrition Association regarding the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, took the opportunity to recognize farmers and their efforts.
Ken Morgan, program specialist with the Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service wants to remind producers that there are some upcoming deadlines for 2010 funding. Applications for the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program are due March 11, 2010. And sign up for the Organic Initiative ends March 12, 2010.
Steve Musser, assistant state conservationist with the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service, wants to remind producers that the deadline for 2010 funding for the Organic Initiative is coming up on Friday, March 12.
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced that a redbay ambrosia beetle, the vector of laurel wilt disease, has been found in an insect trap in the Emerald Lakes subdivision of Miami-Dade County. Prior to this find, the redbay ambrosia beetle had not been found south of Martin County. It is not known if all redbay ambrosia beetles carry the pathogenic strain of laurel wilt disease. Advanced diagnostic tests are underway to determine what strain the beetle trapped in Miami-Dade County carried.
There has been a pause in the action regarding the EPA’s proposed nutrient water quality standards. Thanks in part to an effort headed up by District 2 Florida State Representative, Dave Murzin.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 98 counties in Georgia as primary natural disaster areas due to excessive rainfall that occurred from September 2009, and continuing.
Advanced biofuel businesses and advocacy groups have asked for a targeted investment tax credit to help the industry attract investment capital needed to accelerate production and meet ambitious volume requirements of the renewable fuel standard.
With the Florida Legislature now in full swing for the 2010 session, Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson says the budget issues they are facing are extremely difficult, but he hopes our representatives remember what a mainstay agriculture is to the Florida economy.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida is reminding produces that the deadline for 2010 funding opportunities for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program is coming up March 11, 2010.
There is still no word on when final rules for imported fish inspections will be out, as Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says the issue is very complex.
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.
During a Senate panel earlier this week, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, defended a proposal for controversial changes to the agreements the department has with crop insurance companies.
As the EPA takes some time to go back for another look at the proposed nutrient criteria for Florida waters, Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson says one of the main concerns is whether the standards are based on science and if they can realistically ever be met.
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.
During his recent address to the School Nutrition Association regarding the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, took the opportunity to recognize farmers and their efforts. 
Ken Morgan, program specialist with the Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service wants to remind producers that there are some upcoming deadlines for 2010 funding. Applications for the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program are due March 11, 2010. And sign up for the Organic Initiative ends March 12, 2010.
There has been a pause in the action regarding the EPA’s proposed nutrient water quality standards. Thanks in part to an effort headed up by District 2 Florida State Representative, Dave Murzin. 
