The Food and Agricultural Organization held a summit last month in Rome to discuss challenges associated with pesticide use on specialty crops. Read more here. Report (:45 mp3)
Little Damage Reported From Cold
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association reports that growers generally escaped significant crop damage from last week’s cold spell. Report (:45 mp3)
USDA Radio Covers FL Freeze
Here is a radio newsclip from USDA’s radio team in Washington D. C. featuring this week’s Florida freeze. The USDA newsline is a service to the nation’s radio broadcasters, so this newsclip is fed to hundreds of broadcasters throughout the country. Report (2:00 mp3)
FL Cold Weather Irrigation Recordkeeping Reminder
This reminder in this afternoon from Florida Farm Bureau: Remember to report your frost/freeze protection water use separate from your usual water use permitted quantities. Crop protection water quantities are calculated outside your normal annual average permitted quantities. Please contact Cara Martin at FFBF if you have any questions (Cara Martin,Asst Dir, Gov & Community Affairs, FFBF, Ph: (727) 856-8649 …
FL Growers Rush to Harvest
As Florida growers rush to beat the freeze, highway restrictions have been eased to help them get those crops to market and processing. Report (1:00 mp3) Citrus is the biggest concern, but strawberries, beans, cukes, corn and eggplant are also in danger. Report (1:30 mp3) This post sponsored by:
Both Farm Bill Versions Include More For Specialty Crops
In this report, central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam says while both House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill inlcude more than past Farm Bills in terms of specialty crops, diligence is needed to keep it that way. Report (2:00 mp3)
Conference to Address Labor Issues
The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable conference coming up next month in Savannah Georgia will feature Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and a focus on immigration and labor issues. Find out more at www.gfvga.org. Report (1:00 mp3) This post sponsored by:
Leafy Green Comments
USDA got more comments than expected on a plan to create a national safety and certification program for leafy green vegetables. Report (1:30 mp3)
USDA RMA Partners With SE F&V Conference
The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable conference coming up next month in Savannah Georgia is being held in partnership with USDA’s Risk Management Agency. Find out more at www.gfvga.org. Report (1:30 mp3)
Food Safety Focus at Ag Expo
Food safety was in focus at the Florida Ag expo last week. Florida Ag Commissioner Charlie Bronson commended the state’s fruit and vegetable industry for working diligently on food safety issues. Report (1:30 mp3)