Coca-Cola and Cutrale Donate $3 Million to Citrus Greening Research

Tacy Callies Citrus, Florida, International

From University of Florida News GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Coca-Cola and Cutrale Citrus Juices announced today at a meeting of the Florida Citrus Mutual in Lake Alfred that they have each pledged $1.5 million to the University of Florida for research programs. The contributions will be used to fund sustainable research programs managed by the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, known …

Gainesville Biomass Plant Clears Cabinet

Randall Weiseman Florida, Forestry, General

By KEITH LAING THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Dec. 7, 2010……..Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet approved on Tuesday the final certification to a 100-megawatt wood burning power plant near Gainesville over the objections of a group of neighbors and environmentalists who called on the panel to defer the issue until legal appeals have been concluded. …

Mutual: Temps Gets Into 20s Tuesday Morning; Citrus Escapes

Dan Citrus, Florida, General

Florida Citrus Mutual Director of Communications Andrew Meadows summarizes the weather situation around the citrus belt Tuesday morning. Bottom line, the industry came through OK. In the interview, Meadows also looks ahead at cold temperatures projected again Wednesday morning and next week. Download Audio Post sponsor: Copper coverage with Less Metallic Copper per acre.

NRCS Accepting Proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Florida, USDA-NRCS

The USDA is seeking proposals for grants to improve water quality, air quality and promote energy conservation. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making available $25 million nationwide through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program to address natural resource concerns. Download Audio

USDA Approves Georgia Counties for Disaster Designation

Randall Weiseman Georgia

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has designated 151 Georgia counties as primary disaster areas due to caused by drought and excessive heat from July 1, 2010 to the present. The designation was in response to request submitted by Governor Perdue.

Finalists Announced for Awards at AG CONNECT Expo 2011

Randall Weiseman Ag "Outdoors", Alabama, Cattle, Citrus, Cotton, Energy, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, General, Georgia, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Peanuts, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Weather

Online voting is now open for the Ag community to help select the 2011 “Advocating for Agriculture Awards” winners. Deadline to vote is December 9, 2010. Winners get a free trip to the world-class Ag trade show, AG CONNECT Expo 2011, to be held January 2011 in Atlanta, GA.

Colombian Retailer to Market Florida Ag Products

Randall Weiseman Citrus, Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced that his department has further expanded its marketing efforts in the Caribbean, Central America and South America by adding a large Colombian chain to its global retail program. Retailer Carrefour-Colombia joins 37 other chains worldwide that will partner with the department and feature a variety of fruits, vegetables and citrus …

Two IFAS Faculty Win USDA-NIFA Teaching Awards

Randall Weiseman Florida, General

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two faculty members with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences received accolades for teaching excellence at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ annual meeting Nov. 14 in Dallas. Download Audio