Researchers from The University of Florida have identified a gene that may be the key to producing fuel ethanol more efficiently from trees.
Impact of Cap and Trade on Cotton
It seems to be generally accepted that energy and input costs for production agriculture will increase under a cap-and-trade system. But Robbie Minnich, Senior Government Relations Representative for the National Cotton Council says the question remains of how much?
Wal-Mart Working Towards Sustainability Symbols
Wal-Mart Stores have announced plans to develop a sustainability index that ultimately will involve seals or symbols indicating the environmental sustainability of the products that it sells.
FL Commissioner’s Spotlight on the New Oyster Irradiation Facility
This week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is about the recent licensing of an irradiation facility in Mulberry to irradiate oyster products. The process will reduce potentially harmful bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus without altering the flavor and appearance of live, raw oysters. More information is available online at Food Irradiation Facility For Oyster Processing.
Citrus Expo 2009 Nears, Hundreds Already Pre-Registered!
Citrus Expo 2009 has a near-full exhibit floor, a jammed packed grower seminar lineup set for the August 19 & 20 event to be held at Lee Civic Center in Ft. Myers, and already several hundred growers have pre-registered! In this report, some important points about Expo, and comments from Gulf Citrus Growers Association executive Ron Hamel who says his …
Laurel Wilt
There is another imported menace and Everett Griner fills us in.
USDA Best Equipped to Administer Cap and Trade
The House Ag Committee has fought to ensure that USDA would take the lead on an agricultural and forestry offset program and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says that is due to the department’s unique assets.
The Need for Careful Fertilizer Application
University of Georgia’s Extension Soil Scientist Glen Harris says that due to varied emergence of cotton, producers should be extra careful this year when applying fertilizers. Listen to report here:
Specialty Crops Not Included in Cap and Trade Analysis
During the Senate Ag Committee’s recent hearing on cap and trade, concerns were brought up regarding how specialty crops would fit in to the legislation.
Fresh Citrus Shipping Rules, Changes Studied, Opinions Voiced
These reports provide further insight and information about what is happening since the USDA recently published new fresh citrus shipping protocols, opening a two-month period for public comment. In this first report, AgNet’s Ernie Neff (photo left) spells out what the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Industry is doing about the science behind the new rules. In the …