In the first of these two weekly features on Florida Department of Citrus News, Chairman Ben Albritton Jr discusses budget matters and how up to $20-million dollars being set aside for possible investments into research could impact orange juice advertising next season. In the second report, Albritton discusses the possibility that Florida Citrus Mutual may be able to handle FDOC …
Greening Research From A Growers Perspective
V P of Production for Orange-Co In Arcadia, Jerry Newlin is also very involved at the industry level in efforts to guide greening research. Jerry is a leader of the Florida Citrus Production Managers’ Association and more recently, chairman of the Citrus Research Greening Task Force and a member of the Citrus Expo Steering Committee. In these reports, Newlin discusses …
Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico
Just who is to blame for this? NCGA has a new white paper report for us and Everett Griner tells us just what it says. Â Report (1:00 mp3)
Colony Collapse Research
The new Farm Bill authorizes up to $20 million per year over the next five years for honey bee research that includes trying to find the cause and the cure for Colony Collapse Disorder. Report (1:00 mp3)
Georgia Cotton Commission Budget Planning
The Georgia Cotton Commission met last week to do budget planning for the coming year. Report(1:00 mp3)
NASS Acreage Report Due Out June 30
The National Ag Statistics Service will be releasing the 2008 acreage report on Monday. The report, which takes a look at the major row crops in the country, is mostly considered important for the Midwest but Jim Ewing with the Florida NASS office says our state has its share of those crops as well. Report (1:00 mp3) USDA NASS
Dry Conditions Making a Comeback
The floods in the Midwest may be getting all the news coverage, but here in the Southeast it’s dry again. Still, the state offices of the National Ag Statistics Service report that crops are making good progress and remain in mostly fair to good condition. GA Report (1:00 mp3) AL Report (1:00 mp3) USDA NASS
Sealing a Sweet Deal
Florida Governor Charlie Crist called the deal announced this week to buy US Sugar the missing link to providing true restoration of the Everglades. Meanwhile, US Sugar president Robert Buker says the sugar industry will remain strong. Report (1:00 mp3)
NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
USDA has announced $14 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to fund 45 projects in 40 states to develop and refine new technologies and approaches that will help farmers conserve and sustain natural resources on their operations. In Florida, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was awarded a grant of more than $950,000 based on paying for environmental services on Florida …
Preparing Producers & Retailers for COOL
With the fact Country of Origin Labeling starts in just over 3 months, NCBA’s Allison Wenther said she is busy trying to educate both cattle producers and retailers as to what will be needed to make this work on the retail level. Â Report (1:00 mp3)