In these reports, Florida House Agriculture Committee Chair, Rep. Trudi Williams from Ft Myers, comments on a couple hot topics this year. In the first report, some of her objections to the proposed purchase of U S Sugar farmlands by the South Florida Water Management District. In the second, Williams expresses disappointment about recent Gubenatorial vetoes to budget cuts passed …
FL DBPR May Be Ramping Up Ag Enforcement in Wake Of Weather
We’re hearing from numerous contacts that the Florida Dept of Business & Professional Regulation may be ramping up its enforcement measures in the wake of the recent cold snaps affecting Florida agriculture. Our sources say at least sixteen investigators have been placed in agriculturally significant areas of the state to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Investigators …
Farm Bureau Members “Tell Farm Story” on Food Checkout Day
In Ocala in Marion County, Florida, local Farm Bureau members host a “Food Checkout Day” event at a local SweetBay supermarket, paying for the groceries for one lucky shopper each hour during the promotion to help make a point. In these reports, Marion County Farm Bureau President Chris Reese says there is good reason the event takes place in February, …
Deadline Looms for Digital Conversion of TV Signal
TALLAHASSEE (FDACS)- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today reminded citizens that they could be without television reception as early as next week as a result of the conversion of the broadcast industry from analog airwaves to digital. While the federal government recently delayed the deadline for the switch until June 12, some television stations plan to …
Florida Sod Growers Promote Water Conservation Solutions
LAWNS MAKE OUR WORLD GREENER Community Outreach Launches Statewide LABELLE, FL (February 9, 2009) — The Florida Sod Growers Cooperative is launching “LAWNS MAKE OUR WORLD GREENER,” a statewide outreach initiative focused on sharing water conservation strategies and educating homeowners and businesses on the benefits of a healthy lawn. “As one of the state’s leading green industries, we’re proud to …
Irrigation Water Use Permit Renewal Workshop – Clewiston 2/25
The South Florida Water Management District has begun the water use permit renewal process for the Lake Okeechobee Basin, which includes portions of Palm Beach, Martin, Glades, Okeechobee, Lee and Hendry counties. All individual and major general water use permits for irrigation withdrawals from Lake Okeechobee or its tributaries will expire on February 28, 2009. Since Water Use Permits have …
FL Strawberries Fine After Cold Events – Labor Still Ongoing Concern
In this report, we check in with Ted Campbell with the Florida Strawberry Growers Association who says all is fine with the Strawberry crop since the two cold snaps that passed over Florida in recent weeks. Meanwhile, when asked about issues of concern for strawberry growers, like those in other specialty crop sectors he says his folks still have concerns …
Brazil Trip Planned for Late May For Interested FL Citrus Folks
IFAS SPONSORED TOUR OF THE CITRUS INDUSTRY OF BRAZIL: We look forward to some of our radio listeners, website visitors and Citrus Industry Magazine readers joining us on this upcoming citrus study trip to Brazil. It’s another excellent opportunity for meaningful visits and study as the Florida Extension Service will be conducting a tour to visit the citrus industry in …
ARS Scientists Sequence Citrus Disease Bacterium
In what is being touted as a big step forward in citrus HLB, or greening disease, research, scientists with USDA’s Agriculture Research Service say they have sequenced the genome of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes HLB. The bacterium resides in the plant’s phloem tissues, affecting the passage of nutrients and eventually killing the plant. Read more about it …
FEBRUARY 27, 2009 DEADLINE FOR FLORIDA WATER USERS
This reminder thanks to Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Agent IV, UF/IFAS Hendry Co Extension, LaBelle FL. Irrigation permits using surface water from Lake Okeechobee or its tributaries for landscape, golf course, nursery, livestock, improved pasture and agricultural uses need to be renewed to avoid losing the legal right to use this water. Anyone using surface water from Lake Okeechobee or …