FCOJ Prices Decline / Homeowners Whine Over $11.5M

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

In this report, a citrus commentary of sorts. FCOJ futures have been experiencing downward trends more often than not in recent trading days, likely a subject for discussion at this week’s Citrus Commission meeting in Lakeland. Meanwhile, in south Florida, urban homeowners remain upset about the money, even though they “won” their recent lawsuit about tree compensation from the failed …

New Carbon Mkt opportunities for FL Ag – Mtgs on Tap

Gary Cooper Florida, General

New carbon market opportunities for Florida agriculture, meeting set for Molino MOLINO, Fla.—Some Florida farmers, ranchers and private forest owners may be able to capitalize on a new partnership between the state’s largest general agricultural organization and the nation’s leading supplier of carbon credit aggregation services to agriculture. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation and AgraGate Climate Credits Corp. have agreed …

Farm Bill Debate Goes On

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Specialty Crops, Sugar

All over the nation, the pros and cons of the recently passed compromise version of the Farm Bill are being debated. In the first report posted herein, USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner (photo left) explains some of the factors in the Bill that the administration feels will cause trouble for specialty crop producers down the road. In the second report, …

USDA/Bush Administration Blasts Farm Bill – Threatens Veto

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General

In these reports, comments from USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner (photo) from an exclusive interview with Southeast AgNet Friday after House and Senate both passed a farm bill compromise that the Bush Administration has all kinds of problems with. While Conner agrees there are some good things in the bill for specialty crops, including citrus, there are also some issues …

Saluting Enviro-Stewardship of Northern Everglades Farmers

Gary Cooper FL Commissioner Report, Florida

(OKEECHOBEE, Fla.)—Twenty-nine farmers were honored for their environmental stewardship Thursday at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center. The owners of the agricultural operations were recognized by Florida Farm Bureau’s County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program for their outstanding efforts in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs). Rep. Denise Grimsley hosted the event along with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, Florida …

Florida Citrus Mutual Urges President to Sign Farm Bill

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

LAKELAND, Fla. (May 15, 2008) – Florida Citrus Mutual Executive VP/CEO Michael W. Sparks Thursday urged President Bush to sign the Farm Bill into law after both the U.S. House and Senate passed the measure by veto-proof majorities. “President Bush should sign this bill which for the first time ever recognizes the importance of fruit and vegetables,” Sparks said. “This …

Farm Bill Passes By Huge Margin – FL’s Putnam Comments

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

In these reports, straight talk from central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam about passage of the House/Senate Farm Bill compromise by huge bi-partisan margins on both sides of the Congressional aisle. With President Bush threatening a veto, Putnam poses a question and points out there are easily enough votes to override the veto in both House and Senate. Report (2:00 mp3) …

Florida Farm Bureau lauds House passage of 2008 Farm Bill

Gary Cooper Florida

(Gainesville, Fla.) – The 2008 farm bill passed yesterday by the House of Representatives promises to be more supportive of Florida agricultural producers than previous bills, according to Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick. “This farm bill contains a safety net for commodities, increased funds for conservation programs and mandatory spending for specialty crops,” Hoblick said. “It is the …

Farm Bill: House Passes With Enough Votes To Override Veto

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

Members of the U. S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Compromise Committee version of the Farm Bill late Wednesday afternoon. The Senate is expected to do the same shortly. It’s expected the President will follow through on his veto threat, even though he must know the margin of votes needed to override his veto exists. It is also expected …

Putnam helps ensure fairness to Florida in new Farm Bill

Gary Cooper General

We got the news release posted below from the Washington D C office of central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam moments after the U. S. House voted overwhelmingly to support the Compromise Committee version of the Farm Bill. Putnam was a member of the Conference Committee. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Adam H. Putnam (R-Fla.) today announced his strong support for the …