Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its monthly citrus crop forecast for the 2017-2018 season: “This citrus crop forecast is another reminder of the continued struggles of Florida’s iconic citrus industry since Hurricane Irma inflicted unprecedented damage last year. But thanks to the collaborative efforts of the United …
Crafting More Details of Florida Citrus Recovery Block Grants
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed a $340 million block grant that will go toward Florida citrus growers for Hurricane Irma losses to production expected during the 2018 through the 2020 crop year, reimbursement for the cost of buying and planting replacement trees – including resetting and grove rehabilitation – and for repair of damages to irrigation …
Perdue Announces Additional Hurricane and Wildfire Recovery Details
(Washington, D.C., May 1, 2018) – Under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced new details on eligibility for a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster program, 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). In total, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will deploy up to $2.36 billion that Congress appropriated through the …
On Tour in the Everglades Agricultural Area
The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is a unique region with a long, rich history. Last week, members of the AgNet Media team had the privilege to visit the EAA and surrounding farm areas to meet with some of the area’s key players. During the three-day tour, the team explored agricultural production systems, ranging from sugar to citrus. ROTH FARMS …
Post-Irma Ag Relief Could Come Soon
Florida farmers awaiting federal disaster relief to help cover losses from Hurricane Irma last September may learn more details this week about the highly anticipated program. The $2.36 billion Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program is expected to offer a direct-payments model that would not hold growers to traditional payment limitations and would establish a state-managed program to handle tree losses. …
Citrus Peels Have Many Uses
Everyone throws them away. But, Cathy Isom lets you know why you shouldn’t throw away those citrus peels, and the many uses for them. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Citrus Peels Have Many Uses The next time you buy oranges, limes, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, or mandarins, don’t throw away those peels! There are so many household uses …
Steep Florida Grapefruit Production Cuts
Most growers and professionals in the citrus industry are aware that Florida’s orange crop has declined due to diseases like citrus greening and natural disasters like Hurricane Irma. However, Florida’s grapefruit crop has been suffering tremendously as well, even more severely than Florida oranges. The Florida orange crop has dropped by 35 percent this year, while Florida grapefruit has dropped …
Putnam Comments on USDA’s Disaster Aid Implementation
Following U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement today that the USDA will begin implementing disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion in response to 2017 hurricanes and wildfires, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement: “Florida agriculture took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma and has long-awaited this much-needed disaster relief. I thank Secretary …
Agri View: Spotted Lanternfly- A New Insect to Fear
Everett Griner talks about the Spotted Lanternfly. A new insect everyone should fear in today’s Agri View. Spotted Lanternfly- A New Insect to Fear Well, we have enough bugs and insects for farmers to deal with already. But, believe me, there will be more. Right now the public is being alerted to be aware of the Spotted Lantern Fly. It …
USDA Provides Funds to Protect Agriculture and Plants from Pests and Diseases
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach announced that USDA is allocating almost $70 million from Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill to support 494 projects in 49 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. These projects prevent the introduction or spread of invasive plant pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture and the …