Farmers and other parts of Florida’s agriculture industry could receive about $75 million in post-Hurricane Irma assistance from the state next year under a measure moving forward in the Senate. The Senate Finance and Tax Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday unanimously backed the proposal (SB 1608) by Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring. The proposal, in part, would reduce property assessments …
The Importance of Research Dollars in the Next Farm Bill
The new farm bill is still being negotiated and worked out. There are some kinks to it, which is why its completion is taking longer than expected. However, one thing that most people can agree on is the importance of including research funding in the new farm bill. Hurricanes asides, research has greatly impacted the Florida citrus industry industry after …
Farm Disaster Relief on the Way After Irma’s Devastation
State lawmakers continue to craft tax relief for Florida’s storm-battered citrus industry, as President Donald Trump signed off Friday on billions of dollars in much-anticipated federal disaster relief. A spending bill approved by Congress and Trump includes nearly $90 billion for disaster relief, with $2.36 billion aimed at assisting the agriculture industry for losses from Hurricane Irma in Florida, Hurricane …
Root Biologist Joins UF Fight Against Citrus Greening
An inventive fruit tree researcher has joined the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center. Lorenzo Rossi is the center’s first-ever root biology professor and will support the university’s statewide Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ commitment to restore Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry. “Healthy roots are essential for a healthy plant. Dr. Rossi’s root biology research will …
For Florida Orange Growers No News May Be Good News
The Florida citrus industry has been struggling with HLB for over a decade. Now, with the damage following Hurricane Irma, many may be wondering exactly what the state of the industry is and what it may become. For an industry riddled with disease and disaster, no news may be good news for the Florida citrus industry. Gary Crawford has the …
Citrus Industry Remains ‘In Crisis’ Despite Stable Forecast
Forecast numbers for Florida’s struggling citrus industry held steady from December to January, the first month since Hurricane Irma that the figures didn’t drop. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated Friday that Florida will grow enough oranges to fill 46 million 90-pound boxes, the same as in December. Meanwhile, grapefruit production held at 4.65 million boxes for the third consecutive month. While the …
Agri View: California Citrus
Everett Griner talks about California citrus crop in today’s Agri View. California citrus crop was bigger than Florida’s this year for the first time ever. Everett explains the reasons for this. He goes on to let us know what problems the California citrus producers may be facing. California Citrus Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the …
Florida Citrus Mutual Sets Goals for Florida Legislative Session
The Florida legislative session begins today in Tallahassee. Many agricultural leaders are getting ready to make a trip to the state capitol to speak to legislators about their needs. On the citrus side, Florida Citrus Mutual has set several goals to aid an industry with devastating challenges. Andrew Meadows, director of communications for Florida Citrus Mutual, says the issues on …
Will Arctic Cold Wave Affect Florida Citrus?
Florida is off to a cool start in 2018 as parts of the state anticipate freezing temperatures this week. Many crops underway at the moment may be impacted, including citrus. Gary Crawford has the story on the citrus side. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry …
Florida Farmers Brace for Cold Weather
Florida farmers were preparing Thursday for continuing cold weather, with temperatures expected to drop into the 30s overnight as far south as Fort Myers and Homestead. Many of Florida’s crops cannot handle freezing temperatures for long periods. Citrus and strawberry farmers are preparing harvests ahead of time, often running irrigation systems to create small layers of ice over the fruit …