According to reports we’re getting from a number of sources, a federal crackdown on employers who employ illegal immigrants could be imminent. Growers are encouraged to contact their grower associations for details on how to best prepare. By the way, for growers interested in obtaining foreign labor legally, the sponsor of this report is a good place to start. Click …
Can Dogs Be Trained for Canker & Greening Detection?
Dogs have proven to be very effective in a number of industries for a number of purposes, including detection of hard to find bombs, cadavers, bee hives, snakes, termites, bedbugs, even some cancers in human beings. Research would be necessary to see if it can work for detection of crop diseases like canker or greening in citrus, but some citrus …
Other States Oppose USDA Proposals Re FL Shipments
In this report, other U S States are objecting to USDA proposals to allow fresh Florida fruit to go into non-citrus producing states. Citrus interests in California reportedly say the rules should be more restrictive, not less. Report (2:00 mp3) Pre-register for Seminars and Trade Show attendance at Find information at USDA’s Website About the Citrus Health Response Program Sponsored …
FL Citrus Mutual: Research Funding a Continuing Challenge
Florida growers seem to have differing opinions as to whether Florida Dept of Citrus funds should be earmarked or research or remain exclusively for advertising and marketing to support stronger demand and grower prices. In this report, Florida Citrus Mutual’s top executive, Mike Sparks, offers comments on the debate and says the issue of citrus research funding needs will be …
Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association News
Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association (FFAA) recently held elections, presented awards and conducted other business at its summer meeting near Naples. Among other things, Brent Sutton of Growers Fertilizer Corp. in Lake Alfred was elected Chairman, and Jim Bellar was presented with FFAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more from these news releases: FFAA Board Election News 2007 (pdf file) FFAA …
More on Windbreaks for Citrus Groves
Bill Castle at University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred is doing a lot of study on windbreaks in citrus groves to help prevent the spread of canker. In this report, Castle comments on why growers of fruit for the fresh market should be considering windbreaks into their grove designs. Report (2:00 mp3) Sponsoring this news …
Citrus Growers Invited to Another CHRP Mtg in Lake County
Another CHRP Meeting has been scheduled, this one for growers in Florida’s Lake County region. RSVP’s are requested for the meeting that begins at 10 a. m. Tuesday August 21st, at the Lake County Extension Service in Tavares. To RSVP, contact Ryan Atwood or Maggie Jarrell at (352) 343-4101. Report (2:00 mp3) Pre-register for Seminars and Trade Show attendance at …
H2A-USA Helps Growers Simplify Access to Foreign Labor
One of the bigger issues still looming over citrus and vegetable industries is the availability of sufficient farm labor when farmers need it the most. Regardless of what Congress may or may not do about immigration laws, H2A programs will continue to allow farmers to access foreign labor. Although the program is complex, H2A-USA is a company set up to …
FL Growers Seek More FL Targeted Promotion
As more growers become involved in discussions about ‘free riders’ getting generic orange juice promotions from Florida grower investments, there seems to be another push toward doing something with the promotional dollars that will more specifically benefit Florida product values over the rest. In these reports, Florida grower and Citrus Mutual board member Marty McKenna comments on these issues. Report …
Greening on the River Among Many Citrus Stories This Week
Indian River County is now on the “greening” list. Click here for a link to one news story about it. Also, more talk is brewing about the ‘free rider’ issue and a more targeted marketing approach to better benefit Florida growers who are alone in funding the marketing efforts. In the second report, Citrus Commissioner Bob Behr, formerly with the …