Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ellis Hunt Talks Budget, Bactericides and Bloom Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ellis Hunt Jr. reports on plans to consider a proposal to greatly reduce the grower box tax that funds the Florida Department of Citrus. In addition, he discusses support for the department from the Florida Legislature as well as positive developments with bactericides and bloom. …
Thermotherapy Gives Grower Mixed Results
Thermotherapy Gives Grower Mixed Results After Year-Long Trial Growers gathered at a citrus thermotherapy follow-up field day at Whitaker Groves in Grand Island, Florida. They came to see the effects thermotherapy had on a block of Valencias that were treated in July 2015. Cliff Whitaker, the owner of the grove, said that while the treatment did reduce fruit drop, he …
Future of Florida Citrus
Hope for the Future of Florida Citrus Anyone involved in the Florida citrus industry can speak of the hardships the industry has faced since HLB first appeared in the state in 2005. One member of the industry, who has stuck with it through thick and thin, offered his positive perspective on the future of the industry. Bill Castle, University of …
Scott Announces Line-item Vetoes to Florida Budget
Despite the fact Florida Governor Rick Scott has yet to receive the budget from lawmakers, in a surprise move Tuesday he did announce that he would sign the largest budget in state history while using his line-item veto relatively sparingly, defusing a potential showdown with state lawmakers. Download Audio To read more on this story click here. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle …
Celebrating National Agriculture Day 2016
Tuesday was National Agriculture Day, as National Agriculture Week continues through Saturday, March 19. And according to a story from Rod Bain, the importance of agriculture in our daily lives was the focus of annual National Ag Day events nationwide like those held yesterday. Download Audio Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and Management PracticesMarch 6, …
USDA Announces $260 Million Available for RCPP
It was announced this week by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that through RCPP, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, they are making available up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. Download Audio Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and …
Scott to Veto $256 Million from New Budget
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By BRANDON LARRABEE AND JIM TURNER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, March 15, 2016……….In a surprise move, Gov. Rick Scott announced Tuesday that he would sign the largest budget in state history while using his line-item veto relatively sparingly, defusing a potential showdown with state lawmakers. Scott said he would sign the previously $82.3 billion spending …
National Ag Day: Where Was the Food On Your Plate Grown?
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: March is National Nutrition Month and throughout the month, USDA will be highlighting results of their efforts to improve access to safe, healthy food for all Americans and supporting the health of our next generation. From farm to fork, agriculture and nutrition are integrally linked. And every state in the U.S. can play an …
Update on the 2016-17 Citrus Appropriations and Legislation
Mike Sparks, executive vice president/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM), distributed the following update on Florida citrus appropriations and legislation: Dear FCM Board and Members: I have some very positive news to share. The items/proposals/appropriations I’ve highlighted below have been approved by the Legislature and Governor Scott. This news came about quickly after our e-mail this morning asking you to …
Statement by Commissioner Adam H. Putnam on Governor Scott Supporting Key Budget Priorities
According to information from the News Service of Florida, Governor Rick Scott’s office announced today that he plans to veto $256.1 million from the newly approved budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Lawmakers approved the $83.2 billion budget Friday before ending the annual legislative session. While more on that will be available later, here is a release …