(UF/IFAS) — With the COVID-19 shutdowns increasing people’s need for food, some consumers rely on nonprofits for a bite to eat. To help, farmers in Florida and elsewhere are donating excess produce to food banks, said a UF/IFAS expert. In fact, some food banks are helping farmers by offsetting some of their costs, thus incentivizing growers to harvest food they …
Florida Looks to U.S. Supreme Court in Water War
(NSF) — Warning that a special master’s recommendation would “spell doom” for the Apalachicola River, Florida wants the U.S. Supreme Court to require Georgia to share more water in a river system that links the two states. Florida filed a 65-page brief Monday asking the Supreme Court to reject a December recommendation by Special Master Paul Kelly, who said Florida …
Florida Beef Council Promoting New Recipe Ideas
During this time of COVID-19, there are many consumers turning to social media to find new ways to prepare various meals. Florida Beef Council (FBC) Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, wants folks to know about some new ideas when it comes to beef dishes. For more information about the Beef Checkoff go to the FBC website. Sponsored ContentCIR …
Applying Insecticide in Furrow During Peanut Planting Helpful in Managing Thrips
By Clint Thompson Peanut planting season is upon us and farmers need to be wary of potential thrips pressure when they begin planting their crop, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension peanut entomologist Mark Abney. He wants producers to be prepared by applying an insecticide at planting. “If you plant peanuts, you’re going to have thrips. There’s a lot …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Launches Keep Florida Growing Webpage
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried launched the Keep Florida Growing webpage, a one-stop online portal with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ COVID-19 food and agriculture-related information for Florida’s farmers and ranchers, consumers, and news media. Fried first announced the new page in this #KeepFloridaGrowing social media video. “With COVID-19 deeply affecting not only Floridians but also agriculture, our state’s second-largest economic …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS on Supporting Florida Dairy During COVID-19
(FDACS) — With the COVID-19 pandemic causing market challenges for agriculture producers, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are working to support Florida’s dairy farmers and processors. “We’re doing everything we can to support Florida’s dairy farmers and processors during this unprecedented challenge,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “With decreases in foodservice demand, we’re asking retailers to …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 04-10-2020
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 10, 2020, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the Week ended-April 10, 2020, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 3,300 head compared to 9,390 last week and 9,904 …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS Working for Florida Farmers During COVID-19
(FDACS) — With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruption to the nation’s agriculture industry, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have worked tirelessly to ensure that Florida’s agriculture producers are supported. Commissioner Fried has been in communication with Congress and federal agencies advocating for speedy economic relief, with major retailers and state agencies seeking additional purchases of …
New Partnerships Emerge for COVID-19 Relief
Florida Farmers Team with State Leaders to Launch Farm to Inmate Program Harvested produce crops feed Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) more than 87,000 inmates; action saves food costs while reducing COVID-19 related supply chain impacts. (FFA) — Florida farmers are uncovering new solutions to address supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Florida’s emergency order to shutter businesses …
FDACS & Commissioner Nikki Fried Create List Connecting Farmers & Buyers
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced the creation of a Florida Farm to You commodities list, connecting potential buyers with farmers and producers of Florida-grown commodities like fresh produce, seafood, poultry, and more. With restaurants and foodservice businesses closed due to COVID-19, agricultural producers across the country have struggled to sell perishable products like …