Solutions Sought for Algae Woes

TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Experts looking into toxic algae outbreaks that have exploded in state waterways want to know if anyone has a proven, innovative cleanup strategy that can be used. And they want to know quickly. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is formally accepting information through July 15 on ways to prevent, combat or clean up harmful algal blooms …

New Florida Laws Take Effect

Florida’s record $90.98 billion spending plan for next fiscal year and more than 100 new laws officially hits the books July 1, 2019. According to the News Service of Florida, the new laws passed by the Legislature this spring and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, deal with a variety of issues. Items of interest to agriculture in the state include: …

Florida Governor Signs Hemp Bill

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been busy signing various bills the past few days, one of those being SB 1020. This bill creates the state hemp program that will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The program will regulate cultivation of hemp, addressing issues such as the licensing of growers. According to the News Service …

Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida Hemp Bill Signed Into Law

Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – SB 1020, the state hemp legislation was signed into law. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “Tonight’s hemp bill signing marks a transformation in Florida, and a critical step on the journey to creating a green industrial revolution, strengthening agriculture with an alternative crop of the future, and expanding access to safe, quality CBD …

Florida Producers Learn About ‘Chuck Knows Beef’

During last week’s Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention, the Florida Beef Council (FBC) was able to show producers from across the state what “Chuck Knows Beef” is all about. DeAnne Maples, FBC director of beef marketing and promotion, says Chuck was a hit. Sponsored ContentCattle Producers Proud of Efforts Funded Through The Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardMay 29, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding …

Final Hemp Rulemaking Workshop Held in North Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried joined key Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services officials to host the third public hemp rulemaking workshop at the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee. Today’s workshop was the third and final in a series of three events which took place in South, Central, and North Florida designed to ensure anyone interested in …

State Officials Prepare for Hemp Industry

With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis facing a deadline this week to act on the hemp bill, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services held a final public workshop Monday as it prepares to carry out a measure that would lead to a state hemp program. The bill (SB 1020) would require the department to create a regulatory framework to …

Remote Pilot Certification Training in Florida

The use of drones on the farm is growing. But according to information provided by the University of Florida Extension, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates drone use, and all drones need to be registered with the FAA. Plus, commercial operators flying drones for business purposes must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, according to the Small UAS Rule. If you are interested …