Reports are coming in from around the state on damage from the cold snap this week. Pat Cockrell with Florida Farm Bureau says at this point damage appears to be limited and spotty. Report (1:30 wma)
Changes May Need to be Made in Greenbelt
The last regional hearing on property tax reform is scheduled for Thursday in Orlando at Valencia Community College from 6-9 pm. Producers are encouraged to attend and make their voices heard about the importance of Greenbelt to agriculture. State Representative Ralph Poppell talks about changes that might need to be made in Greenbelt. Report (1:00 wma)
FL Fresh Citrus Shippers Expect Fairness In New Rules
Florida’s fresh fruit growers, packers & shippers are anxious to see what is in a new rule still in development by USDA, that will govern how and where Florida fruit can be shipped in the future. In this report, grower-packer-shipper Dan Richey of Riverfront Packing in Vero Beach comments on big concerns among growrs about suggested cutbacks in research funding …
Citrus Budwood Facility Needs Legislative Funding
Citrus Nurseryman Nate Jamison has some timely suggestions for state lawmakers who will deal with budget matters when they go to Tallahassee to craft the state budget in coming weeks. Namely, fund the new citrus budwood facility in north-central Florida so the citrus nursery industry can continue to rebuild for growers needing new trees. Hear Nate’s comments in this report. …
Florida Ag Getting Ready for Session
Florida Farm Bureau president John Hoblick discusses some issues they are watching for the 2007 Florida Legislative session. Farm Bureau Day will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20 at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at county Farm Bureau offices. The Legislative Briefing Dinner will be held …
FL Commissioner’s Spotlight
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about about Ag Literacy Day coming up March 15. More information about Ag Literacy Day can be found on the Florida Ag in the Classroom website – http://www.flagintheclassroom.org/programs_ag_literacy.cfm. Report (1:00 wma)
Specialty Crop Groups Like Farm Bill Proposals
Specialty crop groups are mostly pleased with the 2007 Farm Bill proposals put forth by the Bush Administration. Report (1:30 wma)
Citrus Tree Insurance Policies To Change – Canker Cov’ge Is Out
Florida citrus growers may want to take some short term actions and make some longer term decisions as a result of changes to fruit tree insurance policies for the next crop year. Gary Cooper has details in this report. Report (2:00 wma) For more details on the policy as provided to us by Bob Stallings (in photo) and Stallings Crop …
Cold Snap-Time Will Tell / Regional Grower Mtgs This Week
As is usually the case, it takes a little time after any kind of cold snap to determine what damages, if any, took place around the state’s growing areas. We’ll have more on that in reports to come. Meanwhile, citrus growers throughout Florida’s heartland are primed and ready to enjoy food and fellowship at their regional grower association annual meetings …
FL AgNet Week In Review February 16, 2007
In this week’s pod cast, the Citrus Crop Forecast February update is released, there are new recommendations for Tropical Soda Apple Management, Florida promotes truthful information about the Animal ID program, the proposed farm bill could help new farmers and ranchers, and Florida Farm Bureau continues work on property tax issues. To hear Florida’s weekly reviews subscribe to our podcast …