It finally took place this week, the confirmation of Sonny Perdue as agriculture secretary. Confirmation was achieved on a strong Senate bipartisan vote of 87-11, as several Democrats backed President Trump’s nominee. The entire agriculture industry has been anxiously awaiting his appointment, as the former Georgia governor has a variety of issues to deal with right away. But many agricultural …
House Seeks Florida Forever Changes
by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida More money would be set aside for land conservation under a House bill rolled out Monday, with some environmentalists contending the proposal could hinder Senate President Joe Negron’s push to speed construction of a water-cleaning reservoir in the Everglades. House Government Accountability Chairman Matt Caldwell, whose committee unanimously approved the measure (PCB GAC …
Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: FRESH! Recipe – Cucumber Pepper Salad
On this week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is joined by Executive Chef Justin Timineri to talk about his newest Fresh! Recipe video using delicious Florida ingredients – a Florida Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad. You can follow Florida Commissioner Adam Putnam on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Discover more by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com. Image: Courtesy of FreshFromFlorida, Florida Cucumber …
Florida State Budget Talks Continue
With the Florida legislative session scheduled to end on May 5, how the state budget figures will end up continues to be a big question. Florida Cattlemen’s Association Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, has an update. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New …
Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is May 2
Here is a reminder that the 14th annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day will be held May 2, and the third in a series of new non-fiction children’s books has been developed to help highlight Florida’s aquaculture and seafood industries. According to a release from Florida Agriculture in the Classroom (FAITC), the book is called “Drive through Florida: Aquaculture and Seafood”. …
Two Signup Reminders from Florida NRCS
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind agricultural producers about two applications periods that are underway until May 19th. One involves financial assistance to restore longleaf pine and the other is to improve water quality. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher …
Scott Pitches Dike Repairs to Trump
Gov. Rick Scott said he spoke with President Donald Trump on Wednesday about the importance of completing repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee. On Monday, Scott asked state lawmakers to add $200 million to the budget to help speed the federal government’s ongoing repairs. “President Trump is clearly focused on protecting Florida’s environment and investing in our …
State Says Wildfires Likely to Get Worse
By Lloyd Dunkelburger, News Service of Florida With the state battling 106 wildfires covering 124,000 acres as of Wednesday, Florida’s top forestry official warned the fire season has yet to reach its peak. Jim Karels, director of the Florida Forest Service, said Florida is experiencing an “active early fire season,” with drought conditions throughout the state. “We tend to peak …
Putnam Turns to Public for Help with Wildfires
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, while in Tallahassee this afternoon, is turning to the public for help with the state’s situation with the wildfires: “There are over 124,000 acres under active fire as of today, and we’re asking for the public’s help. If you’re riding down the road and see a fire starting, call 9-1-1. If you have information …
UF Plant Science Research and Education Unit Gets New Director
A veteran of the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit has been named its permanent director, and he hopes to help faculty continue improving crops. James Boyer, who has worked at the unit for 17 years, was named interim director in May 2016. His appointment to the permanent post was effective April 7. Prior to that, he worked as …