Questions Remain Over Hurricane Timber Money

Dan Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release

(NSF) — Florida’s timber industry remains amid tons of strewn trees from Hurricane Michael as talks continue over the distribution of a $380 million federal-recovery grant allocated in November for the 2018 storm. State officials expressed concern Tuesday that more than a quarter of the money may go unused as negotiations continue with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on eligibility …

Commissioner Nikki Fried Appoints New State Leadership For Florida Forest Service

Clint Thompson Forestry, General

Tallahassee, Fla.– Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried announced two new leadership appointments for the Florida Forest Service. The selections come after a national search and interviews with multiple candidates. Erin Albury has been appointed State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. Albury succeeds James “Jim” Karels, who has led the agency the past 12 years and served …

American Grown Campaign Launches

Dan Aquaculture, Cattle, Citrus, Dairy, Economy, Field Crops, Forestry, Fruits, Industry, Industry News Release, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Non-Profit Created to Address the growing Financial Crisis in American Farms Launches Campaign The American Grown Campaign launched at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference on January 11. The non-profit was created by growers to address the growing financial crisis in American farms. American Grown was founded with farmers and growers from Florida, Georgia, and Michigan. “America’s farmers need our support …

Fire Safety Tips: Christmas Tree Disposal

Dan Florida, Forestry

(FDACS) — The Florida Forest Service is encouraging Floridians to dispose of Christmas trees safely. Dry limbs and needles from discarded Christmas trees can be an ignition source for fire if not properly cleared away from homes and natural areas. “We are encouraging all residents and visitors to be vigilant this holiday season,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. “Trees discarded improperly can quickly turn …

Tree Farmer Not Pining about One Failure

Dan Forestry, Specialty Crops

Even if one venture doesn’t succeed, farmers always look for another. Gary Crawford has this update on a story he first filed in 2017, a story about a Christmas tree farmer whose failure in one venture led to success in another. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024

Florida, Feds Still Working on Timber Money

Dan Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release

(NSF) — Florida has its “foot on the gas pedal” to get federal money to timber growers who sustained massive damage when Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle last year. But agreements are still being finalized, with no set timeline for the first payments to go out from a $380.7 million block grant. Franco Ripple, a spokesman for state Agriculture Commissioner …