From the University of Florida/IFAS: GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The United Nations has declared 2015 the “International Year of Soils” and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is recognizing this with its 16th annual Soil and Water Science Research Forum on Sept. 17 in the J. Wayne Reitz Union.
Scott Won’t Step in to Block Bear Hunt
From The News Service of Florida The Capital, Tallahassee, September 15, 2015–Gov. Rick Scott will not use executive authority to block the state’s first bear-hunting season in more than two decades, despite pleas from animal-rights groups. While anti-hunt groups have been collecting petitions and planning protests across the state on the eve of next month’s hunt, the governor’s office said …
New Peanut Program for Kids
The National Peanut Board, along with Alabama Peanut Producers, Florida Peanut Producers, Georgia Peanut Commission and others, have partnered with The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to develop Discover the Powerful Peanut, a set of 12 easy-to-use peanut activity cards for kids. Tyron Spearman has the details. Download Audio
Commissioner Adam Putnam Declares State of Agricultural Emergency for Oriental Fruit Fly Infestation
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: MIAMI, Fla.—Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today declared a state of agricultural emergency due to the Oriental Fruit Fly infestation in Miami-Dade County. The Oriental Fruit Fly is considered one of the most serious of the world’s fruit fly pests due to its potential economic harm. It attacks more …
Georgia Peanut Tour Kicks Off Today
From the Georgia Peanut Commission: TIFTON, Ga. (Sept. 11, 2015) – The twenty-ninth annual Georgia Peanut Tour will be held Sept. 15-17, 2015, and located out of the Thomasville, Georgia area. The tour brings the latest information on peanuts while providing a first-hand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made …
USDA Video: USDA Week In Review September 11
A weekly look at some of the events and activities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this edition of USDA Week In Review: child nutrition, fruit and vegetable safety, and avian flu preparedness. For more information go to: www.usda.gov www.fns.usda.gov www.nass.usda.gov www.ers.usda.gov www.aphis.usda.gov www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov
Florida Lawmakers ask Court to Dismiss ‘Amendment 1’ Funding Case
From News Service of Florida: State lawmakers want a judge to toss out a lawsuit that contends they defied a constitutional mandate on spending money for land and water conservation. Lawyers for House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, and Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, argued in
Dairy Industry Commends Introduction of Safe Trucking Act
Today, the dairy industry welcomed the introduction of the Safe, Flexible and Efficient Trucking Act in the House of Representatives. Download Audio
USDA Announces State Finalists for the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership
This morning, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that 21 states will receive grants through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to add infrastructure needed to supply more renewable fuel to America’s drivers. Download Audio
Survey: Floridians Favor Farmers in Water Usage Decisions
From the University of Florida/IFAS: GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A majority of Floridians believe farmers are using water the right way, according to a survey by the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Nearly 90 percent of state residents agreed or