From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that international exports of “Fresh From Florida” products increased last year to $4.2 billion, an all-time record. This is the third year in a row that Florida exports have
Statement by Commissioner Putnam on Updated Citrus Forecast for 2015
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Following today’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on an updated 2015 citrus forecast for Florida, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released this statement: “The updated citrus forecast of 102 million boxes is holding steady, but the future of Florida’s iconic citrus industry continues to be threatened by citrus greening. The Florida Department of …
USDA Invests in Critical Dam Rehabilitation and Assessment Projects in 23 States
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, April 9, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today $73 million to be invested this year to rehabilitate and assess dams across the nation to ensure this critical infrastructure is protecting Americans from harm, securing public health and expanding water supplies in drought affected areas. About 150 projects and assessments in 23 …
Georgia Watermelon Association Dedicates $90,000 for 2015 Marketing Program
From the Georgia Watermelon Association: The Georgia Watermelon Association (GWA) recently announced plans to dedicate more than $90,000 to a strategic marketing program during the 2015 watermelon season. The program will have a fourfold approach using billboards, television programming, in-store marketing, and social media promotions and anticipates reaching millions across the state with
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Statement on Passage of Bill to Strengthen Florida’s Horse Industry
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Tallahassee, Fla.—Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 226, sponsored by Senator Jack Latvala. “Florida’s horse industry has a $5.1 billion economic impact in our state, and I thank the Senate for
Commissioner Putnam Announces Winners of Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Awards
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced the three winners of the state’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award, which recognizes agricultural producers who are practicing environmentally innovative farming practices. “These recipients have each shown a commitment to improving Florida’s environment and conserving our natural resources, especially water,” Commissioner of …
Tennessee, South Carolina Residents Encouraged to Buy “Fresh From Florida” Fruits and Veggies
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This month, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with retailer Bi-Lo to promote “Fresh From Florida” to residents of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Charleston, SC. “Florida residents know there is nothing better than buying ‘Fresh From Florida,’ and we want to expand that experience to …
Georgia Vegetable Growers Approve New Marketing Order Assessment
From the Georgia Department of Agriculture: Georgia vegetable growers have a new marketing order. The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Vegetables – Marketing Order for Vegetables was approved with 92% of eligible growers responding in favor of the new assessment during the balloting period of March 1 through March 30. For a vote to be valid, at least 25% of …
Buffett Rallies Parrotheads for Sugar Land
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By JIM TURNER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, April 7, 2015………. With musician Jimmy Buffett singing about “changes in latitudes” Tuesday outside Florida’s Capitol, proponents of buying Everglades land from U.S. Sugar Corp. hope in the next few weeks to change the attitudes of
Longleaf Pine Savanna Helps Educate Farmers, Others on Value of Forest
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve, an hour west of Tallahassee, Florida, protects nearly 6,300 acres of restored sandhill habitat. Young longleaf pines stand in thick waves of golden wiregrass. Wild turkey, bobwhite quail, gopher tortoise and Florida pine snake once again populate what 25 years ago were rows of industrial timber …