A $9.8 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is set to address labor challenges in the nursery industry through cutting-edge automation research. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will manage about $1 million of the grant to explore automated solutions, such as potting machines and weed-spraying robots, to reduce …
Ag Market Growth Ahead
Taking a look at the projected growth for ag markets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Business Research Company’s latest look into the growth of agricultural markets shows big jumps ahead. The global agriculture market is projected to reach a substantial size of just over $19.8 billion by 2027, with a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) …
DeSantis, Florida Cabinet Sign Off on Land Deals
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/May 23, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Tuesday approved spending nearly $100 million on land deals that will secure about 36,000 acres as part of a growing wildlife corridor. The 12 land deals are part of the Florida Forever program and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. They involve purchasing conservation easements, which …
Ian Florida Agriculture Losses Estimated at $1B
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/February 9, 2023) — Hurricane Ian caused an estimated $1 billion in agricultural-production losses, with the biggest hits to the citrus industry, along with growers of vegetables and melons, according to a new University of Florida report. The report from the UF-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences also doesn’t include damage to such things as buildings and equipment, which …
Senate Ag Plans Hearings on Farm Bill Trade and Horticulture Titles
The leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday announced a set of farm bill hearings. Senators Debbie Stabenow and John Boozman will hold the first hearing on February 1, titled. “Farm Bill 2023: Trade and Horticulture.” The hearings will focus on the trade and horticulture titles of the farm bill. The first hearing will include testimony from USDA’s Alexis Taylor, …
Ian Estimated Agriculture Damages Tops $1B
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Jan. 18, 2023) — A soon-to-be-released report will estimate Florida’s agriculture industry sustained about $1.07 billion in damages from Hurricane Ian, with growers of citrus, vegetable and horticultural crops taking the biggest hits from the wind, rains and flooding. But citrus growers think the estimate doesn’t show the full damage from the storm. The pending report from the University …
U.S. Live Holiday Plant Imports Growing
The U.S. is importing more live holiday plants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Christmas trees and poinsettias are iconic symbols of the holiday season. While the vast majority are grown in the United States for domestic use, a small share of both plants comes from Canada, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Trade is highly seasonal, with …
Florida Commissioner Nikki Fried on UF/IFAS Preliminary Agricultural Damage Assessment
(FDACS/GAINESVILLE, FL/Oct. 18, 2022) — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) released a preliminary assessment of the agricultural production losses associated with Hurricane Ian. The report, which considered crops, livestock, and animal products, estimates a potential loss of up to $1.56 billion for Florida producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) is expected to release its …
Florida Ag Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian May be Eligible for Emergency Conservation Program Assistance
Agricultural producers who suffered severe damage from Hurricane Ian, may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). But, to be eligible, USDA approval is required before producers can begin repair efforts. Deborah Tannebaum, State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Florida, explained to Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman what land is …
Farmers Try to Sort Out Hurricane Damage
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 06, 2022) — A week after Hurricane Ian stormed across Florida, farmers and ranchers continue waiting for flood waters to recede to get a full picture of the destruction to citrus groves and cattle operations. The storm killed at least 200 cows at a dairy farm in Myakka City, while beef cattle counts remain uncertain until herds can …