Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …
FFBF and FDACS Host Town Hall on COVID-19 & Florida Agriculture
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick held a town hall meeting on Thursday with the state’s agriculture community on pressing issues. Some of the topics of discussion included: Ensuring agriculture and all related industries are essential at the federal, state and local levels. Promoting the continued and efficient processing of H-2A worker visas. Inter- and intra-state weight waivers for …
Farmers and Other Essential Food Production Workers will Carry Permission Letters during COVID-19 Shutdown
(U.S. Sugar) — All U.S. Sugar employees and suppliers who have been deemed essential to the nation’s food supply and national security will begin carrying authorization letters to inform authorities that they are approved to be out of their homes and working. “Our farmers, workers and other essential food production vendors will continue working around the clock to keep safe, …
Proactive Measures from the Georgia Produce Safety Program
Due to Covid 19, the Georgia Produce Safety Program, through the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), has announced proactive measures to help producers across the state. Education and Outreach Associate, Elizabeth Stalvey, has more details. GDA would like to remind everyone that COVID-19 is not a foodborne disease and there is no evidence that it can be transmitted through food …
Vidalia® Onions Set to Ship April 16
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Announces Official Pack Date for 2020 (GDA) — For Vidalia® onion fans, spring doesn’t officially start until the iconic vegetable ships to stores around the country. This year, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee have set April 16, 2020, as the official pack date for America’s favorite sweet onion. “Along with the Vidalia Onion …
Secretary Perdue and Senators Discuss Hemp Details
We told you late last month that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) had announced it will not require all labs testing the THC levels of U.S. hemp to be certified by the agency during the 2020 crop year. USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Greg Ibach, first announced the change. The department is also planning to give states more …
Wet, Mild Winter Will Impact Georgia’s Pecan Crop This Season
By Clint Thompson Wet and mild winter conditions could have major implications on Georgia’s pecan crop this season. With temperatures in the low 80s, following an extreme wet period on March 4 and 5, the state’s pecan trees should be changing in the next few weeks, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “As far as any …
Types of Bonsai Trees Best for the Beginner
Yesterday, Cathy Isom filled you in about pruning and care of your Bonsai tree. In today’s program, she lets you know the types of Bonsai trees best for the beginner. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bonsai is essentially the art of taking regular-size trees, and shrinking them to fit into a container. See what type of bonsai …
Growing Bonsai Even if You Are a Beginner
Cathy Isom has some important tips for you about growing Bonsai even if you’re a beginner. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. With their majestic appearance, bonsai add an element of sophistication to any space. By artfully sculpting these tiny trees over time, you can create a miniature landscape right on your tabletop. Even if you’re a beginner. …
Public Field Hearings in Florida, Georgia on Seasonal and Perishable Produce Postponed
Washington, DC – Consistent with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the field hearings scheduled in Florida and Georgia on April 7 and April 9 by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Commerce will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. The Office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had scheduled hearings …