(NAFB) — Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is working on developing aid programs for livestock, dairy, and specialty crop producers ahead of any aid to traditional commodity producers in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The Hagstrom Report says House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson spoke with Perdue, who told the chairman that he’s trying to develop systems to provide aid …
The Day South Florida Agriculture Changed
Submitted by Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus with UF/IFAS “Up to the end of Feb our growers were having a banner year and it looked like this season would be one of those homeruns that come around every 5-6 years.” Here is a report that I prepared on the state of S Florida ag and shared with …
Plant a Fruit Tree-Reduce Stress and Store Trips
Times, they are changing. Cathy Isom has what you can plant to reduce stress and the number of trips to the store. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. While so much of the world is on pause right now, some small businesses are still up and running as best as they can. Among them are local plant nurseries. …
Florida Watermelon Farmers Face Uncertainty Due to COVID-19
(UF/IFAS) — As fruit and vegetable farmers in South Florida decide what to do with produce once destined for now-closed schools and restaurants, watermelon farmers in North Florida have recently finished planting their crop. Given the uncertainty around the market for fresh produce, the decision to plant came down to economics, said Mark Warren, agriculture agent for UF/IFAS Extension Levy …
How to Safely Wash Your Fruits and Vegetables
With everyone concerned over the transmission of viruses, clean produce is surely a concern. Cathy Isom has a few tips about how to safely wash fruits and vegetables. That’s coming up on This Land of ours. Fruits and vegetables bring us fresh flavors, vivid colors, and needed nutrients. The last thing we want to worry about is illness and pesticides, …
Coronavirus Safety Fact Sheets for Workers
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 …