USDA Launches Fresh Produce Program for Florida, Michigan Schools

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will conduct a pilot for acquiring fresh fruits and vegetables to build on farm-to-school programs in Florida and Michigan. The pilot will use commercial distribution models already in place and allow schools to obtain locally grown produce. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture …

Researchers Developing Tomato Varieties to Adapt to Climate Shifts

Changing weather patterns could make Florida hotter and wetter which could wreak havoc on Florida’s tomato industry. Which is why researchers at the University of Florida are breeding varieties that thrive in higher temperatures and resist the diseases that come with wet conditions. Download Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, …

NASS Resuming Labor Survey

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will resume its Agricultural Labor Survey after the Department of Labor agreed to pay its costs. Download Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials …

Putnam Says Still Long Way to Go for Full Gulf Coast Recovery

FL Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship earlier this week addressing the economic and ecological recovery status of the Gulf of Mexico a year after the oil spill. Download Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher …

Farm Labor

The immigration laws confound farmers. Everett Griner tells us about this. Download Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026

FTA’s Pass First Hurdle, But What’s Next

Late last week both the House and Senate trade committees advanced the three trade deals for Korea, Colombia and Panama as American Farm Bureau Trade Specialist Chris Garza explains what’s next for the FTA’s. Download Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World …

Upcoming Deadline for Specialty Crop Block Grants

The deadline for Specialty Crop Block Grant applications is Thursday, July 14, 2011. Download Audio Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026

Don’t Pack a Pest Campaign Debuts at Miami International Airport

Miami, FL – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Miami-Dade County, launched the “Don’t Pack a Pest” public awareness campaign today, with a public service announcement, billboards and dioramas on display at the Miami International Airport. Download …

USDA Strengthens Efforts to Address Citrus Greening

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that it seeks to establish a Citrus Disease Research and Development Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from both the citrus producer and scientific communities. The Advisory Committee would report to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and provide leadership to citrus disease scientists. Citrus greening is one of the most …

Florida Ag Commissioner Testifies before Senate Committee

This morning Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam testified before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in Pensacola, as the event was hosted by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Mary Landrieu. Putnam addressed the economic and ecological recovery status and the effects the oil spill has had on the seafood and aquaculture industries. After his testimony Senator Rubio asked …