New rules from the Department of Labor will require anyone who wants to hire foreign farm workers through the H2A program to pay a higher wage and to prove that they first looked for qualified U.S. citizens to fill those jobs. American Farm Bureau Federation Labor Specialist Ron Gaskill explains what this means for the farmer. Download Audio
FFVA Appoints Water, Natural Resources Director
MAITLAND, Fla. (FFVA – Feb. 16, 2010) – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has appointed Kerry B. Kates as director of water and natural resources. Kates brings a strong civil engineering background to the job in FFVA’s Industry Resources group. “Kerry’s technical knowledge and his experience dealing with permitting agencies make him a great fit for FFVA,” said Mike …
FL Tomato Growers Offer Social Accountability Pgm to Customers
This just in from the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange in MAITLAND, Fla. –As a result of customer negotiations, members of the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange are offering a new social responsibility program that includes supplemental wages for workers and a code to guide employment practices. On Oct. 7, 2009, the Exchange rescinded its policy prohibiting members from participating in wage-supplementation …
EPA Numeric Nutrient Standards – Let The Public Hearings Begin
Today starts a three day whirlwind tour by Environmental Protection Agency officials out to hear what Florida stakeholders have to say about new numeric nutrient water standards. These EPA proposals only affect the state of Florida, although opponents say the issue could appear in other states if EPA is successful in singling out Florida this time. Southeast AgNet’s coverage of …
Senate Jobs Bill Would Benefit Agriculture
A 52-billion dollar bipartisan jobs bill has been introduced in the Senate, and includes disaster assistance to farmers as well as funds to assist specialty crop producers. Overview Download Audio Specialty Crops Download Audio
Changes to Guest Worker Program Rules Posted
A change to the Guest Worker Program Rules has been posted by the U.S. Labor Department, stating that companies that seek H-2A visas for ag workers will have to first provide documented evidence that they have looked for qualified U.S. citizens to fill the jobs. Download Audio
FL Commissioner’s Spotlight on FL Grapefruit in England
This week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is about Florida pink grapefruit being featured in 220 Waitrose stores in and around London during January and February. The promotion builds upon a multiyear marketing relationship between Waitrose and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Download Audio More information is available online by clicking on, Taste …
Ag Info Revolution
Everett Griner looks at crop management from a chair. Download Audio
EPA Nutrient Standards Hearings to be Held This Week
Kathy Vogel, Executive Director of the Florida Water Quality Coalition, is one of those scheduled to speak at hearings being held this week on EPA’s proposed nutrient standards. And the following report includes her thoughts on the issue and the importance of it to Florida Agriculture. Download Audio
Sequencing May Aid in Producing Biofuel Crops
USDA scientists have completed sequencing the genome of a kind of wild grass that will enable researchers to shed light on the genetics behind hardier varieties of wheat and improved varieties of biofuel crops. Download Audio