(THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA – 02/05/10) State Senator Carey Baker (photo left) is dropping out of the race for agriculture commissioner, unable to raise the money needed to compete with U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam’s fundraising. “With so many other challenges to address in our state, particularly in the Legislature, it would be wrong of me to continue a campaign …
Schedule Changes for Hearings on EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria
The U S Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled three public hearing dates for their new water regulatory criteria for the state of Florida (see below). Pre-registration is strongly encouraged especially if you would like to speak at the hearings. http://yosemite.epa.gov/ost/WaterSciHearingReg.nsf/SignUp_Web?OpenForm The EPA recently notified pre-registered participants of the following changes in the schedule:
Organic Survey Results Reported
Results form the 2008 Organic Production Survey indicate when compared to U.S. farmers overall, the nation’s organic farms have higher average sales and higher average production expenses. Download Audio
More on Biofuels Efforts
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says that in order to advance the development and commercialization of a sustainable biofuels industry, all the various government departments must work together. Download Audio
Farm Critics
Farm critics are speaking loudly. Is anyone listening? Everett Griner answers this. Download Audio
Freeze-Idled Farmworkers Look For Federal Relief
From THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA – By MICHAEL PELTIER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Feb. 4, 2009…Florida growers may soon see federal assistance for the freeze that devastated winter crops as far south as Homestead. Farmworkers, however, are waiting for similar relief.
Florida Food Freedom Act
With a strong demand in Florida for local produce, Senator Carey Baker is trying to help producers meet the growing market’s need, by alleviating excessive state food permits. Download Audio
FL Appointees to State FSA Committee
The Obama Administration has announced the individuals who will serve on the Florida State Farm Service Agency Committee. Download Audio
Rooney Comments on USDA’s Florida Ag Disaster Declaration
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) released the following statement regarding the federal disaster declaration announced last week by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack: “Florida growers were hit extremely hard by the freeze last month and I am glad to see to see Secretary Vilsack declare a federal disaster so growers can receive much needed assistance. All eight counties in the …
Farm Thefts
Everett Griner explains how buyers of stolen property can help. Download Audio