We hear everyday how tough the current economic conditions are, but according to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, agriculture is still doing well in the state.
Selling Farm Products Directly to Consumers
Benefits of Selling Farm Products Directly to Consumers Nola Wilson, Marion County extension agent As Florida’s population continues to grow, there’s little doubt many newcomers arriving from other states are accustomed to buying products from local farmers. As a result, there are increasing numbers of potential customers you can reach directly, and numerous ways you can reach them—farmers’ markets, U-pick …
Organic Transition Workshops
FOG-IFAS Organic Transition Workshops GAINESVILLE, Fla. – (FOG/IFAS, February 23, 2009) Florida Organic Growers (FOG) will team up with the University of Florida IFAS to present two Organic Transition workshops in April: The workshops will be held on Wednesday, April 22 at the IFAS Extension facility in Homestead and Thursday, April 23 at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research & Education …
Organic Certification Reimbursement
Florida Farmers/Handlers Eligible for Organic Certification Reimbursement GAINESVILLE, FL – (UF/IFAS, February 23, 2009) Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG) is accepting applications from certified organic growers and handlers in Florida for reimbursement of up to 75 percent of certification costs, or a maximum of $750. Reimbursement for certification costs paid between Oct. 1, 2008, and Sept. 30, …
FL Farm Bureau Urges Producer Participation in NRCS Mtg Series
Florida Farm Bureau urges producers to participate in meetings on Farm Bill conservation program (Gainesville, Fla. – FFBF) – The Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) is urging agricultural producers to attend meetings scheduled around the state in March by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA (NRCS). Rulemaking is in process for the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, commonly …
Cold Lately, But Weather Watchers Say FL Could Be Dry Later
In this report, Meteorlogist Brad Rippey discusses weather trends that could turn Florida’s unusually cool winter into unusually dry weather later on this spring.
Buying Local Offers Opportunities for Farmers, Consumers
As it becomes more expensive to ship produce far distances, farmers all over the country are re-discovering how valuable local markets for fresh farm products can be, both for the farmers and consumers. Florida is the fourth most populous state in the nation, yet it remains a top ten state in ag production. This story from USDA explores the trend …
Sugar Production in FL Down, Dynamics of Sugar Market Changing
Florida sugar production is shorter than earlier expected, and coupled with the changes in values of the Mexican peso, the dynamics of the sugar market are changing. Hear more about it in this report from USDA radio.
Florida Farm Bureau South Florida Ag Report for February
This report from Charles Shinn, Asst Director, Gov’t & Community Affairs, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. You can e-mail him at charles.shinn@ffbf.org Deadline Approaching for Lake Okeechobee Service Area Water Users Irrigation permits using surface water from Lake Okeechobee or its tributaries for landscape, golf course, nursery, livestock, improved pasture and agricultural uses need to be renewed to avoid losing the …
Hard Decisions on Budget Cuts
Both the House and Senate Ag Committees have been meeting this week to explore the issues. One concern of course is the budget cuts and where to ultimately make them. Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson spoke with The House Agricultural and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee regarding one of those proposed cuts and Darly Adams has the details.