FL House Ag Chair Comments on U S Sugar Buyout & Budget Matters

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Sugar

In these reports, Florida House Agriculture Committee Chair, Rep. Trudi Williams from Ft Myers, comments on a couple hot topics this year. In the first report, some of her objections to the proposed purchase of U S Sugar farmlands by the South Florida Water Management District. In the second, Williams expresses disappointment about recent Gubenatorial vetoes to budget cuts passed …

FL DBPR May Be Ramping Up Ag Enforcement in Wake Of Weather

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

We’re hearing from numerous contacts that the Florida Dept of Business & Professional Regulation may be ramping up its enforcement measures in the wake of the recent cold snaps affecting Florida agriculture. Our sources say at least sixteen investigators have been placed in agriculturally significant areas of the state to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Investigators …

Florida Sod Growers Promote Water Conservation Solutions

Gary Cooper Florida, Specialty Crops

LAWNS MAKE OUR WORLD GREENER Community Outreach Launches Statewide LABELLE, FL (February 9, 2009) — The Florida Sod Growers Cooperative is launching “LAWNS MAKE OUR WORLD GREENER,” a statewide outreach initiative focused on sharing water conservation strategies and educating homeowners and businesses on the benefits of a healthy lawn. “As one of the state’s leading green industries, we’re proud to …

Irrigation Water Use Permit Renewal Workshop – Clewiston 2/25

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Specialty Crops, Sugar

The South Florida Water Management District has begun the water use permit renewal process for the Lake Okeechobee Basin, which includes portions of Palm Beach, Martin, Glades, Okeechobee, Lee and Hendry counties. All individual and major general water use permits for irrigation withdrawals from Lake Okeechobee or its tributaries will expire on February 28, 2009. Since Water Use Permits have …

FL Strawberries Fine After Cold Events – Labor Still Ongoing Concern

Gary Cooper Florida, Specialty Crops, Weather

In this report, we check in with Ted Campbell with the Florida Strawberry Growers Association who says all is fine with the Strawberry crop since the two cold snaps that passed over Florida in recent weeks. Meanwhile, when asked about issues of concern for strawberry growers, like those in other specialty crop sectors he says his folks still have concerns …

Brazil Trip Planned for Late May For Interested FL Citrus Folks

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, International, Specialty Crops

IFAS SPONSORED TOUR OF THE CITRUS INDUSTRY OF BRAZIL: We look forward to some of our radio listeners, website visitors and Citrus Industry Magazine readers joining us on this upcoming citrus study trip to Brazil. It’s another excellent opportunity for meaningful visits and study as the Florida Extension Service will be conducting a tour to visit the citrus industry in …

FEBRUARY 27, 2009 DEADLINE FOR FLORIDA WATER USERS

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Sugar

This reminder thanks to Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Agent IV, UF/IFAS Hendry Co Extension, LaBelle FL. 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 legal right to use this water. Anyone using surface water from Lake Okeechobee or …

Putnam Discusses “economic recovery plan” & Commish Race

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables

Central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam was featured speaker at last week’s Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association annual banquet, and before his address to the crowd gathered for it in Arcadia, we asked for his thoughts on the so-called “economic recovery plan” working its way through Congress, and about his plans to run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010. …