There is a growing rumble in Florida and particularly in citrus country over recent allocations of specialty crop research monies. CLICK HERE to read the entire USDA news release that outlines where some 28-million research dollars are being awarded. Some industry and congressional sources tell us the allocations overlook critical and timely needs for research into citrus greening disease, or …
John Deere Introduces New Compact Tractors for Market Niches
In Sarasota, Florida this week John Deere officials displayed hundreds of tractors, many of them new models to become available in 2009, many of them geared toward the ‘lifestyle’ rural crowd and folks involved in things like citrus, nursery, vineyards and other agriculture operations. According to John Deere representatives on hand for the event, the new models coupled with the …
USDA Awards More Than $28 Million in Specialty Crop Research
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2008 – Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced that USDA has awarded more than $28 million through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) to solve critical specialty crop agriculture issues, address priorities and solve problems through multifunctional research and extension. The Specialty Crop Research Initiative was established by the 2008 Farm Bill to support the specialty crop …
John Deere Kicks Off Drive Green & New Compact Tractor Lineup
This week in Sarasota, Florida John Deere is holding an ag media event to kick off its “Drive Green” campaign. We’re on the scene here in south Florida for this event. Hear more in this report and be sure to stay tuned to Southeast AgNet for more information. Sponsoring this report: Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded …
Fall Vegetable Acreage Lower
According to the latest USDA forecast, the prospective area for harvest of 11 selected fresh market vegetables during the fall quarter is expected to be down 4 percent from last year. Acreage is lower compared to last year for snap beans, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, head lettuce, and bell peppers while acreage increased for carrots, sweet corn, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Listen …
Market Access and Food Safety Grants
USDA is funding more than 234 million dollars in projects for 70 trade organizations to help promote farm products overseas under the Market Access Program. Read the release with all the awards here. USDA also announced $13.8 million last week in grants to 19 states to support research, education and outreach for food safety through the National Integrated Food Safety …
USDA Official Explains COOL Rules
USDA is on a mission to explain the details of country of origin labeling to the producers, packers, wholesalers and retailers who now need to make it happen in the stores according to Lloyd Day, Administrator of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Listen to report here: Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary …
FFVA Awards
Various awards were presented at last week’s Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association annual meeting. Legislator of the Year awards were given to Florida State Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, and Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring. FFVA’s Researcher of the Year Award went to Ronald P. Muraro, a professor and extension farm management economist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and …
Specialty Crop Research Grants Under Review
The first round of specialty crop research grants under the 2008 Farm Bill are being reviewed and should be awarded in the early part of October. Listen to reports here: Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Farmers Markets Grants
USDA has awarded 85 grants totaling almost $3.5 million directed by the new farm bill to help farmers markets nationwide, including $75,000 for the State of Alabama Farmers Market Authority; $60,000 for the Florida Associtation of Community Farmers Markets; and two separate grants in Georgia for the Sparta/Hancock Produce Growers Cooperative and Common Ground Athens. Read details here. Listen to …