As Florida growers rush to beat the freeze, highway restrictions have been eased to help them get those crops to market and processing. Report (1:00 mp3) Citrus is the biggest concern, but strawberries, beans, cukes, corn and eggplant are also in danger. Report (1:30 mp3) This post sponsored by:
FL Trucking Restrictions Eased to Transport Freeze-Vulnerable Crops
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is alerting the state’s agricultural producers that some highway restrictions have been eased to enable them to quickly harvest and transport crops that are vulnerable to the impending freezing weather conditions.
Both Farm Bill Versions Include More For Specialty Crops
In this report, central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam says while both House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill inlcude more than past Farm Bills in terms of specialty crops, diligence is needed to keep it that way. Report (2:00 mp3)
New Watermelon Not So Sweet
USDA researchers have developed new varieties of watermelon with less sugar. Report (1:30 mp3)
Conference to Address Labor Issues
The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable conference coming up next month in Savannah Georgia will feature Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and a focus on immigration and labor issues. Find out more at www.gfvga.org. Report (1:00 mp3) This post sponsored by:
Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about the “Fresh From Florida†promotional video spots that ran on the CBS “Super Screen†in Times Square last month. More information about the promotion can be found online. To view the TV versions that are currently running on cable television, visit “Fresh From Florida” Holiday Television Spots. Report (1:00 mp3)
FL Congressman Adam Putnam re Farm Bill & Budget
Upon his return to Florida from the Nation’s Capitol for the holidays, Florida Congressman Adam Putnam spoke to Southeast AgNet about a number of ag news items coming together in Congress over the past week or so. Report (2:00 mp3) This post sponsored by:
Leafy Green Comments
USDA got more comments than expected on a plan to create a national safety and certification program for leafy green vegetables. Report (1:30 mp3)
USDA RMA Partners With SE F&V Conference
The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable conference coming up next month in Savannah Georgia is being held in partnership with USDA’s Risk Management Agency. Find out more at www.gfvga.org. Report (1:30 mp3)
Food Safety Focus at Ag Expo
Food safety was in focus at the Florida Ag expo last week. Florida Ag Commissioner Charlie Bronson commended the state’s fruit and vegetable industry for working diligently on food safety issues. Report (1:30 mp3)