Once again this year Alabama-based Bonnie Plant Farm is offering free cabbage plants to all interested third graders who want to try their hand at growing a variety that can reach up to 50 pounds! Check out www.bonnieplants.com for more information about this popular educational program. Report (1:00 wma)
Agriculture and 12 Hours of Sebring
The “Fresh from Florida” message will be promoted to millions of people around the globe this spring during the 55th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The Florida Department of Agriculture has partnered with Sebring International Raceway to sponsor America’s oldest sports car endurance race, which will be held March 14-17, 2007. The winner of this year’s …
Mysterious Honey Bee Losses
Beekeepers in several states are facing the challenge of mysterious bee losses ranging from 30 to 90-percent and the National Honey Board has approved an emergency request for 13-thousand dollars to support research to find out why. Report (1:00 wma) Report (1:30 wma)
New Executive Director For FSGA
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association has a new executive director. He is B. Shawn Crocker of Hillsborough county. Report (:45 wma)
Bronson Pleased With Farm Bill Proposal
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is pleased with 2007 Farm Bill proposals announced by USDA, especially the increased focus on specialty crops. Bronson joined USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr in Arcadia this past week to release details of the proposal, which Bronson calls “Florida friendly.” Report (:45 wma)
USDA Under Secretary Knight Visits FL Citrus Monday Feb 5
In this report, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Bruce Knight discusses his meetings scheduled for Monday Feb 5 in Winter Garden with Florida citrus growers and other ag industry leaders. The meeting gets underway at 2:00 p. m. at Little Hall, 31 West Garden Ave in Newton Park, Winter Garden FL. Knight is expected to tour area …
Nutrition Programs Could Get More Produce
Administration’s farm bill proposals include more fruits and vegetables in nutrition and food assistance programs. Report (1:00 wma)
More Detail on Specialty Crop Proposals
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is hoping specialty crop producers will understand the need to allow the planting of fruits and vegetables on program crop acreage as the administration has proposed for the 2007 Farm Bill. I interviewed the secretary yesterday right after he announced the proposals. Report (2:00 wma)
USDA Releases Farm Bill Proposals
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Wednesday unveiled the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2007 farm bill proposals. The more than 65 proposals correspond to the 2002 farm bill titles with additional special focus areas, including specialty crops, beginning farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged producers. Details are available at www.usda.gov/farmbill. Among the proposals are payment limitations and increased conservation funding. Conservation Report …
Applications Being Accepted For Specialty Crop Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications until Feb. 12 for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program which helps open, retain and expand markets for U.S. specialty crops. More information can be found at fas.usda.gov. Report (1:00 wma)