Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black reminds Georgians that while the signing into law of HB213 allows for the sale of hemp and hemp products, inclusion of cannabidiol oil (CBD) into a food or dietary supplement is still unlawful according to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. “The passing and signage of the industrial hemp bill is the …
USDA Seeking Feedback from Southeast Growers
Over the next few weeks, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be seeking feedback from growers about 2019 crops, stocks, livestock inventories and values. NASS will be conducting two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. They will be contacting nearly 5700 producers across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina in order to compile all of this information. …
Brew Your Own Beer? Grow Your Own Hops
Are you into brewing your own beer, or maybe thinking about brewing? Cathy Isom tells you a few things about how to grow your own hops. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you love beer, then you might consider growing the crop that is needed for flavoring your favorite beverage. If not for yourself, then sell them …
Charleston Gray Watermelon Sequenced
Summertime is quickly approaching, and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their university colleagues are reporting on genomics research on a traditional summer treat, watermelon. In a long-term study, researchers explored the genetics of “Charleston Gray,” a watermelon variety that was introduced to the public in 1954 by ARS. Watermelon has a long history in the United States and a …
Lawmakers Try to Set Stage for Hemp Industry
Moving quickly after the passage of a federal law, the Florida Legislature on Friday gave final approval to a bill aimed at creating an industrial-hemp industry in the state. Senators voted 39-0 to pass the bill (SB 1020), after the House approved it in a 112-1 vote Wednesday. The bill is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The state …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida Hemp Bill Passage
The Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1020, establishing a state hemp program within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The historic vote comes after the 2018 federal Farm Bill removed prohibitions on industrial hemp in place since 1937 and authorized states to create hemp programs. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried, a noted advocate for hemp, cannabis, and medical marijuana, offered the following statement: “Today’s …
Lawmakers Back Homeowner Vegetable Gardens
The Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a measure that would prevent local governments from regulating homeowners’ vegetable gardens. The 93-16 vote will send the bill (SB 82) to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The issue stems from a dispute between homeowners Hermine Ricketts and Laurence Carroll and the village of Miami Shores over an ordinance that banned front-yard vegetable …
Climbing Vegetables You Can Grow in a Limited Space
Cathy Isom tells you about some of the best climbing vegetables for a garden with limited space. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. You can grow so many great vegetables vertically, even if you have very little space. All you need is a wall, a trellis, or wire supports, for your crops to travel. Some of the best …
Why You Should Consider Growing St. John’s Wort
Cathy Isom has a few important tips on why you should consider growing St. John’s Wort, and how to plant and harvest it. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. St. John’s Wort is known as nature’s antidepressant, and although it’s not officially approved by the FDA to treat anxiety and depression, the herb is a popular alternative to …
Controlling Bacterial Spot on Tomatoes and Peppers
Alabama Extension wants those growing tomatoes and peppers to be aware of Bacterial Spot, a common disease on the leaves of those two plants. But, there are several steps that growers can take to control and prevent the disease, which involves using multiple management tactics. Controlling the disease with chemicals alone usually results in failure. Steps growers can take include …