Political Wrangling Over Conservation Program Could Exacerbate Florida Algae Issues

Dan Cattle, Environment, Field Crops, Florida, Industry Videos-Promoting Agriculture, Lake Okeechobee, Legislative, Livestock, Specialty Crops, Water

by Gary Cooper In weekend budget talks, lawmakers slash funding for a key land and water conservation program that is vital to restoring Florida’s waterways. Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is a budget casualty. This program has a 20-year track record of success in preserving green space in perpetuity, while keeping farmland on the tax rolls. Program …

What to Plant in a Hanging Basket Garden

Dan Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

Cathy Isom continues her series by giving you a few tips about what you should and shouldn’t plant in your hanging basket garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Having a hanging basket garden is ideal for having your own fruits and veggies at arm’s reach. It’s also a space saver, and works well on balconies and smaller …

Vidalia® Onions Have Arrived

Dan Georgia, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

Georgia’s official state vegetable is officially in season, beloved Vidalia® onions can now be found in grocery stores around the world. Grown only from Georgia soil, the Vidalia® onion is available for a limited time. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black released the following statement about the world-renowned onion:  “The sweetest onions on earth are certainly living up to their reputation this year.  Thanks …

Farm Groups Ask President, Congress for Disaster Relief

Dan Cattle, Dairy, Economy, Field Crops, Industry News Release, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops

A group of 135 farm organizations and banks that supply seasonal loans to farms and ranches today called on President Trump and Congress to put aside political differences and supply urgently needed relief in the wake of weather-related disasters in 2018 and 2019. The organizations highlighted the year’s unprecedented destruction in the letter. Farmers and ranchers are especially anxious for …

Growing Your Own Lettuce

Dan This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Cathy Isom has a few tips for you about growing your own lettuce. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are a variety of lettuce options you can have for your salads – and you can grow them right at home. Such as Arugula, French Crisp, Butter Lettuce, Romaine, Iceberg, and Leaf Lettuce.  Lettuce, no matter the variety, …

ADAI Licenses Growers, Processors, and Universities into the Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

Commissioner Rick Pate announced the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has licensed 152 growers, 59 processors, and 5 universities to grow, cultivate, process, and research industrial hemp in 2019. Each list is available at http://www.agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp—home—w-o. “We have had a significant interest in the Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program from potential growers and processors since the availability of applications was …

Lawmakers Look to Hemp as New Industry while Vegetable Gardens Headed to House Floor

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

With supporters pointing to the potential of a new industry, a House committee Thursday approved a plan for regulating production of hemp. The bill (HB 333), approved by the House State Affairs Committee, would create a regulatory framework that would be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is led by Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a …