Senators Back Rooting Out Vegetable Garden Regulations

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Vegetables

Despite concerns from the Florida League of Cities, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would largely prevent local governments from regulating homeowners’ vegetable gardens. The Senate Community Affairs Committee unanimously backed the measure (SB 82), which Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has filed for the legislative session that starts March 5. The Senate passed a similar bill during …

UF Researchers to Breed a New Variety of Florida-Friendly Hops

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have been awarded a two-year grant for $194,000 to breed varieties of hops that can grow in Florida. The researchers, based at the UF/IFAS Mid Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, Florida, said the grant will help continue their work to bring an alternative crop to the …

Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount Ends January 10

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Industry News Release, Vegetables

Thursday, January 10th is the deadline for the early registration discount for Commodity Classic—America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. The 2019 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, February 28 through Saturday, March 2 in Orlando, Fla. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit Commodity Classic.com. A complete schedule of events is also available on the …

UF ‘Plant Whisperer’ Helps Floridians Keep Produce Lush, Green and Safe

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Nursery Crops, Research, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Liz Felter gazes at the tomato plant and considers it quietly for a few seconds. Stroking the discolored leaves, she sticks two fingers in the soil and pushes the dirt down. “My gut tells me it’s not Erwinia,” says Felter, a University of Florida IFAS Extension regional specialized agent. The visitor to the UF/IFAS Diagnostic Plant Clinic in Apopka merely …

Various Ag Events Coming Up

Dan Cotton, Fruits, General, Nursery Crops, Organic, Peanuts, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

A variety of meetings and events for agriculture are coming up over the next few weeks. As Tyron Spearman reports, some start this week. 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 Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember …

The Growth of a Marketing Order

Dan Specialty Crops

Nearing year two of operation, the American Pecan Council is finding its stride in serving its industry both in short and long-term marketing plans and programs. Rod Bain reports. 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 Board Provides Significant …

Vegetable Gardens Issue Pops Up in House

Dan Industry News Release, Vegetables

An effort to keep local governments out of homeowners’ vegetable gardens has returned to the House. Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff, R-DeLand, filed a measure (HB 145) Wednesday intended to prevent local governments from regulating homeowners’ vegetable gardens. The measure mirrors a bill (SB 82) by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, that is scheduled to be heard Tuesday in the Senate Community …