Two Southeastern cellulosic ethanol projects received grants last week from the US Department of Energy. Range Fuels, Inc., was awarded a $76 million grant to fund the research and construction needs of an ethanol plant in Soperton in Treutlen County Georgia. Once completed, the plant will produce about 40 million gallons of ethanol per year, and 9 million gallons per …
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 …
WATER SHORTAGE ENFORCEMENT?!
Just got a note on this from a trusted source in South Florida. Thought we’d pass it along… Please note that the Water Management District will be sending field inspectors out this weekend to look for growers violating the ban on weekend withdrawals from the regional water management system. The Caloosahatchee River is of particular interest because of the high …
Johanns Wants More Specialty Crop Funds in Farm Bill
With a new farm bill and trade issues looming high on his agenda this year, Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns continues to say that he will be an advocate for fairness when it comes to specialty crop producers. Report (1:00 wma)
Freezes Damage Louisiana Sugar Cane
Three freezes in one week and a late harvest are causing some serious problems for the Lousiana sugar cane crop. Report (:45 wma)
Trade Concerns Top Sugar Agenda
Trade agreements, negotiations and concerns will continue to be a focus of the sugar industry as a new congress takes over next year. Report (1:30 wma)
Sugar Pleased With New Congress
The sugar industry is optimistic about the new leadership in house and senate agriculture committees. Report (1:00 wma)
FL Ag and Business Leaders Want Amendment 3 to Pass!
In this Juice News report, Gary Cooper has comments from Mark Wilson of the Florida Chamber about why agriculture folks want Amendment 3 to pass. ALso in this report, a brief follow up with comments from Indian River Citrus League about USDA’s planned purchase of millions of gallons of Florida grapefruit juice, which should help stabalize prices for growers. Report (1:00 wma)
Research Key to Ethanol From Sugar Cane
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson says there may be potential for using sugar cane to make ethanol with more research. Report (1:00 wma)
Dem Candidates for Gov Square off over State’s ‘Greenbelt’ Ag Tax Laws
During the recent debate between Florida Democratic Candidates for Gov., aired on state-wide television, State Senator Rod Smith makes clear his support for agriculture and the state’s Greenbelt Law.  Report (2:00 wma)