As it becomes more expensive to ship produce far distances, farmers all over the country are re-discovering how valuable local markets for fresh farm products can be, both for the farmers and consumers. Florida is the fourth most populous state in the nation, yet it remains a top ten state in ag production. This story from USDA explores the trend …
Hard Decisions on Budget Cuts
Both the House and Senate Ag Committees have been meeting this week to explore the issues. One concern of course is the budget cuts and where to ultimately make them. Ag Commissioner Charles Bronson spoke with The House Agricultural and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee regarding one of those proposed cuts and Darly Adams has the details.
Producers Invited to Seminar on Hazmat Safety
Producers who live in Florida, Georgia, or Alabama and transport materials such as diesel fuel, gasoline, pesticides, or ammonium nitrate fertilizer across state lines are encouraged to attend a special seminar this Thursday, February 19th.
FL DBPR May Be Ramping Up Ag Enforcement in Wake Of Weather
We’re hearing from numerous contacts that the Florida Dept of Business & Professional Regulation may be ramping up its enforcement measures in the wake of the recent cold snaps affecting Florida agriculture. Our sources say at least sixteen investigators have been placed in agriculturally significant areas of the state to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Investigators …
Putnam Discusses “economic recovery plan” & Commish Race
Central Florida Congressman Adam Putnam was featured speaker at last week’s Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association annual banquet, and before his address to the crowd gathered for it in Arcadia, we asked for his thoughts on the so-called “economic recovery plan” working its way through Congress, and about his plans to run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010. …
Lindsey Mann Named 2009 GA Watermelon Queen
The Georgia Watermelon Association is pleased to announce that Lindsey Marie Mann of Bogart, GA,, was crowned the 2009 Georgia Watermelon Queen during their annual meeting at Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club in Cordele, GA. As the 2009 Georgia Watermelon Queen, Mann will represent Georgia’s watermelon industry and Association in over 50 promotions in supermarkets, fairs and festivals during …
FL Ag Census Shows Growth in Women, Minority & Family Farms
In this fourth and final segment of a four part series, Florida Agriculture Statistics Director Jeff Geuder discusses the growth in diversity of Florida’s farms and farmers since the last Census of Agriculture five years ago. 2007 Census of Agriculture data was released last week, and we talked to Geuder about it just after his briefing with Agriculture Commissioner Charles …
A Visit with FL House Agriculture Committee Chair, Trudi Williams
Representative Trudi Williams of Ft Myers represents Lee and Collier Counties in the Legislature and is Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. In the first report she comments on the budget cuts expected and how agriculture may fare. In the second report, Williams discusses water issues. And in the third report, Williams discusses sustainability.
Agriculture Census Shows Strengths of Industry for Florida Economy
In this series of reports, Florida Agriculture Statistics Director Jeff Geuder explains several key findings of the latest Census of Agriculture as it pertains to Florida. How about the aging of Florida’s farmers and ranchers, and are family farms holding on or not? As far as Florida’s ranking nationally in terms of agriculture’s importance, the data says a lot, too. …
Hauling Regs for Ag Trucks in FL Relaxed Thru Feb 25 Due To Cold
HAULING AG PRODUCTS RELAXED UNTIL FEB. 25 AS ICY BLAST HITS FLORIDA, BRONSON ANNOUNCES TALLAHASSEE – (FDACS) As agricultural producers begin assessing freeze damage from the overnight Arctic blast that impacted the state, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced today that an executive order relaxing weight limits on trucks transporting vulnerable crops has been extended until …