FFVA President on Trade

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced the appointment of members to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade, including Mike Stuart with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …

FFVA Concerned About IFAS Budget

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Mike Stuart with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association says they are keeping a close eye on this year’s Florida legislative session to make sure cuts for research programs at the University of Florida IFAS are not too severe. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows …

Specialty Crop Growers Frustrated With Farm Bill

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Specialty crop interests are frustrated by the latest extension of the 2002 farm bill, however Mike Stuart with Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, who is co-chairman of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, says they remain optimistic a new farm bill can be passed. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, …

Georgia Veg Industry Optimism

Randall Weiseman Georgia, Vegetables

The Georgia vegetable industry recently overwhelmingly passed a new vegetable marketing order and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association executive director Charles Hall says the industry is really growing in the state. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, …

Specialty Crops Outlook

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Specialty crops got special notice at USDA’s 2008 Outlook Forum in Washington DC. Tom Stenzel with the United Produce Association talked about how the industry has pulled together in recent years to get recognition in farm legislation. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research …

GA Vegetable Marketing Order Passes by 80% Margin

Gary Cooper Georgia, Vegetables

The Georgia Vegetable Commission is pleased to announce the passage of a vegetable marketing order. The marketing order passed with an 80% margin of favor. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary …

FL Ag Hall of Fame Draws Huge “Who’s Who” in Industry

Gary Cooper Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, FL Commissioner Report, Florida, Livestock, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables

Making a strong statement that the Florida agriculture industry is far from waning, well over a thousand producers and ag industry leaders joined Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson for fellowship and dinner while honoring this year’s four inductees into the industry’s most exclusive club of pioneers. This year’s honors went to (l to r) “Pete” Clemons, Okeechobee; Hugh English, LaBelle; …

Purple Leaf Problem

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

A new tomato disorder has been observed in several fields in Hillsborough and Manatee counties that is being called tomato purple leaf disorder. Specialists at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center are urging growers to be on the lookout for the disorder which has been localized in the two county region since 2006 and appears to develop only on …

Georgia Vegetable Marketing Order Referendum

Randall Weiseman Georgia, Vegetables

Georgia vegetable growers who received a ballot in the mail to vote on a marketing order need to vote and return that ballot by Tuesday February 12. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track …