At a recent press conference, Bayer Crop Science announced that their vegetable seed business is growing. Â Report (1:00 mp3)
Alternative Crops for the Panhandle
The West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay is studying alternative crops – specialty crops – that can be grown in addition to, or instead of, traditional row crops. The first alternative crops field day at the WFREC will be held on October 24. Report (1:30 wma) Report (1:00 wma)
Mini Carrot Revolution
The carrot industry in this country has undergone somewhat of a mini-revolution over the past 20 years, starting in 1986 when a California grower developed and began to market fresh cut baby carrots. Report (2:00 mp3)
Whitefly Website
Specialty crop growers who are bugged by white flies have a new on-line resource to turn to for help. An online program called “Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamentals With an Emphasis on the Q-biotype,” gas been developed to help growers afflicted by the pests. The comprehensive online resource can be accessed at: http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/bemisia.htm. Report (1:00 mp3)
Leafy Greens Research
USDA is intensifying its research on the safety of fresh produce. Officials have announced that almost $5.5 million has been approved to support collaborative research to identify risk factors and preventive measures for E. coli contamination in fresh produce in California. Report (1:00 mp3) Report (1:00 mp3)
Crop Insurance Deadline for Georgia Onions
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds farmers of the August 31, 2007, sales closing date for crop insurance. This sales closing date is applicable to onions in Georgia. Find agents here. Report (:40 mp3)
Growth and Agriculture in Florida’s Future
At the recent annual summer meeting of the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association (FFAA) several speakers addressed Florida’s urban growth and the prospects for agriculture in the future as Florida’s population is sure to continue to expand. The first report posted below features Sr Vice President Richard Woodruff of Wilson Miller Engineering firm in Ft Myers, discussing how the statewide …
Helpful Tips For Growers On Handling Labor Issues
For farmers wanting to know more about how to deal with a crackdown on illegal workers, here are some communications courtesy of Dade County Farm Bureau in Homestead, Florida that may be helpful. Dade County Farm Bureau News (pdf file) Dade County Farm Bureau News Part II (pdf file) Sponsoring this news posting:
Illegal Immigration Crackdown Could Be Imminent
According to reports we’re getting from a number of sources, a federal crackdown on employers who employ illegal immigrants could be imminent. Growers are encouraged to contact their grower associations for details on how to best prepare. By the way, for growers interested in obtaining foreign labor legally, the sponsor of this report is a good place to start. Click …
Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association News
Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association (FFAA) recently held elections, presented awards and conducted other business at its summer meeting near Naples. Among other things, Brent Sutton of Growers Fertilizer Corp. in Lake Alfred was elected Chairman, and Jim Bellar was presented with FFAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more from these news releases: FFAA Board Election News 2007 (pdf file) FFAA …