The need for increased research into food safety for fresh produce is critical for producers, according to Dr. Martha Roberts who testified recent congressional hearing on behalf of the Florida Tomato Exchange. Report (1:30 mp3)
Collapsing Colonies
During a recent speech to introduce the new US postal service pollinator stamps, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns talked about the importance of honey bees, how Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting bees in 35 states, and what USDA is doing about it. Report (2:00 mp3)
Young Farmer Produce Leader
Erin Hanas Archey of Oviedo, an economic analyst for A. Duda & Sons, Inc. and a member of Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Group, has been named to the 13th Produce Industry Leadership Class by United Fresh Produce Association. Read release from Florida Farm Bureau. Report (1:00 mp3)
Valent Select Max for Leafy Greens
Valent USA Corporation has announced a new registration for its Select Max Herbicide to be used on pulse crops such as dry beans and peas, as well as other specialty crops like asparagus and leafy greens. Report (1:30 mp3)
Subcommittee Votes for Commodity Title Extension
Rather than overhauling the safety net for America’s farmers and ranchers – a House Ag Subcommittee has voted to keep the subsidy portion of the 2002 Farm Bill in place for the next five years. The proposal rejects the USDA plan for major changes in the commodity title and administration officials are disappointed while ag groups are divided on the …
New Name for Foundation
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Research & Education Foundation has been renamed the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, Executive Director Mike Carlton announced today. The name change is part of a reorganization that began when Carlton was named as the foundation’s first full-time executive director in January. “Our mission is to be the leading organization for specialty crop research, education and …
Soil Fumigant Meetings
Florida producers are being urged to attend a meeting June 5 to prepare for the EPA Soil Fumigant Pesticides meeting to be held in Ft. Myers on Wednesday June 6. The working dinner meeting will be 5:00 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in Ft. Myers. The EPA meeting will be on June 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at …
Immigration Bill Update
The Senate overwhelmingly voted last week to reduce the number of guest workers allowed into the U.S. under the immigration bill being debated. The amendment, introduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), would allow only 200,000 workers into the country, half of the original figure of 400,000. Report (1:30 wma)
FL Beekeeper Named 2007 Ag Volunteer
Florida Ag in the Classroom has named John Gentzel its Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Selected from four nominees from across the state, Gentzel was nominated by the Dade County Farm Bureau where he’s been a member for twenty years. One of the most respected beekeepers in the state of Florida, Gentzel has devoted countless hours educating teachers and students …
FL Farm Safety Day
The Seventeenth Annual Farm Safety Day to be held on Saturday June 2 at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Reseach and Education Center in Immokalee. Farm Safety Day is an educational event for farm workers and employers designed to emphasize the importance of farm and equipment safety. The deadline for registration is May 25th. For more information or to register, contact …