Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson supports legislation in Congress that would provide Florida farmers with the same level of federal assistance other states have long been provided. The bill would ensure specialty crop farmers — such as those that grow fresh fruits, vegetables and nursery plants — have access to a wide array of federal agricultural programs. The measure, known …
Vidalia Shipping Date Set
The Vidalia® Onion Advisory Panel has recommended April 10 as the shipping date to begin the 2007 Vidalia Onion Marketing Season. The anel recommended the date after examining this year’s crop and determining the best times to harvest and begin shipping. Vidalia® onions shipped prior to April 10 must have a federal-state inspection certificate stating the onions have met the …
More Matters so EAT Healthy
To encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables, the Produce for Better Health Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA have unveiled a new public health initiative, Fruits & Veggies – More Matters. Also this week, a bi-partisan group of congressmen introduced the EAT Healthy America Act. Report (2:00 wma)
Ag Irrigation Tax Exemption Proposed for FL
In this report State Representative Baxter Troutman discusses the need for a tax exemption on equipment purchases for low-volume irrigation systems. It is one of the bills Troutman is proposing state lawmakers adopt this Session so ag irrigation equipment gets the same tax exemptions that other ag inputs already receive. Report (1:00 wma)
Fresh From Florida Sebring Race
The “Fresh from Florida” message will be promoted to millions of people during the 55th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring this week. Report (1:00 wma)
SWFREC Mourns Passing of Vegetable Specialist
The Southwest Florida Research and Education Center is grieving the loss of Dr. Kent Cushman, assistant professor of vegetable horticulture. Report (1:00 wma)
South Florida Organic Certification Workshop
Purpose: To help growers and other individuals interested in pursuing Organic Certification with the USDA National Organic Program. Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Time: 9:00 a.m. –1:30 p.m. Location: University of Florida IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center 18905 SW 280 Street, Homestead, FL 33031, tel: 305-246-7001 Registration cost – $15.00 per person (Lunch, coffee break and educational materials included …
Upbeat Potato Producers
2006 was a pretty good year for potatoes so growers who met with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns last week in Washington were pretty upbeat and so was the secretary. Report (:40 wma)
Immigration Issues
Immigration reform was a topic at USDA’s annual Outlook Forum last week. Report (1:00 wma)
House Subcommittee Discusses Specialty Crops
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture met Feb. 28 for a hearing focusing on the Bush administration’s farm bill proposal as it relates to specialty crops and organics. USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Connor answered questions from subcommittee members about the specialty crop title to the USDA 2007 Farm Bill proposals the agency released on Jan. 31. Report …