(Tallahassee, Fla./June 23, 2021) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced winners for the 2021 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. Award recipients come from different parts of Florida’s agricultural industry, but they all share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while producing commodities that keep our food supply and economy strong. “Two-thirds of Florida’s land is connected to agriculture– …
USDA to Invest $15 Million through CIG Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing up to $15 million to support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. CIG partners use creative problem solving and innovation to address our nation’s water quality, air quality, soil health and …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS Submit Public Comment on USDA Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy
Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services submitted formal public comment on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the President’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. As part of the Executive Order, the USDA was directed to collect stakeholder input on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. Commissioner Fried …
Florida Water Policies for Agriculture
Water is the lifeblood of any farming operation. Many involved in the agriculture sector are working to do all they can to help Florida conserve water and make the most of this essential natural resource. Tatiana Borisova, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) water resource economist, gave an overview of the water-quality policies and programs in …
OJ Could Address Fruit Shortfall in Adult Diets
While whole fruit consumption increased in adults between 2003 and 2016, the intake of several key nutrients decreased over time, a new study shows. Adding 100% orange juice (OJ) to the diet could help address this shortfall and bolster the intake of other key nutrients found in OJ. A cross-sectional analysis using the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination …
FDACS Looking for Environmental Leaders
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is accepting nominations for the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. The award recognizes agricultural producers who demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing innovative techniques to safeguard the environment and conserve natural resources. Nominations must be submitted to FDACS by April 15, 2021. The nomination form may be downloaded below, and more information about …
Supercharge Raised Gardening Beds with Keyhole Gardening
Supercharge your raised gardening beds with keyhole gardening. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Keyhole gardening combines the convenience of an elevated growing space and the nutrient boost of a built-in compost bin. While there are plenty of variations, most keyhole gardens are rounded raised beds with a notch cut into the middle (similar to a keyhole, hence the …
AFBF President Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall provided testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Climate Change and the U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Sectors. Here is his written testimony: Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and I am pleased to offer this …
FARM Program Publishes 2020 Year in Review
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), which administers the National Dairy FARM Program (FARM), has announced they’ve published a 2020 Year in Review. This serves as an annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program. According to NMPF, the Year in Review details the resources and tools developed across all program areas to help farmers become more fully engaged …
Nutrition Basics for North Florida Citrus Growers
An article in the January Cold Hardy Citrus Connection newsletter offered basic nutrition management information for North Florida growers. It was written by Lisa Strange with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Taylor County Extension and Clay Olson, UF/IFAS Extension faculty, emeritus. A grower’s first nutrient management consideration is to have a soil test, the …