WASHINGTON, D.C.—March 1, 2011—In a letter sent to members of the Senate today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and other conservation groups urged lawmakers to support fair and reasonable funding levels for rural America, agriculture and agricultural conservation within the 2011 appropriations legislation.
AL Farmers Markets to Remain Open for Now
MONTGOMERY – John McMillan today announced developments that could result in keeping both State Farmers’ Markets open. As a result, McMillan, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, said the facilities will remain open at least another week to give interested parties time to work out details. He released the following statement earlier today:
AL State Budget Cuts Force Closure of Markets
MONTGOMERY –Commissioner John McMillan has announced that the two State Farmers’ Markets owned and operated by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries will cease operation due to budget cuts. The closures will be effective March 1, according to Comm. McMillan.
USDA Specialty Crop Grants Available for FL Producers
TALLAHASSEE – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced today that up to $4.3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be awarded to nonprofits, producers, academic institutions and government agencies, among others, to fund projects that will enhance the competitiveness of Florida’s specialty crops. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now accepting applications for funding. Download …
Medflies Confirmed In Florida, Not Near Commercial Citrus
Two Mediterranean fruit flies have been confirmed in Broward County, fortunately outside commercial citrus producing areas. Denise Feiber, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Plant Industry, in this interview with Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff tells about the finds and the steps being taken to protect agriculture. She also discusses the winding up or completion …
See You Later Alligator (Marketing)?
By DAVID ROYSE THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Feb. 6, 2011…..As Gov. Rick Scott prepares to propose his first state budget, he’s portrayed the process of whacking $5 billion from the spending plan – which he plans to do – as surprisingly simple. Scott hasn’t given out a lot of specifics about how he plans to do …
Citrus Industry eNews: CHMAs Growing, New CEU Article and More
If you would like to receive the eNews version directly via e-mail, please subscribe here. Citrus Industry eNews Exclusive sponsor: Special Rebate Offer Jan. 1-May 31, 2011 DON’T MISS THIS Citrus Health Management Areas Growing; More Needed
Texas Citrus Mutual’s Prewett Discusses HLB, Sweet Orange Scab
Texas doesn’t yet have HLB, but it has the psyllids that can spread it. Texas Citrus Mutual President Ray Prewett, interviewed by Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff while attending the recent HLB conference in Orlando, discusses Texas’ concerns about HLB and sweet orange scab. Download Audio Post sponsor: Copper coverage with Less Metallic Copper per acre.
UF Scientist Gmitter Discusses Citrus Genome Sequencing
University of Florida researcher Fred Gmitter is the leader of a successful international research effort to assemble the genome sequences for two citrus varieties. In this interview with Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff, he tells what the sequence is in layman’s terms, gives credit to grower groups for funding that sparked the effort, and describes the significance of the accomplishment. Download …
FL Ag Commish Putnam Plugs Into Immigration Debate in Tallahassee
A special state Senate committee is already exploring the immigration issue surely to be a big one in the coming Legislative Session. While much was said during the campaign about it, some reality check seems to be starting to come back into the discussion, thanks in part to people like Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, and some Florida business interests who …