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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Clint Thompson A preliminary report by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program shows wide-ranging impact on vegetable crops from Hurricane Milton. Production losses estimated for vegetables, melons and potatoes suffered an economic impact of $52.5 million to $233.2 million in the affected area. Approximately 71.1% of vegetable, melon and potato …
Hurricane Milton caused agricultural production losses with an estimated value between $190.4 million and $642.7 million in Florida, according to a preliminary report by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP). The report is based on a diverse set of baseline data and surveys UF/IFAS agricultural economists distributed to producers. Milton …
By Kenneth Parker Committed Florida Strawberry Industry Back on Track For over a century, eastern Hillsborough County has been the cornerstone of the Florida strawberry industry. Today, the industry spans nearly 15,000 acres and contributes more than $1.5 billion to the local economy in eastern Hillsborough alone. The industry is composed of 65 farm families, many of whom have been …
Billie Rooney and her husband, Scott, operate a 40-acre farm near Live Oak, Florida, where they grow blueberries, blackberries and sunflowers and raise livestock. Farming is a second career for the Rooneys. So, they had a lot to learn. She and hundreds of other farmers and ranchers across Florida can attest to the importance of lessons learned from any of …
Florida’s new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is $16.23 and will become effective Dec. 30. It marks a 10% increase from the previous year’s rate of $14.77. The AEWR increases are part of the reason, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), along with other industry organizations, submitted a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack this week. The …
Scientists with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have secured a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture to combat the lethal Laurel wilt disease and the redbay ambrosia beetles responsible for it. The research aims to improve control and mitigation practices for avocado production in …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon acreage does not figure to decrease in 2025; not after the successful seasons farmers have experienced the last two seasons, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think if we settle that there were 1,000 more acres last year, …
By Frank Giles Life can come at you fast in farming. Growers in it for the long term learn to adapt with the times and overcome the many challenges that come their way. That is the case with the Hill family, who has been farming in Central Florida for generations. The family operation has its roots in Lake County. But …
By Clint Thompson Hurricanes delivered devastating impact on fruits and vegetables this year in the Southeast. Whether it was Debby, Helene or Milton, each storm wreaked havoc on the region’s specialty crop production. But how long it takes to recover differs from storm to storm and on the commodities that were impacted, says Christa Court, University of Florida Institute of …
Florida’s 10% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) prompted some of the state’s agricultural organizations to send a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation imploring the need for labor reform. Florida’s AEWR increase is the largest in the country and will rise to $16.23. “While we have long advocated for significant reforms to the H-2A program, to include stabilizing …
