By Clint Thompson An emerging weevil pest is cause for concern for celery and parsley producers in South Florida. Julien Beuzelin, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor in entomology, discussed the impact that Listronotus sparsus could have on those two crops. It could stunt the growth of celery plants and cause a quality issue. …
FDACS Announces Preliminary Damage Assessment for Agriculture Following Hurricane Ian
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried released the FDACS preliminary damage assessment for agriculture following Hurricane Ian. The assessment considered losses to agriculture production and infrastructure and are estimated between $1.18 billion and $1.88 billion. “While today’s assessment is a preliminary snapshot of the losses to Florida agriculture, …
FFVA Statement on USTR’s Response to Section 301 Petition
This week the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it will pursue avenues to assist the Southeast seasonal produce industry in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) after members of Congress requested an examination of certain issues in a Sept. 8, 2022, Section 301 petition. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) released …
Fried’s Statement on UF/IFAS Preliminary Agricultural Damage Assessment
Gainesville, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) released a preliminary assessment of agricultural production losses associated with Hurricane Ian. The report estimates a potential loss of up to $1.56 billion for Florida producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) is expected to release its own findings later this week. “After speaking …
Hurricane Ian Aftermath: Economists Estimate Up to $1.5 Billion Hit to Florida Agriculture
The combination of seasonal crops, livestock, nursery and aquaculture products potentially lost as a result of category 4 Hurricane Ian will likely be valued between $787 million and $1.56 billion, University of Florida economists predict. The estimate was released as part of a new document, “Preliminary Assessment of Agricultural Losses and Damages resulting from Hurricane Ian,” from the UF/IFAS Economic …
Rubio Leads Florida Delegation in Urging USDA to Declare Disaster for the State’s Ag Industry
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) led bipartisan members of the Florida congressional delegation in issuing a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack in support of Florida’s request to declare a Disaster for Florida counties that were impacted by Hurricane Ian, and to make assistance available to growers whose crops were damaged or …
Strawberry Spotlight: Update on Florida Pearl™ Pineberry
By Vance M. Whitaker The patented Florida Pearl™ (FL 16.78-109) pineberry is a newcomer on the U.S. berry market in the last two years. It has appeared in stores under multiple brand names, including Pinkaboo and Berry De Blanc. ABOUT THE BERRYPearl has white flesh inside and out, with a pink blush on the outside when ripe. The seeds also …
DeSantis Activates Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program on Tuesday. This makes $50 million available. At least $10 million must go to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. …
FFVA Announces Class 12 of Emerging Leaders Program
MAITLAND, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2022) – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) announced the selection of 14 up-and-coming agriculture industry leaders for Class 12 of its Emerging Leader Development Program. Administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, the creation of the Emerging Leader Development Program back in 2011 has provided 128 young leaders with an immersive experience on the …
Deadline to Submit Nomination for Florida Ag Hall of Fame
Those individuals interested in nominating someone for the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame are reminded that nominations are due by Thursday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized 171 inductees since 1980. They have helped the agricultural industry in Florida remain sustainable. Anyone who submits a nomination are asked to display the magnitude of …