(USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a movement permit to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a broker with Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 7 p.m. Dec. 24 and 7 a.m. Dec. 25 through or …
Pesticide Products Registered for Use on Hemp
In December 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved adding hemp to the use sites of 10 pesticides. Nine of the products are biopesticides and one is a conventional pesticide. As EPA receives additional applications to amend product labels to add use on hemp, the agency will process those applications on an ongoing basis and update this list. Biopesticides EPA Registration Number: 70310-5. Applicant: Agro Logistic …
Crop Insurance Deadline Approaching for Tomatoes and Pecans
(FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reminding Florida’s tomato and pecan growers of the approaching crop insurance deadline. Growers have until Jan. 31, 2020, to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2020 crop year. Current policyholders who would like to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Jan. 31 sales closing date …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Comments on House Passage of USMCA
(FDACS) — The U.S. House passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). In response, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “It is deeply disappointing that seasonal protections were not included in this USMCA implementing legislation. For nearly a year, I have called repeatedly for effective, timely relief from unfair trade practices for America’s seasonal produce growers in the USMCA. …
Survey: Blueberries Are Registered Dietitians No. 1 Recommended Fruit
Registered dietitians recognize the potential health benefits of blueberries as part of an overall healthy diet. (USHBC) — A new survey of 201 U.S.-based registered dietitians (RDs) revealed that blueberries are their No. 1 recommended fruit. The survey from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with Today’s Dietitian, found that 86 percent of the surveyed RDs said they recommend blueberries frequently …
Peaches Benefiting From Seasonal Weather
(ACES) — Cool weather is just what peach trees across Alabama need. Edgar Vinson, a fruit crop specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said peaches and other tree fruits need adequate chill hours to produce a good crop. “As of mid-December, we have received at least half of the total chill hours needed for most peach varieties in the state’s two major …
Carambola Could Be the New ‘Star’ of Florida Agriculture
Cover crops may increase sustainability of carambola groves. (ASA) — It’s not just oranges that grow in Florida. Carambola, or star fruit as most in the United States call it, is gaining popularity. One researcher from Florida International University is researching how cover crops can help the sustainability of star fruit farms. “Tropical fruit production has become a prominent practice …
Scientists Developing Recipe for Growing Vanilla in South Florida
(UF/IFAS) — A tablespoon of vanilla goes a long way. As a key spice in baking, the intoxicating aromatic bean that reminds folks of delicious holiday desserts has a variety of uses throughout the year. As a bean, it is used to flavor foods and products from cakes to candles. As an extract, it is a basic ingredient in flavoring …
UF Scientists Join Multistate Blueberry Breeding Grant
(UF/IFAS) — A plant breeder and a food scientist, both with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), will join a $12.8 million, multistate research grant to broaden the nation’s blueberry breeding capabilities. For the project, Patricio Muñoz, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences and Charlie Sims, a UF/IFAS professor of food science and human …
Florida Agri-Women Tour Agricultural Operations
(AgPR) — Women around the state who work in agriculture came together Dec. 5 for Florida Agri-Women’s first farm tour. The initiative aimed to provide education on agricultural issues while visiting farm operations. The goal of Florida Agri-Women (FAW) is to work together as a collective voice to promote the industry and keep the future of Florida agriculture sustainable. The …