WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, cosponsored a Waters of the United States (WOTUS) resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act. Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, and Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07), Chairman of the T&I Water Resources Subcommittee and senior Member of the House …
Neopestalotiopsis Widespread in Southeastern Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been widespread across strawberry fields in the Southeast. It started in Florida and has continued in South Carolina. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, said the increase in disease infestations is not surprising. “It’s not surprising considering we’ve had some weather like some …
Resolution Gives WOTUS Thumbs Down
By Frank Giles The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule has burbled back up from the regulatory depths. On Dec. 30, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a final rule to redefine WOTUS under the Clean Water Act. This marks the third attempt to define the term that started with …
Registration Is Now Open!
Registration is now open for the Florida Grower Citrus Show! AgNet Media is introducing a new look, location and format for the event. The 2023 trade show design is a tailgate gathering. Exhibitors will be showcasing tailgate-style food items to share with growers and industry attendees. The show will take place on April 13 in Fort Pierce in the parking …
Legislation Introduced in Hurricane Relief Effort
Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Block Grant Assistance Act of 2023, a critical bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide needed relief to agriculture producers devastated by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. This bill will provide the agriculture secretary needed authority to provide block grants to …
H-2A Housing a Hurdle for Many Growers
By Clint Thompson A small group of people can sometimes boast the loudest voices. For some specialty crop producers, that can impede progress. David Hill, president of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Fla., and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, recently testified to the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee on the state’s fruit and vegetable industry. One of his …
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Issues Recommendations for 2023 Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), which comprises more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, have released its recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill. In a letter to Agriculture Committee leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the SCFBA …
Drought-Like Conditions Expanding in Florida
Drought-like conditions continue to lessen in Alabama and Georgia, though dry conditions are now prevalent in most of Florida, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. A severe drought is observed in north Florida, in Taylor, Madison, Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Dixie and Levy counties. A moderate drought is also observed in surrounding counties in north Florida, including, Baker, Nassau, …
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Lays Out Farm Bill Recommendations
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, has released its recommendations for the 2023 farm bill. The SCFBA is led by co-chairs Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and …
India Cuts Tariffs on U.S. Pecan Exports by 70%
Washington, D.C. — The Republic of India announced a major 70% cut to tariffs on U.S. pecan exports. It is a win for Georgia’s producers. Sen. Jon Ossoff heard about the concerns during engagements last year with Georgia producers in Tift and Turner counties. At the farmers’ request, Ossoff has worked behind the scenes for months with U.S. trade negotiators and Indian government …