The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) recently held a series of workshops on the status of an industrial hemp industry in Florida. Since the passage of the 2018 farm bill, growers throughout the state have been wondering how and when they can begin producing the crop. The question-and-answer meetings were designed to address uncertainties and introduce a …
Florida Strawberries Support Latest UF Studies on USMCA
The following information was written by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and expresses that organization’s views. DOVER, Fla. (FSGA) – The significance of the latest studies from the University of Florida/IFAS cannot be understated as they confirm what Florida growers have been saying for years about the negative impacts of subsidized fruit and vegetable imports from Mexico during our winter …
Hemp Regulations Still in the Works
By Karla Arboleda The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is ready to see industrial hemp production take off, but there are a few things that need to happen first. What to know Aline DeLucia, senior director of public policy for NASDA, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will review state plans once regulations are in place, …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida Hemp Bill Signed Into Law
Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – SB 1020, the state hemp legislation was signed into law. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “Tonight’s hemp bill signing marks a transformation in Florida, and a critical step on the journey to creating a green industrial revolution, strengthening agriculture with an alternative crop of the future, and expanding access to safe, quality CBD …
Studying K-Pam Efficacy for Post-Harvest Protection
After harvest, field work remains. Fungi, weeds and leftover crop are sitting in the soil and need to be cleared out to prepare for the next season. Nathan Boyd, associate professor of weed science, recently studied the efficacy of K-Pam soil fumigant on crop destruction and weed management after harvest. According to Boyd, K-Pam was injected through drip tape following …
Novel Watermelon Rootstock Knocks out Disease and Pests
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (USDA/ARS) — A new watermelon line, developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Clemson University scientists, gets to the root of the problem of a major disease and pest of watermelon crops in the southern United States. Carolina Strongback is a rootstock watermelon that is resistant to Fusarium wilt and the southern root-knot nematode, according to William “Pat” …
Scouting and Managing Spider Mites in Vegetables
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Summertime can be a productive season for growing vegetables. However, it is also a time that can be hot and dry. These are the perfect conditions for spider mites, pests that can cause widespread damage quickly. When present in high numbers, they can be pests for many aspects of farming. There are many species of spider …
Final Hemp Rulemaking Workshop Held in North Florida
Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried joined key Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services officials to host the third public hemp rulemaking workshop at the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee. Today’s workshop was the third and final in a series of three events which took place in South, Central, and North Florida designed to ensure anyone interested in …
Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses Pose Problems in Vegetables
By Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan The sweetpotato whitefly, commonly referred to as whitefly, is a major problem in vegetable production in Georgia and the southeastern United States. The whitefly can colonize hundreds of host plants in the landscape and has established itself year-round in this region. The pest has a short life cycle and is equipped with prolific reproductive capabilities. Consequently, its …
State Officials Prepare for Hemp Industry
(NSF) — With Gov. Ron DeSantis facing a deadline this week to act on the bill, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services held a final public workshop Monday as it prepares to carry out a measure that would lead to a state hemp program. The bill (SB 1020) would require the department to create a regulatory framework to …