Meet Holly Bell, Florida’s Cannabis Czar

Web AdminFlorida, Florida Ag Expo, Hemp, Top Posts, VSC Expo

Ever since Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried appointed Holly Bell in February as the first director of cannabis for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, people have been curious about Bell’s background. Raised on an Indiana farm, Bell has been working in the cannabis industry for a number of years. She received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics …

Georgia Crop Insurance Program Expands; Deadlines Approaching

Web AdminAgri-business, Legislative, Top Posts, Uncategorized

By Karla Arboleda Growers in Georgia will soon be facing deadlines to secure their crop insurance. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) office in Valdosta, Georgia, is reminding growers of deadlines related to their crop insurance and new counties that have been added to the program. Davina Lee, USDA RMA regional office director, highlights important dates …

Meetings on Algae, Citrus and Water Management Ring Alarms for Florida Agriculture

Web AdminFlorida, Lake Okeechobee, Top Posts, Water

Three meetings this week in three different areas of the state brought more discussion that should wake up producers and others in agriculture who have remained mostly silent for decades. As the state’s population continues to swell by a 1,000 new residents each day, Florida’s population will likely exceed 22-million next year. As the nation’s third most populous state, there’s …

Fried Rallies Support for Hemp Industry

Web AdminFlorida, Hemp, Industry News Release

TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Friday encouraged supporters of a new state hemp industry to tell Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign a bill that would lead to a regulatory framework for the crop. Fried said an envisioned hemp “revolution” needs the governor’s signature on the bill (SB 1020), which would create a hemp program within the Department …

Disaster Aid Funding Signed Into Law By President Trump

Web AdminGeneral, Georgia, Industry News Release

Senators Perdue & Isakson fought for months to secure critical funding for Georgians recovering from Hurricane Michael U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) applaud President Donald J. Trump for quickly signing into law critical disaster relief funding for Georgia and other states impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters. Senators Perdue and Isakson have fought …

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Georgia Congressman Relieved Disaster Package Passed

Web AdminBerries, Georgia, Legislative, Top Posts, Weather

Disaster-aid legislation has now been signed into law by President Trump. The bill includes $19.1 billion for areas that suffered from natural disasters, including southwest Georgia, southern Alabama and Florida’s Panhandle, which saw major destruction following Hurricane Michael. While passing the aid for farmers impacted by Hurricane Michael is already a huge win, Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1) is also pleased …

Industry Reaction to U.S. Senate Approval of a Disaster-Aid Package

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Weather

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded Senate passage of a disaster supplemental that will provide much-needed funds to Florida’s Northwest communities, which were devastated by Hurricane Michael more than seven months ago. With Senate passage, Rubio urged the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly approve the long overdue disaster-relief package, and send the measure to …

Fighting for Florida Ag in D.C.

Web AdminFlorida, Legislative, Top Posts

Each year, Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) gives its members the unique opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Florida agriculture to their legislators. Farmers and ranchers from throughout the state attended the Field to the Hill event last week along with FFB state staff. AgNet Media’s Abbey Taylor was able to tag along with the Farm Bureau members …

Panel Advocates for Florida Ag to Florida Delegation

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts

A panel of Florida agricultural leaders had a unique opportunity on May 16 to discuss Florida agriculture issues in front of the Florida delegation in Washington, D.C. The panel mainly focused on two topics: hurricane relief dollars and the impact of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on Florida produce. Led by delegation co-chairs Alcee Hastings and Vern Buchanan, Florida’s representatives …

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Nikki Fried Announces New Water Policy Director

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release, Water

Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried announced her appointment of Christopher Pettit as director of agricultural water policy for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Speaking outside the South Florida Water Management District, Fried highlighted Pettit’s background in water resources management in Florida and beyond. A livestream of the press conference may be viewed here. “Addressing our state’s water issues …