The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two agricultural disaster recovery programs with more than $112 million in funding to assist Florida farmers in rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Idalia. Impacted agricultural producers can now apply for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and the Silviculture Recovery Program. In …
Fight the Fight: Georgia Agribusiness Council a Strong Supporter for State’s Farmers
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers rely on industry supporters like Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, to be a voice at the state and federal levels. It is a responsibility that Bentley does not take lightly. “For us at the Agribusiness Council, we feel like our role is to take that fight to the capitol; whether that’s …
Paper Mulch Provides Incredible Potential for Southeast Watermelon Farmers
By Clint Thompson Paper mulch is a management option that watermelon producers could be using in the near future. While plastic mulch has long been utilized in vegetable production, paper mulch provides growers a more efficient and effective product to use during the season. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent …
Florida Farmers Can Join the TEAM Soon
Florida farmers can apply for the Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) Card beginning Jan. 1, 2024, to use for sales-tax-exempt purchases of agricultural materials. The plastic wallet-sized Florida Farm TEAM Card is a physical alternative to the paper exemption certificates. “I am pleased to make this exciting announcement that will help to alleviate administrative burdens felt by farmers and …
USDA Invests Nearly $28 Million to Support Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced an investment of $27.9 million across 45 organizations that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers, including programs for U.S. veterans who are entering into agricultural careers and starting new farming businesses. “The next generation of farmers and ranchers hold the promise for future American agriculture and rural …
Sprouts Farmers Market named FFVA Customer of the Year Â
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association honored Sprouts Farmers Market with its 2023 Customer of the Year Award during FFVA’s 79th annual convention at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples last month. The annual award recognizes the important role that food service and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce. It is given to a valued partner …
Vanilla Could Be the Next Big Crop for Small Farmers in Southern FloridaÂ
Florida is on the verge of a new agricultural crop that could give small farmers in the southern region of the state a high-value alternative to vegetable and fruit production.  University of Florida researchers at the Tropical Research and Education Center have embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of vanilla – from developing fertilizer recommendations to developing the highest-yielding and disease-resistant …
South Florida Leaders to Honor Miami-Dade County Farmers Month at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
On Nov. 4, South Florida leaders and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will commemorate Miami-Dade County Farmers Month during the 9th annual One Night in the Tropics. This premier philanthropic event will pay homage to those who harvest the fields of food that feed our communities. At the same time, it will raise funds for the University …
Farmers Expand Lettuce Production Across Florida
Each year, U.S. farmers produce enough lettuce to feed everyone in the country. Up to 73% of U.S. lettuce comes from California producers and is distributed nationwide through extensive retail chains. Lettuce grown in Florida accounts for 3% of the national total and has a unique market window during the winter months. Traditionally, Florida lettuce has been grown between October …
$40 Million Fund Will Support South Carolina Agribusinesses, Expand Opportunities for Farmers
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the Growing Agribusiness Fund, a new incentive program for South Carolina agribusinesses. The South Carolina General Assembly appropriated $40 million to launch the initiative, which will help existing South Carolina businesses engaged in the processing, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, storage, and transportation of agricultural products, in turn providing more …