TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson released the following statement last Friday after the end of a historically successful Legislative Session: “From supporting farmers by taking regulatory weights off their backs, to protecting consumers at the fuel pump, to preserving and protecting our lands for future generations, the 2023 Legislative Session included huge victories for Florida agriculture, …
Commissioner Simpson Celebrates Legislative Session Delivering for Florida Ag
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson released the following statement last Friday after the end of a historically successful Legislative Session: “From supporting farmers by taking regulatory weights off their backs, to protecting consumers at the fuel pump, to preserving and protecting our lands for future generations, the 2023 Legislative Session included huge victories for Florida agriculture, …
Florida Grower Citrus Show Delves into Global Nutrient Markets
By Frank Giles April was a busy month for the AgNet Media team. On top of our normal duties, we also hosted the Florida Grower Citrus Show in Fort Pierce. This was after much thoughtful deliberation and planning that included changing the format of the event. Since this was the first time hosting the show since it was acquired last …
FSGA Pleads for Continued Investment in AI in Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson Count the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) as one organization that voiced its concerns during last Monday’s Farm Bill listening session in Newberry, Florida. Kenneth Parker, executive director of the FSGA, focused his talk on continued research into artificial intelligence when he spoke to members of the House Committee on Agriculture. “The Farm Bill can mitigate the …
Georgia Bill Focusing on Foreign-Owned Farmlands May Be on the Horizon
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session did not include the passage of a bill preventing foreign-owned farmlands in the state. While one was debated and discussed, it did not pass this session. Some of the state’s political leaders believe a bill will be passed next session, however. “It’s set up for next year. We really, just across the country now, …
Inflation Could Reset Watermelon Industry
By Clint Thompson The current agricultural landscape has one South Georgia watermelon producer in survival mode. Instead of looking ahead five to 10 years down the road, Crisp County’s Greg Leger is taking it one season at a time. “How long can we sustain what’s happening right now? They’re not challenges that we haven’t faced in agriculture before. But we …
USDA Predicts: Exports Decreasing, Imports Increasing in 2023
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable producers in the Southeast will be disappointed to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) revised Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 trade forecast projects lower exports and a record imports, according to Seth Meyer, chief economist with the USDA. He provided the update during the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum held last week. Exports are …
USDA Projections: Exports Decreasing, Imports Increasing in 2023
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable producers in the Southeast will be disappointed to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) revised Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 trade forecast projects lower exports and a record imports, according to Seth Meyer, chief economist with the USDA. He provided the update during the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum held last week. Exports are …
India’s Reduction of Pecan Tariffs a ‘Huge Deal’ for Producers
By Clint Thompson India’s reduced tariffs on U.S. pecan exports is a huge win for producers in the Southeast. “It’s a huge deal. It’s going to potentially open up another huge market that we desperately need. It may take a little while to get it going, but the first hurdle has been cleared any way,” says Lenny Wells, University of …
Foreign-Owned Ag Lands in U.S. Concerning for Alabama Residents
By Clint Thompson The concept of foreign-owned entities purchasing U.S. farmland continues to be a concerning topic for Alabama specialty crop producers. “I’ve probably heard more on that topic here lately than any other. It’s definitely something that’s got people’s attention,” said Preston Roberts, director of agricultural legislation with Alabama Farmers Federation. “It seems like the more it’s being discussed, …