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Below you'll see everything we could locate for your search of “EPA”
By Frank Giles With inflated input costs and tight profit margins in recent years, some specialty crop growers have sought to diversify their businesses to generate new revenue streams and to spread risks. Agritourism has been the choice for some farms. Agritourism encompasses several categories, including you-pick, direct-to-consumer retail sales, and venue space for weddings and other events. Growers considering …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting the Florida Farm Bill and its proposal to protect Florida’s farmers and hunters from drone harassment. The proposal will prohibit the drones on designated agricultural lands designated without the property owner’s approval and will prohibit drones on or near private property, state-hunting lands, or shooting ranges with the intent …
Last fall, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) held an essay writing contest to support its Farm-to-School program. The program’s goal is to link Florida farmers with school districts to provide locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. The essay contest sought to engage the students who benefit from the program. More than 240 students submitted an essay. …
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) berry farmers should be mindful of thrips. Not normally a problem for growers in North Carolina in past years, thrips have been gaining traction as a concerning pest recently, says Lorena Lopez, N.C. State assistant Extension professor of entomology and plant pathology. “Western flower thrips are the major thrips species that we have infesting …
By Clint Thompson The 2025 Georgia State Legislative Session continues to highlight areas of concern for Georgia’s specialty crop industry. One bill centers on labor. House Bill 82, also known as the Georgia Guest Worker Act, was the focus of a recent hearing for the House Industry and Labor Committee. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley discussed the bill …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released key findings from a vegetable survey it conducted with growers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Florida tomato production in 2024 totaled 638 million pounds, a decrease of 27% from 2023. The value of utilized production for tomatoes was $331 million, down 32% from last year. Sweet corn …
By Clint Thompson Drought remains a concern for states across the Southeast, even amid recent rainfall. This is especially seen in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. According to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of South Georgia is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The driest part of the state remains in the southwest corner. Moderate drought …
By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show is less than a month away. Southeast specialty crop producers, including from Florida, Georgia and Alabama, are invited to attend this year’s show, scheduled for March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. While citrus is a major component of the daylong show, there is a vegetable seminar program scheduled for those wanting to learn …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting the Florida Farm Bill and its proposal to protect Florida’s farmers and ranchers from environmental, social and governance (ESG) lending discrimination from financial institutions. The proposal will prohibit financial institutions from using ESG scoring to restrict services and capital to farmers. Traditional lending determination options, such as the evaluation of …
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for February 2025, which became effective Feb. 3. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency …
