commissioner

Florida Farm to You Commodities Page Adds Interactive Map, Transportation Options

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has added several exciting new features to the Florida Farm To You commodities exchange that the Department launched on April 9. Designed to connect farmers with buyers, consumers, and food banks during COVID-19, the page has been visited more than 334,000 times, with more than 310 listings of …

Florida Blueberry Farmer: I’m a Fan of Having Our Own Domestic Supply of Food

Web AdminBerries, Florida, Georgia, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Blueberry prices have not improved much, and Mexican imports may be a reason why, says Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “I don’t think (prices have) move the needle much. Part of it is this Mexico deal. Mexico brought another 5 million pounds in last week. Mexico just keeps putting more and more fruit on our window, even Georgia’s …

What if Someone Has COVID-19 on the Farm?

Web AdminDisease, Environment, North Carolina, Top Posts

Article written by Mark Hoffmann (mark.hoffmann@ncsu.edu) and Chip Simmons (odsimmon@ncsu.edu); NC State University The following describes actions a grower should take if there is a positive COVID-19 case is on the farm: Preparation and Prevention: Have an emergency plan for how you will (1) care and (2) isolate COVID-19 infected workers. Identify the nearest healthcare facility that provides free or …

commissioner

Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on USDA’s Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement

Web AdminFlorida, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently announced it would temporarily suspend enforcement of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for fresh fruit and vegetables in response to COVID-19, allowing products sold to foodservice businesses to be redistributed to grocery stores, markets, and other retail businesses. COOL food package labeling clearly identifies in what country …

Growing Matters: Protecting Pollinators as Applications Increase

Web AdminGrowing Matters, News From Our Sponsors, Top Posts

Pesticide applications are picking up as seasons progress across the country. The BeSure campaign, brought to you by the Growing Matters Coalition, is pointing out the communication that needs to be taking place to protect pollinators. University of Florida Entomologist Dr. Jamie Ellis said there are several things growers can do to help prevent any undue harm. Listen to Ellis’ …

FDACS Launches Hemp Permit Application Portal

Web AdminFlorida, Hemp, Top Posts

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the state’s online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal, allowing interested growers to apply for licenses. The portal’s user-friendly interface provides applicants with a checklist of recommended steps to allow for a quick and easy application process. “As we continue building our state hemp program into a national …

Sneak Peek: May 2020 VSCNews Magazine

Web AdminTop Posts, VSCNews magazine

By Ashley Robinson The May issue of VSCNews Magazine targets the best pest management practices for growers. Researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are already looking ahead and making plans to see what more can be learned about growing hemp in Florida, as they reach the midpoint of their pilot project. Lourdes Rodriguez, …

Specialty-Type Melons Under the Microscope in Alabama

Web AdminAlabama, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Alabama produce farmers may soon have more options to choose from. This is due to ongoing research from Alabama Extension vegetable specialist Joe Kemble. Kemble is researching a melon trial this year that encompasses everything but watermelons and cantaloupes. It’s an expansion upon last year’s trial. He hopes to present relevant date at the annual Fruit and …

UGA Extension, Georgia Department of Agriculture seek to help farmers get produce to public

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Produce, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News Georgia farmers and agricultural producers eager to sell fresh produce and other products are being connected with consumers and other buyers who need their products through a new partnership between University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown program. Because of disruptions to the industry triggered by the …

Georgia Farmer Thinking Inside the Box

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Strawberry, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson One South Georgia farmer is thinking inside the box when it comes to moving this year’s fruit and vegetable crop. Like his brethren in Florida, Bill Brim’s farming operation has been impacted by the orders of self-quarantine amid the current coronavirus pandemic. The lack of a foodservice market led to a sharp decline in demand for fresh …