agriculture

Florida Commercial Hemp Production Not Yet Approved

Web AdminHemp, Top Posts

By Karla Arboleda and Abbey Taylor Industrial hemp could be the next cash crop in Florida. However, there are many details to complete and hoops to jump through before growers can get their hands on the hemp. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hemp Pilot Program strives to give growers the answers they need regarding …

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 …

florida

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Addresses Ag Issues at Lay of the Land Conference

Web AdminEnvironment, Florida, Water

FDEP Secretary Noah Valenstein discusses growing water concerns, continued promotions for more urban growth, and views about agriculture south of Lake Okeechobee. By Gary Cooper Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Secretary Noah Valenstein packed the room for his comments at the eleventh annual Lay of the Land Conference near Orlando late last week. The Lay of the Land Conference, hosted …

florida

Florida Congressman Francis Rooney to ‘Deal with the Continuing Menace of Agriculture’

Web AdminEnvironment, Florida, Legislative, Water

Singling out farmers south of Lake Okeechobee during a speech to area residents in Cape Coral, Florida, in late February, Rep. Francis Rooney (R – SW FL District 19) stated he wants to “try to deal with the continuing menace of agriculture in the EAA (Everglades Agriculture Area).” This video excerpt of the congressman’s comments, transcribed below, is now being …

water

Florida, Georgia Square Off Again in Water War

Web AdminFlorida, Georgia, Industry News Release, Water

Florida says the case is the “last, best hope” to save the Apalachicola River region from destruction. Georgia says Florida’s arguments threaten to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in “real harm” to the Peach State. Now, a federal appellate judge based in New Mexico will have to sort out the long-running battle between Florida and Georgia over water in …

Basin Management Action Plans Stalled in Florida

Web AdminTop Posts, VSCNews magazine, Water

By Charles Barrett Regardless of your level of experience with basin management action plans (BMAPS), there are things about them everyone should know. UNDERSTANDING THE TERMS The short version is this: BMAPs are plans to restore water quality in a body of water to a level below what is considered impaired. Water bodies in Florida have been categorized based on …

Tickets Available for the Florida Ag Hall of Fame Banquet

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The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet is quickly approaching. Ray Hodge, president of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation, is encouraging industry members to purchase tickets as he expects a big crowd at this year’s event. According to Hodge, the four inductees for 2019 have been great representations of Florida agriculture. “This year’s class is very diverse, but …

New, Yet Old, Competition for Florida Avocados?

Web AdminAvocado, Top Posts

By Taylor Hillman There may soon be some new, yet old, competition — with tropical flair — for Florida avocados. After 25 years, Hawaii has again begun shipping Sharwil avocados to the mainland. Three thousand pounds of the avocado variety are being sent to Seattle, and the industry hopes to continue shipping through March. Hawaii has shipped avocados to the …

commissioner

Commissioner Nikki Fried Inaugurated as 12th Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Web AdminIndustry News Release

Commissioner lays out a fresh agenda that will keep Florida growing Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried was inaugurated as Florida’s 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As Commissioner, she will oversee a $1.8 billion department with nearly 4,000 employees, a $137 billion economic impact, and widespread responsibility for Florida’s food production and safety, consumer protection and licensing, and our state’s …