April 27 marked the two-year anniversary that Florida’s hemp program overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). That’s when the agency began to accept applications to grow industrial hemp following formal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). FDACS manages and regulates Florida’s hemp program and permit kitchens that make edible cannabis products, under the …
Field Day Leads to Reboot of Old Citrus Varieties
By Peter Chaires The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) field day on Dec. 3 at the A.H. Whitmore Foundation Farm was a productive and memorable day. The event was well attended and provided growers, nurserymen and industry leaders with an overview of essential research taking place at the farm. The fruit display and tour drew attention to …
Supply-Chain Disruptions, Inflation and War Are Pushing Prices up on the Farm
By Frank Giles Just when the world took somewhat of a collective breath, hoping the COVID-19 pandemic might be easing, Russia invaded Ukraine. The conflict and the highest inflation rate in 40 years in the United States have focused attention on agriculture and food security. For farmers in Florida and around the world, the confluence of events has presented challenges …
Phytoplasma Disease Confirmed in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have recorded the first North American case of a harmful phytoplasma disease known for its threat to fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops in South America and the Middle East. The phytoplasma species called Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense is documented in regions of Brazil and Peru to harm hibiscus, …
Disease Alert: New Phytoplasma Disease Confirmed in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have recorded the first North American case of a harmful phytoplasma disease known for its threat to fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops in South America and the Middle East. The phytoplasma species called Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense is documented in regions of Brazil and Peru to harm hibiscus, …
Disaster Programs a Must for Southeast Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers are always at risk for natural disasters in the Southeast. Especially in the late summer and early fall when conditions are ripe for a potential hurricane or severe thunderstorm, growers need to be prepared. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, discusses the importance of government-assistance programs. “I think in particular in this area we experience …
Watermelon 2021: Domestic Production Down, Imports Up
Domestic watermelon production was down in 2021, though imports from other countries like Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras rose. Domestic production totaled 3.37 billion pounds last year, a decrease of 2% from 2020. This was mostly attributed to a 7% decrease in Georgia production because of a cooler spring and 35% decrease in Texas due to Winter Storm Uri. Florida’s watermelon …
Reminder: Specialty Crop Block Grants Deadline is April 12
Commodity groups, agricultural organizations, colleges and universities, municipalities, state agencies and agricultural nonprofits are reminded that the deadline for the specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is April 12 at 5 p.m. CST. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness …
Rep. LaMalfa: Budget, Hearings on Climate Change “Won’t Put Food on the Table”
Lawmakers are starting to work their way through President Biden’s budget proposal which was released earlier this week. Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01) is a member of the House agriculture committee, as well as a farmer himself. He disagrees with what he sees as a focus on climate change rather than food production. AgNet Media’s Sabrina Halvorson spoke with LaMalfa to get his …
Biden’s 2023 Budget Proposal: Ag and Rural Funds
President Joe Biden unveiled his budget proposal for fiscal year 2023, Monday. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the President’s budget provides USDA with “the tools needed to support a vibrant, revitalized, and prosperous rural America.” The budget includes more than $10 million for oversight and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act as well as money to support innovation in agriculture and …