The Big Florida Fertilizer Update

Web AdminCitrus, Fruits, Vegetables

By Frank Giles Outbreaks of blue-green algae and red tide in recent years have put the spotlight on the use of fertilizer in agriculture. Environmental groups have blamed agriculture for being a main source of nutrient pollution that has caused water-quality problems. Folks in agriculture know it is more complicated than that and they need new data to support their …

New Certificate in Fertilizer Science and Technology Offered by UF/IFAS

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By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is offering a new academic program that will enhance students’ knowledge of fertilizer applications and enable them to apply fertilizers more efficiently to their specialty crops. The program is called the UF/IFAS Fertilizer Science and Technology Graduate Certificate. The formal certificate will be available starting in …

Farm Protests Spreading Across the Globe

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By Frank Giles Environmental green movements have gained worldwide traction in recent years as governments take action to combat climate change. The quest for net-zero carbon emissions and other environmental concerns has led some countries to place restrictions on agriculture. Those restrictions, on paper, might appear good for the climate, but are not always good for food production. This has …

House Agriculture Committee Members Seek Hearing with EPA Administrator

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By Frank Giles U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee members are requesting a hearing with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Michael Regan to discuss the agency’s oversight of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The law regulates the usage of farm pesticides. Republican members on the committee sent a letter to its Chairman David Scott (D-GA) to request …

International Trade Commission Clears Way for Fertilizers

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By Frank Giles The International Trade Commission (ITC) recently ruled against imposing tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers imported from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago. The panel’s ruling found that imports from those countries did not hurt American producers of fertilizer. The ITC ruling removed anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties of up to 132% on urea nitrate fertilizers from Russia. Duties of 113% …

UF/IFAS Breaks Record on Research Expenditures

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Research conducted at the University of Florida in agricultural sciences and natural resources conservation topped previous years’ spending totals in the latest figures reported to the National Science Foundation. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) researchers reported a total of $277.9 million spent during their projects in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the highest …

UF/IFAS Extension to Host Vegetable Growers Meeting

Web AdminLeafy Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

South Florida vegetable growers should mark their calendars for Monday, July 11, as the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension will host a virtual meeting on fumigants and systemics. The vegetable growers meeting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and includes presentations from various UF/IFAS specialists. Josh Freeman will discuss a systems approach …

UF/IFAS Begins Research to Update Best Management Practices Nutrient Recommendations

Web AdminCitrus, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved nutrient recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops …

Vegetable Disease Update in South Georgia

Web AdminDisease, Georgia, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable season is in full swing across the South Georgia region. Watermelons, a popular crop produced in the area, are currently being harvested. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, talks about production and the lack of disease pressure growers encountered this year. “There have been some …