COVID-19 Update for Growers and Packers

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release

(UF/IFAS) — The CDC, FDA and USDA all agree “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19”, including imported foods and materials. FDA has issued guidance that if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 they “do not anticipate that food products would need to be recalled or be withdrawn from the market”. Citrus growers, harvesters, packers, …

BMPs Discussion Attracts Growers

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts, Water

By Ernie Neff A Dec. 16 discussion of local agricultural issues with a focus on best management practices (BMPs) attracted more than 50 attendees to Immokalee. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center hosted the event. Professor and center director Kelly Morgan summarizes the discussions, which he says included “some …

Florida Agri-Women Tour Agricultural Operations

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release

(AgPR) — Women around the state who work in agriculture came together Dec. 5 for Florida Agri-Women’s first farm tour. The initiative aimed to provide education on agricultural issues while visiting farm operations. The goal of  Florida Agri-Women (FAW) is to work together as a collective voice to promote the industry and keep the future of Florida agriculture sustainable. The …

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SFWMD Starts Public Process to Revise Rules for Northern Everglades and Coastal Estuaries Water Quality

Web AdminEnvironment, Florida, Industry News Release, Lake Okeechobee, Water

Schedule of public workshops and interactive website announced where public can participate and provide input as District works to amend a Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program rule (SFWMD) — The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) initiated a public rule-making process to support water quality improvements in the Northern Everglades, which includes the Lake Okeechobee Watershed and the St. Lucie …

U.S. Sugar Applauds Governor DeSantis’ Support of C-43 Reservoir Project

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release, Lake Okeechobee, Sugar, Water

(U.S. Sugar) — “We applaud Governor Ron DeSantis for his commitment to completing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects that are critical to stopping the damaging freshwater discharges and advancing restoration. As a partner in Everglades Restoration for nearly 25 years, the people of U.S. Sugar share Governor DeSantis’ strong desire to complete all projects that will increase storage and …

State Approves Paying Sugar Grower to End Lease

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release, Lake Okeechobee, Sugar

Florida will pay $2.4 million to a sugar grower as part of an effort to clean and shift water south from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet — Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Attorney General Ashley Moody — agreed Tuesday to pay $1,940 an acre to New Hope Sugar …

U.S. Sugar Reiterates Support for EAA Reservoir

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release, Lake Okeechobee, Sugar, Water

(U.S. Sugar) — A letter was sent from U.S. Sugar Corporation to South Florida Water Management District Executive Governing Board Chairman Chauncey Goss regarding U.S. Sugar’s support of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Central Everglades Planning Project, and the EAA Reservoir. Source: U.S. Sugar Corporation Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project …

Heartland Seat on SFWMD Board Draws 13 Applicants

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release, Water

Publisher/Editor Katrina Elsken, of Lake Okeechobee News, gives us a rundown of each of the 13 applicants for the vacant seat for the at-large member for an area that includes Glades, Highlands, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola and Polk counties. The Heartland seat has been vacant since March on the South Florida Water Management District board. TALLAHASSEE — Thirteen people have submitted …

Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Industries Collide at the General Session

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts, VSC Expo

By Ashley Robinson AgNet Media Inc. is excited to bring the citrus, vegetable and specialty crop industries together for our second annual general session. We invite all growers to attend the general session, where we will kick off the Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo (VSC Expo), being held in conjunction with the 28th annual Citrus Expo. Topics of broad interest, …

Ranch Rim Ditches Debated at South Florida Water Management Meeting

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release, Lake Okeechobee, Water

Thanks to south Florida ag news colleague Katrina Elskin at Lake Okeechobee News for this recap of this week’s South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meeting in West Palm Beach. WEST PALM BEACH — The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board once again turned their attention on the nutrient load from agricultural properties at their July 10 workshop …