Did you know the Florida citrus industry and beekeepers industry are uniquely linked? Both are facing serious challenges. Some of the resolutions for citrus growers to combat the tremendous greening problem adversely affect the honey industry. Beekeepers traditionally place hives in citrus groves so the bees produce citrus-flavored honey, one of the most popular flavors [...]
When it comes to delicious food, TV show host and restaurant owner Chef Emeril Lagasse is undoubtedly a household name. Chef Lagasse is doing Florida Agriculture a big favor with a feature on his popular television show. According to an article in the Orlando Business Journal, Lagasse will highlight the Orlando area in an upcoming [...]
There have been quite a few big things happening in Agriculture recently. The long awaited Farm Bill passed by Congress cuts total agricultural spending by 15 percent. According to an update from Highlands Today, in terms of practical benefits, Florida fared particularly well, according to key industry leaders. […]
Florida’s agriculture export is being positioned for tremendous growth. An article in The Florida Current, shared about Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s recent returned from a four-day visit to Panama. His goal with the visit is ultimately to increase exports of Florida blueberries and strawberries. In the last decade, crops that have doubled in production, and [...]
Our state is home to 47,000 farms, and now those Florida farmers will have access to additional funding thanks to the extension of the Farm Bill. As reported by the Southeast AG Net, the extension allows the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to give Florida farmers and ranchers an additional opportunity to improve water [...]
Have you enjoyed any of the fresh Florida produce is famous for lately? What won’t surprise you is that Florida produces 70% of the nation’s citrus. But, what you may not know is that our great state produces 80% of the fresh vegetables consumed in the U.S. each January through March. So, chances are you’ve [...]
An article published this week in the Highlands Today newspaper shared that Between November and May each year, Florida produces about 300 agricultural commodities that are sold across the U.S. and in more than 120 countries around the world. This has been supported by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and the Fresh [...]
Did you know the Florida Farm Bureau is supported by 147,000 member families covering 60 counties and is the largest agricultural organization in Florida? Members receive a number of valuable benefits, including low rates and substantial discounts on loans, personal, life and car insurance, merchandise, travel and other services. Membership is also not limited to [...]
Over the past few years, we have learned about an important issue faced by Florida’s citrus industry: the fight against citrus greening disease. Recently, the Associated Press reported that the issue is making national headlines and Federal agriculture officials are joining Florida’s battle. The article, published on December 12, reported The U.S. Department of Agriculture [...]
A recent study conducted by the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education shows that Southwest Florida residents are hungry for more information about agriculture. The study include coordinating focus groups of area residents. According to a blog article published in December, participants in six focus groups in a five-county region said they valued agriculture’s economic, [...]
