Citrus Greening has ravaged the Florida citrus industry for the last 10 years, and the stakes keep getting higher and higher. In early December, the USDA released an updated citrus forecast, and the outlook was anything but rosy. According to the new estimates, the USDA is forecasting only 69 million boxes for all oranges, which [...]
The U.S. has not had diplomatic ties with Cuba since 1961, but the recent efforts by the Obama Administration to renew governmental relations with the Caribbean island nation have put Cuba-U.S. ties on the front burner. It’s front-page news, and the U.S. agriculture industry—especially in Florida—has taken notice. Recently, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack was part [...]
Science is a beloved aspect of Agriculture, as it has long influenced Agriculture in such a positive way. A shining example of Science’s positive impact would be all the research that is ongoing on curing Citrus Greening. From Biology to Chemistry to Earth Science, Science has helped Agriculture to grow and raise more food with [...]
A recent segment on Tampa Bay’s FOX News grabbed my attention. Florida citrus growers face insurmountable odds and have for years. They battle freezes (yes, even in Florida), extreme droughts, and yearly hurricanes. Some years are worse than others, but growers are so proficient at the process, they know what needs to be done and [...]
The Florida citrus industry provides a $9 billion annual economic impact and employs nearly 76,000 people. It’s almost immeasurable as to how much damage the citrus greening issue is causing. Latest reports share another reduction of 4 million boxes produced last month. […]
Florida’s agriculture industry makes a $108 billion economic impact. It’s received a beating over the past few years with the growing citrus greening issue and other pests. Agriculture producers received some good news recently from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The state department announced Florida will receive $5.4 million in federal funding [...]
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. […]
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 [...]
