COVID-19 Info for Agriculture

Ernie NeffAgriculture, COVID-19

Important information for agriculture related to the COVID-19 pandemic was issued from numerous sources this week. A brief summary of some of the information follows. Ray Royce, executive director of Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, addressed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stay-at-home order that went into effect at midnight on April 2. “All agricultural and agricultural support activities are considered essential …

nutrition

Citrus Research and Development Foundation Updates

Ernie NeffCRDF, Nutrition

The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) agreed March 24 to seek very focused research projects that will answer growers’ questions about proper nutrition in the face of HLB. The questions were formulated by CRDF’s Nutrition Working Group, a panel of growers, scientists and others. FOCUS ON NUTRITION “We know it’s (nutrition) important and we have to get it right …

orange juice

Citrus Industry ‘Pretty Close to a Cliff’

Daniel CooperIndustry News Release, Orange Juice

(NSF) — State lawmakers and citrus growers expressed a need Tuesday to entice people to drink more orange juice and for citrus importers to help in the marketing of Florida’s struggling signature crop. After 15 years of fighting the impacts of hurricanes, citrus greening disease, a reduction in acres because of the state’s rapid growth and changes in drinking habits, …

Citrus Commission Rejects Tax Hike for Marketing

Daniel CooperCitrus, Florida Citrus Commission, Industry News Release

(NSF) — Small growers of Florida’s signature crop, expressing concerns about the future of the citrus industry, indicated a willingness Wednesday to pay a higher tax rate if it gets people to drink more orange juice. But the Florida Citrus Commission rejected a proposal to raise from 7 cents to 12 cents a per-box tax on oranges that growers pay …

orange juice

Three Appointed to the Florida Citrus Commission

Daniel CooperFlorida Citrus Commission, Industry News Release

(FLGOV) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Paul Meador, Steve Johnson and William “Bill” Poulton to the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC). The FCC is dedicated to overseeing and guiding the activities of the Florida Department of Citrus, conducting a variety of industry programs and regulating the quality standards of citrus grown in Florida. Paul Meador Meador, of Fort …

florida all

Federal Money Flowing to Citrus Growers

Daniel CooperCitrus, hurricane, Industry News Release

Florida has reached the halfway point in dispensing a $343 million federal grant it received for citrus growers who sustained damage in Hurricane Irma two years ago, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. “I think that that’s been much-needed relief,” DeSantis said of the $173 million that has been distributed, mostly since he took office in January. “We’re going to continue …

citrus industry

Florida to Get 1,500 New Acres of Grapefruit

Daniel CooperAcreage, Grapefruit, Industry News Release

In recent years, the iconic Florida citrus industry has been faced with challenges from devastating citrus greening to major hurricanes pummeling the state’s fruit groves. But industry members are doubling down on their commitment to ensure citrus and juice products remain synonymous with the Sunshine State. Peace River Citrus Products and Scott Family Companies and its partners announced they will …

land

Florida Governor Joins Announcement About Indian River Grapefruit Acreage Expansion

Daniel CooperCitrus, Grapefruit

Florida Governor Ron Desantis is expected to join citrus industry leaders in Vero Beach this evening for a major announcement about industry collaboration that is expected to re-establish Florida’s grapefruit industry in the famed Indian River production region. Dan Richey of Riverfront Packing in Vero Beach is one of the organizers for the event. Gary Cooper, Southeast AgNet Radio Network …

Three Appointed to Florida Citrus Commission

Daniel CooperCitrus, Florida Citrus Commission, Industry News Release

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Carlos Martinez and the reappointment of John Patrick Schirard and Jonathan Hancock to the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC). The FCC is dedicated to overseeing and guiding the activities of the Florida Department of Citrus, conducting a variety of industry programs and regulating the quality standards of citrus grown in Florida. CARLOS MARTINEZMartinez, of …

meetings

Meetings on Algae, Citrus and Water Management Ring Alarms for Florida Agriculture

Daniel CooperAgriculture, Citrus, Irrigation, Water

Three meetings this week in three different areas of the state brought more discussion that should wake up producers and others in agriculture who have remained mostly silent for decades. As the state’s population continues to swell by a 1,000 new residents each day, Florida’s population will likely exceed 22-million next year. As the nation’s third most populous state, there’s …

sfwmd

Executive Resigns, Politics Exposed at SFWMD Board Meeting

Daniel CooperWater

Soon-to-exit South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) governing board members offered parting comments at the SFWMD governing board meeting in West Palm Beach. The entire board was asked to resign and put under pressure to do so by Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Florida Congressman Brian Mast, who is advising the governor on agricultural and environmental issues. The resignations were …

support

Florida Legislators Support Agriculture

Daniel CooperAgriculture, Florida, Legislative

The 2024 Florida legislative session wrapped up last month, and the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) believes it is very clear that state legislators support the agriculture industry. The association expressed appreciation for Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Legislature for championing legislation that sought meaningful solutions to some of the challenges facing the industry. BENEFICIAL BILLS …

rising

Lake Okeechobee Brouhaha Heats Up

Daniel CooperWater

by Gary Cooper The series of public meetings about Lake Okeechobee water levels and related issues continues this week in South Florida, hosted by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to last-minute media announcements this morning, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL 18th District), is expected to attend the first of two public meetings today at 1:00 p.m. at Indian River …