State officials and experts laud new legislation FLORIDA HAS A reputation as a horse-loving state and is home of a “Horse Capital of the World” title contender; Florida House Bill 239 proves there is also a lot of “horse sense” in the state government when it comes to the Sunshine State’s equestrian pursuits. Sponsored by […]
The Florida equine industry and HB 239 Read More »
How the Legacy Leadership program is helping ensure the future of Florida agriculture WE KNOW HOW to grow things in Florida — oranges, blueberries, coleus, you name it. Fortunately, we also know how to grow leaders in our agriculture and natural resources industries. Their vision will be essential in how successful we are in feeding
Leaders must be a signature crop Read More »
THE GOVERNMENT is intensifying the war on Huanglongbing, or HLB, as the disease tightens its grip on Florida’s citrus industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projected Feb. 10 that Florida will harvest 103 million boxes of oranges this season, down two percent from last year, the lowest on record.
Citrus forecast projects slight decline; HLB funding announced Read More »
The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) has once again made an attempt to expand federal jurisdiction on Florida’s waterways with its proposed changes to the rules guiding the implementation of the Clean Water Act. Earlier this month, I testified before a joint hearing of U.S. House and Senate committees regarding the devastating impact of the
OUR ECONOMY is more global than ever. Boundaries, currencies, and cultures are no longer impediments to the exchange of goods, services, and ideas. New technologies and innovations in transportation have helped us break down these barriers to trade, and the expansion of the Panama Canal, which is expected to be completed in 2015, will further
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: With increased trade, comes new threats Read More »
The Florida Farm to School program. You might have heard about it, particularly if you kept up with the 2010 election campaign for Florida agriculture commissioner. The successful candidate, Bartow’s Adam Putnam, often spoke about the program while on the stump and has been one of its biggest supporters since assuming office. [emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here
Supporting the Farm to School program, Part I Read More »
Leadership is everything. As the feckless 113th Congress failed to pass the 2013 Farm Bill, Florida’s legislature resolved to address the Florida citrus industry’s greatest challenge — the disease of citrus greening, or HLB. During the 2013 session, the Florida Legislature funded $9.5 million from the state budget for citrus greening research and other activities
The search for a cure Read More »
Today we enjoy the modern conveniences of super highways, air-conditioned homes, cars, even tractors … but where did we come from? Five hundred springtimes ago, Juan Ponce de Leon landed in “La Florida.” [emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”] Now the Florida Department of Agriculture and Commissioner Adam
Getting in some springtime action and auctions Read More »
500th Anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s Arrival Sparks Renewed Interest in Heritage Floridians across the state are honoring their roots this year as the state marks the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s arrival. With a Viva Florida 500 initiative, there will be a flurry of exhibits showcasing the cultures that make up the state’s
Celebrating Florida’s Roots Read More »
An event to support the founding of a world-class education program Warner University is determined — with the help of some significant partners and community support — to provide a world-class agriculture education opportunity for Central Florida college students. The idea has been gaining traction for several years, and fundraising for the facilities was officially
Island Family Fun in the Name of Agriculture Read More »
