With the recent formalization of rural land easements on Adams Ranch and Buck Island Ranch, which were previously authorized by the Governor and Cabinet, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Monday that the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has successfully safeguarded in excess…
Read More Florida Ag Commissioner Simpson Announces Preservation Of Over 100,000 Acres Of Agricultural LandsCategory: Florida Agriculture
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Bill Could Clear Way For Farmworker Housing
Florida’s agriculture industry hopes a newly passed bill that would limit local regulations on farmworker housing will bolster efforts to bring in more non-immigrant foreign workers. The bill (SB 1082), which lawmakers unanimously passed, would prevent cities and counties from taking steps to “inhibit” construction…
Read More Bill Could Clear Way For Farmworker Housing‘False Shamrock’ More Likely To Herald Headaches Than Luck
Florida residents seeking a dose of luck this St. Patrick’s Day likely won’t find it among the weeds in their backyards. Although oxalis stricta, a woodsorrel found throughout the state year-round, closely resembles the shamrock, a colloquial name for clover, the two plants are not…
Read More ‘False Shamrock’ More Likely To Herald Headaches Than LuckFlorida Projected Orange Production Unchanged
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday left unchanged a forecast for Florida orange production in the 2023-2024 growing season but cut projections for grapefruit and tangerines and tangelos. The federal forecast came the same week that a new state budget included at least $22.7…
Read More Florida Projected Orange Production UnchangedAgritourism In Florida: Exploring The Ultimate Farm Experience And Sunshine State Agriculture
Florida, known for its sunny beaches and vibrant cities, is also home to a thriving agritourism industry. Agritourism combines agriculture and tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the state’s farms, nurseries, and ranches while enjoying various activities and purchasing local produce.…
Read More Agritourism In Florida: Exploring The Ultimate Farm Experience And Sunshine State AgricultureUF Study: About Half Of Florida Residents Are Not Aware Of Local Water Restrictions
Half of Florida residents don’t know about their local water restrictions, but those who are aware can be persuaded to abide by them, new University of Florida research shows. Water restrictions can be set by cities, counties and the state’s water management districts. But if…
Read More UF Study: About Half Of Florida Residents Are Not Aware Of Local Water RestrictionsCitizen Science Project Leads Volunteers To Live Healthier Lifestyles
Citizen scientists help researchers collect valid data. But University of Florida scientists wanted to know how citizen-science projects change the volunteers. In a newly published study, a project involving urban gardening led participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. For the study, Catherine Campbell, a UF/IFAS assistant…
Read More Citizen Science Project Leads Volunteers To Live Healthier LifestylesHillsborough County Rewards Future Farmers During Popular Produce Contest
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Calling all junior gardeners! Registration is open for the 2024 Youth Vegetable and Fruit Show hosted by Hillsborough County Extension Service. Show off your fruits, vegetables, and herbs to win cash prizes! The 2024 Youth Vegetable and Fruit Show brings together…
Read More Hillsborough County Rewards Future Farmers During Popular Produce ContestFlorida Ag Commissioner Applauds After JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock Drop From U.N. Climate Alliance
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson issued a statement Friday following the news of JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock withdrawing from the United Nation’s Net-Zero Banking Alliance, This is a climate initiative focused on “combating global warming through corporate sustainability agreements.” However, Commissioner Simpson blasted the alliance…
Read More Florida Ag Commissioner Applauds After JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock Drop From U.N. Climate AllianceFlorida ‘Food Recovery’ Programs Could Get Boost
A proposal aimed at helping what are known as “food recovery” programs, such as food banks, get discounted prices for fresh foods moved forward Monday in the Florida House, with lawmakers looking at a pilot program to help curb food insecurity in the state. The…
Read More Florida ‘Food Recovery’ Programs Could Get Boost