AGP Executive Report

Gulf Seafood & Aquaculture: A floating redfish finfish farm off Alabama is testing whether small-scale Gulf aquaculture can be both ecologically sound and economically viable—an early look at what could come next for Gulf seafood as warming and demand pressure rise. Citrus Loss in Florida: Federal figures show Florida citrus acreage keeps shrinking, with 165,359 acres for the 2026-27 season versus 183,860 the year before, as storms, greening disease, and development keep taking bites out of groves. Flooding Anger in Indiantown: After about 4 inches of rain, residents reported streets and homes inundated and questioned why drainage upgrades didn’t prevent the damage. Pollinators Shift Later: UF/IFAS research finds pollinator seasons in heavily human-modified areas start about 22 days later and end about 21 days later, moving the calendar for multiple insect groups. Community Food Support: Miami-Dade and Doral announced a free food distribution for families on Sept. 15, no income checks required. Local Farm Fest: North Central Florida’s Trenton “Almost Fall Festival” brought farm activities, local shopping, and vendors to Doulberly Farm. Fishing Forecast: The Florida freshwater fishing outlook calls for tougher conditions early in the week with changing weather, then a more favorable stretch midweek if conditions match the forecast.

Water Restrictions & Fines: Lakeland is tightening enforcement of SWFWMD watering rules as drought conditions persist, with first violations now $50, second $200, and later penalties up to $500—no more warnings, but residents can appeal. Food Safety: The CDC says the multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce is over after 12,883 illnesses across 21 states, with Taylor Farms de Mexico recalling affected lettuce earlier this year. Precision Ag Tech: ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone received Irish Aviation Authority SORA approval to expand drone-based precision agriculture in Ireland, targeting fertilizer, lime, and other non-plant-protection products. Greenhouse Pest Watch: A report for greenhouse growers highlights “mirid bugs” as a two-sided problem—beneficial Dicyphus hesperus versus crop-damaging Nesidiocoris tenuis, especially in tomatoes. Local Agriculture & Community: A Safety Harbor pier reopened after being destroyed by three hurricanes in 2024, bringing back a long-running spot for fishing and wildlife watching.

Food Safety Update: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce is officially over, though the FDA will keep investigating; Florida’s Charlotte County reported six cases as the investigation winds down. Local Governance & Oversight: A lawsuit challenges Charlotte County’s “Waterside” plan, arguing the county bypassed public input and proper zoning/comprehensive plan steps while marketing it as citrus-to-preserve restoration. Ag Workforce & Worker Protections: A multi-state action targets Costa Farms’ nurseries, including an Apotheke, Florida site, pushing for heat protections like water, shade, and paid breaks for nursery workers. Urban Forestry After Storms: North Port completed a Sumter Boulevard replanting after Hurricane Ian, adding 85 canopy trees funded partly through a Florida FDACS hurricane recovery grant. FDACS Licensing: Registration opened for FDACS free pesticide license exam administration days in Tallahassee on Nov. 2–3, with voucher-based advance sign-up required. Citrus Pressure: A federal report says Florida has lost nearly 21% of its citrus farms over the last year, highlighting ongoing squeeze on citrus land.

Food Safety Update: The FDA and CDC declared the multi-state Cyclospora outbreak over, with the total now at 12,883 illnesses across 21 states; Florida reported 512 cases (79 in eight Southwest Florida counties). Local Health Watch: Even though recalled iceberg lettuce is off the market, investigators say they’ll keep looking into the Taylor Farms de Mexico source. Florida Agriculture & Policy: Florida voters are being urged to back Amendment 2, which would exempt qualifying agricultural equipment from tangible personal property taxes starting Jan. 1, 2027. Aquaculture/Water Tech: A first-ever targeted disinfection effort for aquaculture tailwater is reported as using phage VBY to beat ozone and UV. Workforce & Housing Pathways: Pompano Beach’s Housing Authority and FAMU launched a “pathway from housing to a college degree” model that can reduce tuition costs for eligible students. Invasive Species Alert: Florida wildlife officials and UF resources highlight how to identify and report invasive or unknown species sightings. Beef Checkoff: The Cattlemen’s Beef Board approved $39.5 million in Checkoff spending for FY27.

Cattle Checkoff Funding: The Cattlemen’s Beef Board approved about $39.5 million in fiscal 2027 Checkoff spending for beef promotion, research, and consumer info, with USDA approval still needed. Florida Wildlife Protection: FWC reminded beachgoers that sea turtle nesting and hatchling activity continues, urging people to keep distance, dim lights, and drive slowly near shore. Naples Zoo Land Security: Naples Zoo’s $100M campaign faces uncertainty as a county-owned land lease runs through 2039; commissioners are weighing lease options to protect long-term donor commitments. UF/IFAS Soil Safety Tech: UF/IFAS researchers are testing whether hyperspectral sensing plus AI can help detect diesel contamination in soil after hurricanes. Agriculture & Housing Pressure: A Florida-based developer is seeking to delay a proposal for nearly 600 homes on a historic farm in Lexington, highlighting ongoing land-use tradeoffs. Regenerative Farming Trend: A Minnesota farm profile spotlights regenerative, low-input practices tied to eco-spiritual motivations. Seafood & Fishing: Southwest Florida anglers are still finding strong bites as fall transitions, with tarpon, snook, trout, and offshore species all active.

USDA Checkoff Update: USDA withdrew a proposal to redraw the national watermelon checkoff production districts and adjust importer seats, saying the legal math used to justify the changes didn’t hold up—so the 2020 five-district map stays in place, even as growers’ own board review had recommended shifting three states. Food Safety & Recalls: A UF/IFAS food-safety scientist says food recalls may feel more frequent because people hear about them faster and through more channels, not necessarily because the underlying numbers are rising. Florida Surveillance Debate: Students at UF protested “Flock Safety” camera use after FDOT banned automated license plate readers on state roads; Gainesville Police paused its use, but UF continues on campus under UFPD control. Local Agriculture Staffing: UF/IFAS named Nestor Cordero as Escambia County’s new agronomy/agriculture extension agent, bringing row-crop and weed-management experience from Mississippi. Wildlife & Water: Louisiana announced its first recreational alligator hunting season (Oct. 1–31) to help manage a population now above 3 million.

Hurricane Outlook: With Sept. 9 already setting the bar for the lowest tropical cyclone activity on record, a new look at the Atlantic suggests 2026 could be unusually quiet through mid-month. Weather & Farming Risk: NOAA’s long-range forecast for Oct–Dec flags equal chances for above/below normal temperatures across much of North Carolina, with a southeast pocket leaning wetter—useful context for fall field planning. Citrus Pressure: A federal snapshot shows Florida citrus acreage has shrunk to about 165,359 acres across 23 counties—down sharply from 2016 and 2006—renewing calls for growers to slow the slide. Food Safety: Florida’s Cyclospora outbreak keeps climbing, with CDC reporting nearly 20,000 confirmed cases since May 1, far above last season’s total. Shellfish Health: Florida reports a fourth death tied to Vibrio vulnificus, underscoring the danger of raw or improperly handled oysters. Tree Disease: Laurel wilt is spreading fast in Tampa Bay backyards, threatening an estimated 200,000 trees with no known cure. Water Quality Project: Gov. DeSantis marked completion of the C-23 Canal Estuary Discharge Diversion Project, diverting billions of gallons to reduce harmful discharges into the St. Lucie Estuary. Shark Compliance: NOAA scheduled free Atlantic shark identification and handling workshops, including one in Largo, to reduce mislabeling that can disrupt quotas and stock assessments.

Citrus Stress: A federal report says Florida has lost nearly 21% of its citrus farms in the last year, underscoring how tight conditions are squeezing growers. Farm Economy: A new Southeast economist report, “Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn: 2026 Update,” lays out why bankruptcies are rising and what crop and livestock producers can do to recover. Labor & Worker Safety: Worker advocates in Apopka are pressing Costa Farms—the world’s biggest houseplant grower—to adopt enforceable outdoor protections covering heat, pesticides, and wage theft. Wildlife & Fishing Rules: FWC reviewed reports that sharks were cut up on Redington Beach and found no violations, while reminding anglers that retained sharks must stay whole until landed. Local Land Use: Baker County planners advanced multiple subdivision requests, including a Macclenny proposal that shifts an agriculture-zoned tract toward residential development. Community Agriculture Education: Baker County Farm Bureau’s youth speech contest highlighted invasive-species protection, with winners from both senior and intermediate divisions. Pollinator Timing: UF/IFAS research finds pollinator seasons are shifting later in heavily human-modified landscapes—important for Florida’s gardens and farms that rely on consistent pollination.

Florida Water & Drought Watch: The St. Johns River Water Management District says Lake and Marion counties are still stuck in a yearlong below-average rainfall deficit, with groundwater and surface water impacts lingering even after some recent rain. Citrus Pressure: A federal report says Florida has lost nearly 21% of its citrus farms over the last year, underscoring ongoing squeeze on citrus land. Food Safety: USDA issued a Class I recall of more than 1,500 pounds of imported Italian pork guanciale (pork jowl) due to possible listeria contamination, including products distributed in Florida. Wildlife & Livestock Risk: Florida wildlife officials are dealing with invasive pressure and dangerous animal interactions, including a reported alligator bite incident at Weeki Wachee Preserve where swimming is prohibited. Local Agriculture Growth: Babcock Ranch posted record sales momentum, with 748 homes sold through July and 1,066 sales in 2025—fueling continued development tied to the community’s farm-and-ranch identity. Recreation & Fishing: A Florida freshwater fishing forecast highlights strong new-moon fishing conditions mid-day, with anglers urged to plan around thunderstorm lightning risk.

Food Safety Alerts: USDA FSIS issued a Class 1 recall for about 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat Italian pork guanciale after routine import testing found possible Listeria monocytogenes; the product was distributed by Prime Line Distributors in Fort Lauderdale and Ferrarini USA in Hoboken, with impacts tied to lot LOT: 263311US and best-by 05.16.27. Water & Land Use: The Suwannee River Water Management District declared a Phase II water shortage order covering all district counties (with exceptions for parts of Alachua cities), signaling tighter limits for irrigation and other uses. Florida Citrus Pressure: A federal Commercial Citrus Inventory update shows Florida citrus acreage down sharply—165,359 acres in 23 counties for oranges, grapefruit and specialty fruit—citing long-running forces like freezes, hurricanes, greening and development. Hemp Update: A federal funding measure delays most upcoming hemp restrictions that would have shifted the legal definition toward a “total THC” standard, giving Florida hemp retailers and growers more runway. Local Agriculture Workforce: ABAC and UGA’s veterinary college signed a five-year plan aimed at boosting rural food-animal and mixed-animal vet supply through a dedicated incentive pathway. Community Food Support: Palm Beach County Food Bank and Kravis Center plan a Sept. 15 push to pack 300,000 meals for local hunger needs.

Food Safety: USDA issued a Class I recall for about 1,513 pounds of imported Italian dry-cured pork guanciale after a Listeria monocytogenes positive test; Florida-based Prime Line Distributors and New Jersey’s Ferrarini USA are pulling products tied to lot 263311US and “best if used by” 05.16.27, shipped to multiple states including Florida. Water Quality & Coastal Restoration: Cocoa Beach kicked off a $41 million sand-capping project in the Banana River Lagoon near its golf course, aiming to cover nutrient-rich muck with clean sand to improve water quality and reduce oxygen-killing decay. Local Environment Training: UF/IFAS and Florida-Friendly Landscaping are offering a Green Industries Best Management Practices course Sept. 23 in Sebring, with certification for commercial fertilizer applicators and CEUs. Wildlife & Public Safety: Florida officials are investigating reports that a shark was intentionally mutilated on Redington Shores, with concerns raised about dumping remains near swimmers. Agriculture & Youth: Florida 4-H highlighted its role as workforce development through hands-on projects, leadership, and life-skill building via the UF Cooperative Extension network.

Water Quality & Coastal Restoration: Cocoa Beach is moving ahead with a $41M sand-capping project in the Banana River Lagoon near the golf course, aiming to bury nutrient-rich muck that fuels oxygen loss and fish kills. Food Safety: USDA issued a Class I recall for about 1,500 pounds of imported Italian ready-to-eat pork guanciale (pork jowl) after possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination; the product was distributed to Florida and seven other states, with lot 263311US and a best-if-used-by date of 05.16.27. Citrus Disease Research: Texas A&M researchers highlight how citrus greening has devastated Florida and other coastal states, and note EPA approval of a greening-targeting product. Local Food Culture: Farm stands are seeing renewed demand as shoppers seek direct-from-producer food and more farms use social media and preorders to sell locally. Fishing & Harvest Season: A second mahi season is underway in South Florida and the Keys, with fall “schoolies” and larger fish showing up as tourist traffic drops.

Heat & Water Risk: Data since 1982 shows Florida’s Gulf waters warming fast and staying hot longer, with NOAA noting a shift toward persistent extreme summer heat that can worsen hurricanes, coral bleaching, and harmful algae blooms. Labor & Caregiving: A Supreme Court move could disrupt work authorization for thousands of Haitian health care workers in Florida, raising alarms for Palm Beach County’s elder care staffing. Dairy Markets: Irish milk prices appear to be stabilizing after July base prices rose to 37.82c/L, while U.S. production continues up in major dairy states—useful context for Florida’s dairy supply chain. Conservation & Working Lands: A 660-acre Hardee County ranch in the Peace River watershed was permanently conserved via Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, protecting cow-calf operations alongside water and wildlife habitat. Local Agriculture Tourism: Highlands County’s Garden Week (Sept. 8–13) aims to draw visitors during shoulder season, building on caladium-focused events to boost local growers and businesses. Wildlife & Invasives: Florida faces new invasive pressure, including reports on an invasive Asian swamp eel that can reshape local freshwater ecosystems.

Conservation Easements: Putnam County permanently conserved 816.46 acres via a new conservation easement on Meetinghouse Groves, funded through Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and USDA support—protecting citrus groves and wildlife corridor habitat. Working Ranch Protection: In Hardee County’s Peace River Valley, a 660-acre working ranch was permanently conserved under the same Florida program, safeguarding water resources and cow-calf operations. Wildlife & Invasives: Florida is tracking a new invasive threat: the Asian swamp eel, linked to declines in amphibians, crayfish, and native fish, with researchers warning it’s hard to spot because it stays hidden and active at night. Fishing & Boating Safety: A Wakulla County boater reported missing was found safe after a Coast Guard and FWC search located him asleep at the helm of a damaged vessel. Outdoor Recreation: Palatlakaha River Park in the Clermont area highlights Florida’s wildlife and short trail access for wildflower viewing, birding, and fishing piers. Aquatic Habitat: Florida’s long-running artificial reef practice is again in the spotlight, with older sunk aircraft still serving as fish habitat off the coast.

Hemp policy pause: A federal continuing resolution signed this week delays most upcoming hemp restrictions that would have shifted the legal definition toward a “total THC” standard, giving Florida hemp retailers and farmers at least until Dec. 11 to keep lawful products on shelves. Wildlife & fishing updates: Florida anglers got a rare win with a federally endangered sawfish caught and safely released off Bonita Springs, while the state’s FWC also reminded beachgoers to protect sea turtles and shorebirds during the holiday weekend. Invasive pest watch: Georgia confirmed pasture mealybug for the first time, and the report notes it’s also been found in Florida—raising new questions for pasture and forage producers. On-the-water planning: A Florida freshwater fishing forecast points to strong lunar-driven feeding early in the week, with thunderstorms building later—useful for anglers targeting Florida’s fall season. Reefing history: A look back at Florida’s mid-to-late 1970s artificial reef program notes multiple decommissioned aircraft sunk off Bay County, later serving as fishing and diving habitat.

Wildlife & Fisheries: A Bonita Springs angler reeled in a federally endangered smalltooth sawfish off North Bonita Beach and safely released it, with FWC urging quick, careful reporting when these rare fish are caught. Policy & Consumer Costs: Florida’s hunting, fishing and camping sales tax holiday is underway through Dec. 31, exempting qualifying items like ammunition, firearms accessories, bows/crossbows, and many tackle and camping supplies under set price limits. Agriculture Leadership: State Rep. Bryan Ávila highlighted ongoing conversations with agricultural leaders in Bradford County and local officials in Ocala, focusing on challenges facing Florida agriculture and support for rural communities. Livestock & Trade: President Trump says a 90-day beef tariff pause will bring cheaper lean beef trimmings from Argentina and Brazil, aiming to lower grocery prices while addressing pressure on U.S. cattle supply. Food & Supply Chain: A Florida settlement will distribute 5.67 million eggs to families statewide after producer price manipulation allegations. Community & Outreach: UF/IFAS Extension and local partners are supporting scholarships tied to the SWFL Ag Expo, backing the next generation of Florida agriculture talent.