AGP Executive Report

Seafood: Florida stone crab season is underway, and Hollywood-based Billy’s Stone Crab says its fleet-to-customer operation can deliver claws within 24 hours of harvest. State rules require fishers to take only legal-sized claws and return live crabs to the water. Fishery rules: A two-month pause on spotted seatrout fishing in the Indian River Lagoon begins Nov. 1, affecting local anglers and coastal businesses. Crop protection: UF researchers received a USDA rapid-response grant to address pasture mealybug, an invasive pest threatening Florida sugarcane. Farm policy: Florida’s Amendment 2 could eliminate taxes on farm equipment, raising concerns about lost revenue for rural local governments. Citrus markets: Fair Trade Certified Florida grapefruit has entered the market for the first time, offering growers a new product distinction.

Farmworker Food Access: Three Southwest Florida nonprofits brought an evening food distribution to Immokalee, aiming to make assistance easier for working families to reach. Florida Citrus: Extreme weather has sharply reduced Polk County citrus yields, while one grower says rising costs and pressures have pushed his family to sell its last grove. Farm Taxes: A proposed Florida ballot amendment could exempt some farm equipment from taxes, offering relief to growers but potentially reducing revenue for local governments. Pasture Health: A Florida update on pasture mealybugs highlights a pest concern for livestock producers. Gulf Fisheries: Indian River Lagoon anglers face a two-month spotted seatrout pause starting Nov. 1. New Market: Fair Trade Certified Florida grapefruit has entered the market for the first time.

Farmland and Development: DeSoto County commissioners again deadlocked on rezoning nearly 554 acres of agricultural land for a proposed AI data center, defeating the request after residents raised concerns about the project. Rare Florida Habitat: A newly recognized carnivorous sundew grows only around sinkhole lakes in two Panhandle counties; botanists warn its specialized habitat is disappearing. Farm Costs: U.S. farmers face an estimated $2.4 billion rise in diesel bills this season, with Florida among the states facing the largest percentage increases. USDA’s fertilizer funding includes a Florida project among eight selected for support. Citrus Markets: Fair Trade Certified Florida grapefruit has entered the market for the first time, opening a new sales opportunity for growers.

Water and Land: Florida announced $100 million for projects to restore springs, upgrade wastewater systems and protect water supplies. Manatee County voters will also decide Nov. 3 whether to approve up to $75 million for land conservation, including farmland. Farm Costs: A proposed Florida tax amendment could exempt farm equipment from property taxes, offering farmers savings but potentially reducing revenue for rural local governments. Pests and Crops: Pasture mealybug has spread to more than two dozen Florida counties, raising concerns for pasture and hay producers. In Polk County, extreme weather has sharply cut citrus yields. Florida Agriculture: A Plant City family is growing Mexican marigolds for its Day of the Dead celebration, while a Parrish sod grower is bringing a more pest- and disease-resilient St. Augustine grass blend to market. Florida grapefruit has also entered the Fair Trade Certified market for the first time.

Agricultural Land: A 2-2 DeSoto County vote blocked rezoning nearly 238 acres of farmland for an AI data center, leaving the proposal stalled. Farm Costs: Florida voters will decide whether to exempt qualifying agricultural equipment from property taxes; supporters say every bit of savings helps, while critics warn the change could reduce local revenue. Citrus: Extreme weather has cut one Polk County farm’s citrus yield by about half. A freeze damaged trees and blooms, followed by drought and heavy rain, squeezing income and adding replanting costs. Seafood: Southwest Florida shrimpers welcomed a new U.S.-caught seafood label, hoping it helps distinguish local catch from imports. High diesel prices remain a strain on the fleet. Fertilizer: The federal government announced a major investment in domestic fertilizer manufacturing, aiming to ease farm input costs and reduce industry concentration.

Citrus Under Pressure: Extreme weather has cut one Polk County farm’s citrus yield by about 50%. A record cold snap destroyed roughly 30% of its trees, with drought and heavy September rain adding to losses. Farm Equipment Taxes: Florida voters will decide whether to exempt qualifying agricultural equipment from property taxes. A citrus grower says every dollar helps, while opponents warn the break could benefit larger businesses and reduce local revenue. Fertilizer Costs: The USDA is investing in domestic fertilizer manufacturing, aiming to ease farm costs and reduce industry concentration.

Agriculture Leadership: Florida voters will choose an agriculture commissioner Nov. 3. Republican incumbent Wilton Simpson faces Democrat Joey Mendoza Atkins for the post overseeing state farming policy and food safety. Citrus Research: University of Florida researchers found that a citrus-derived peptide boosted early-stage plant transformation; applying it only during the first month helped avoid a steep drop in shoot regeneration, a potential advance for citrus breeding. Farm Taxes: Amendment 2 would exempt agricultural and agritourism equipment from property taxes. Supporters say it would ease farmers’ costs; critics warn rural governments could lose revenue. Working Lands: Florida approved a $12.9 million conservation easement for Hendrie Ranch, protecting a wildlife corridor while keeping the property in ranching. Florida Fisheries: The Lionfish Challenge removed more than 36,000 invasive lionfish from state waters in a record-setting sweep.

Florida Fisheries: The Lionfish Challenge removed more than 36,000 invasive lionfish from state waters in a record-setting sweep. The Trump administration also unveiled a seafood strategy with a voluntary U.S.-Caught label aimed at promoting domestic harvests. Produce Markets: Florida farmers and markets are seeing more business following a cyclospora outbreak, according to recent reports. Farm Inputs: USDA announced investments in fertilizer production and specialty crops, while pasture mealybugs—already damaging fields in Texas—have spread to Florida and other states. Working Lands: Florida approved a $12.9 million conservation easement at Hendrie Ranch, protecting a wildlife corridor while keeping the land in use. Farm Leadership: Okeechobee dairy farmer Woody Larson, named Southeastern Farmer of the Year, praised agriculture’s enduring role in feeding the country.

Local Markets: Central Florida farms and markets are seeing stronger demand after a lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak sickened about 500 Floridians; some shoppers are turning to locally sourced produce. Working Lands: Florida approved a $12.9 million conservation easement for Hendrie Ranch, protecting a wildlife corridor while keeping the land in ranching. Crop Research: The University of Florida will lead a new innovation lab focused on high-value crops, while South Florida breeders and growers explore new crops for commercial markets. Farm Costs: USDA selected eight projects in a $1.3 billion push to expand domestic fertilizer production, a national effort aimed at reducing farmers’ reliance on imports. Coastal Food Production: Oyster farming is a growing business in the Big Bend, as federal officials also roll out an American-made seafood label intended to support domestic fishermen.

Working Lands: Florida approved a $12.9 million easement covering 5,610 acres of Hendrie Ranch in Highlands County, protecting wildlife-corridor habitat while allowing cattle, hay and timber operations to continue. Seafood Enforcement: Ten people face charges in an alleged illegal fishing and sea-turtle poaching operation; investigators say the group sold more than $150,000 in seafood and turtles. Florida Fisheries: Divers removed a record 36,187 invasive lionfish from Florida waters in a recent sweep. Farm Costs: USDA selected eight projects for a proposed $1.34 billion in fertilizer manufacturing investments, including about $573 million in federal funding, aiming to expand U.S. supply and reduce reliance on imports. Crop Innovation: Plant breeders and growers gathered in South Florida to develop new crops for commercial markets.

Invasive Species: Florida divers and commercial harvesters removed a record 36,187 lionfish in the 2026 Lionfish Challenge, topping last year’s total as the state continues efforts to curb the damaging invader. Seafood Markets: The Trump administration announced an “American-made” seafood label initiative aimed at supporting U.S. fishermen, a policy with potential relevance for Florida’s fishing industry. Farm Innovation: Plant breeders and growers are gathering in South Florida to develop new crops for commercial markets. Farm Taxes: A proposed Florida constitutional amendment would exempt certain personal property used for agriculture and agritourism from taxes; supporters’ tax break could also mean less revenue for rural counties.

Seafood: The Trump administration announced a proposed “U.S. Caught” label at a Fort Myers rally, aiming to help shoppers identify domestic seafood and support American fishermen. Farm Costs: USDA selected eight fertilizer projects representing more than $1.3 billion in proposed investment, seeking to expand U.S. production and improve supply for farmers. Tampa-based BRANDT also acquired Mexican crop-input maker Altiara, expanding its manufacturing and sales reach across Latin America. Florida Farms: South Florida growers and plant breeders are developing new crops for commercial markets, while voters weigh Amendment 2, which would exempt agricultural and agritourism equipment from property taxes but could reduce revenue for rural counties. Fisheries: Florida set a 2026 record with more than 36,000 lionfish removed, a boost to efforts against the invasive species.

Seafood Markets: At a Fort Myers rally, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a proposed voluntary “U.S. Caught Seafood” label to help shoppers identify seafood caught and harvested by American fishermen — a potential boost for Florida’s commercial fishing industry. Farm Costs: The USDA is directing $1.3 billion to eight fertilizer projects to expand U.S. production and reduce reliance on imports, a move aimed at easing a key cost pressure for growers. Florida Crops: Plant breeders and growers are gathering in South Florida to develop new crops for commercial markets, while Florida farmers are also turning to regenerative practices. Agriculture Policy: Florida voters will consider Amendment 2, which would exempt certain agricultural and agritourism property from tangible personal property taxes. Fisheries: Florida divers removed more than 36,000 invasive lionfish during a fishing challenge, setting a state record.

Seafood Labeling: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a proposed voluntary “U.S. Caught Seafood” label to help shoppers identify seafood caught by American fishers, including Florida’s shrimpers. Illegal Fishing: Ten people, including a Bradenton woman, face charges in a Florida investigation into alleged illegal commercial fishing operations; the charges include racketeering and unlawful sales of marine turtles. Crop Outlook: Florida’s citrus harvest is forecast to fall 19%, adding pressure on growers. Farm Costs: A $1.3 billion federal push will fund eight domestic fertilizer projects, aiming to expand U.S. production and reduce farmers’ reliance on imports. Florida Agriculture: Voters will decide whether to exempt qualifying farm and agritourism equipment from property taxes; supporters say Amendment 2 would ease costs, while the state estimates local revenue losses. New Crops: UF/IFAS will bring plant breeders and growers to South Florida next month to help move promising varieties from research plots into commercial markets.

Fertilizer Costs: USDA announced $573 million in grants for eight fertilizer projects, supporting more than $1.34 billion in domestic investment. The agency says added production could help lower fertilizer prices for farmers. Crop Research: The University of Florida will lead a new Feed the Future lab focused on high-value crops, bringing research and innovation to an area important to Florida growers. Seafood Economy: Oyster farming is growing into a major business in the Big Bend, while a Stuart student is turning recycled oyster shells into a water-cleanup and restoration effort. Citrus Outlook: Florida’s citrus harvest is forecast to fall 19%, with the industry pointing to winter freeze damage as a key factor. Farm Policy: Florida voters will weigh a proposed farmers’ tax break; supporters say it could ease costs, while critics warn it may strain rural counties.

Fertilizer Investment: A Florida project is among eight selected for USDA funding to expand U.S. fertilizer production. Peace Valley could receive $19.9 million toward a $50.6 million Bartow expansion expected to produce about 250,000 tons of fertilizer products annually. Research Leadership: UF/IFAS named J. Bryan Unruh director of its West Florida Research and Education Center. Coastal Agriculture: Oyster farming is growing as a business in the Big Bend, while a Stuart student is turning recycled shells into an oyster-restoration effort. Fisheries: Florida set a lionfish-removal record, with more than 36,000 caught in 2026. Crop Outlook: Florida’s citrus industry points to winter freeze damage behind a forecast drop in production. Dairy: A Florida dairyman was named Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo.