AGP Executive Report

Farm Fuel Relief: The Trump administration announced an $8 billion USDA program to help farmers offset higher diesel costs during harvest, with payments calculated using a loss formula. Florida Ranchlands: Florida committed $8.7 million to permanently protect two working ranches, keeping agricultural land in production. Citrus Outlook: Florida’s citrus industry is forecasting a drop in production after winter freezes, while researchers continue efforts to protect the state’s orange groves. Specialty Crops: Florida secured grant funding for specialty crops, supporting a key segment of the state’s diverse farm economy. Seafood Sustainability: Publix contributed nearly $100,000 this year to Sustainable Fisheries Partnership projects aimed at improving fishing and aquaculture practices.

Citrus Forecast: Florida’s orange crop is projected to fall 23% from last season, with total citrus production down nearly 19%. Growers point to winter freezes but remain hopeful as trees show better health and fruit quality, and new plantings mature. Specialty Crops: Florida has secured grant funding for specialty crops, offering support to producers beyond the citrus sector. Working Lands: The state committed $8.7 million to permanently protect two working ranches spanning nearly 1,500 acres, preserving agricultural land for continued ranching.

Local Markets and Land: Punta Gorda’s Downtown Farmers Market secured a 2027 lease, easing uncertainty for its 65 vendors, including sellers of Florida-grown produce. The state also committed $8.7 million to preserve two working ranches, while Polk County partnered with Florida to protect 991 acres of ranchland from development. Citrus and Crop Research: USDA forecasts higher U.S. citrus production excluding oranges. The University of Florida is also set to lead a new research lab focused on high-value crops, and UF researchers are expanding efforts to stop crop pests at the border. Agribusiness: Mosaic plans to cut 199 jobs as sulfur prices surge, a sign of cost pressures facing the fertilizer giant.

Ranchland Protection: Florida is committing $8.7 million to permanently protect two working ranches spanning nearly 1,500 acres, keeping the land out of development. Specialty Crops: Florida secured USDA grant funding as part of $86.6 million awarded nationwide; UF will also lead a new research lab focused on high-value crops. Crop Protection: A separate UF effort is taking research on crop-killing pests global to help protect food supplies. Citrus Outlook: USDA forecasts higher U.S. production of non-orange citrus.

Working Lands: Florida committed $8.7 million to permanently protect two working ranches totaling nearly 1,500 acres in Manatee and Highlands counties, keeping them in agriculture while preventing development. Farm Business: Fertilizer producer Mosaic plans to cut 199 jobs as sulfur prices surge, a cost pressure facing a major Florida agribusiness. Specialty Crops: Florida secured grant funding for specialty crops, while the Labor Department faces a Dec. 30 deadline to replace the H-2A wage-rate method—a decision with potential consequences for farm labor costs. Soil and Livestock: Florida growers are exploring regenerative practices to improve soil health, and a recent small-farm network meeting focused on livestock production, pasture management and conservation.

Agribusiness: Fertilizer producer Mosaic plans to cut 199 jobs as surging sulfur prices raise costs for a major Florida industry player. Specialty Crops: Florida is among the states receiving USDA grant funding for specialty-crop projects, part of a $86.6 million national investment. Land Conservation: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced permanent protection for two Florida ranches totaling nearly 1,500 acres. Livestock Readiness: Leon County officials are offering free Oct. 27–28 training on preparing animals, farms and food systems for emergencies. Sod Innovation: A Manatee County farm unveiled a St. Augustine grass blend designed to reduce pest and disease risks.

Specialty Crops: Florida secured new grant funding for specialty-crop projects. Separately, USDA awarded $86.6 million nationwide for specialty crops, while the University of Florida will lead a new innovation lab focused on high-value crops. Ranchland Protection: State officials permanently protected two Florida ranches totaling nearly 1,500 acres; Polk County also partnered with the state to preserve 991 acres from development. Weather and Citrus: NOAA expects a wetter-than-average winter across the South, including Florida, which could improve drought conditions. USDA also forecasts higher U.S. non-orange citrus production. Coastal Fisheries: Stock Island captain Hunter Ledbetter won the FWC Lionfish Challenge after removing 1,541 invasive lionfish, which prey on native reef species.

Invasive Species: Stock Island charter captain Hunter Ledbetter was crowned Florida’s 2026 Lionfish King after removing 1,541 invasive fish from local waters, helping protect native reef species. Specialty Crops: Florida will receive $4.3 million in federal grants for work involving mangoes, blueberries, sweet corn and muscadine grapes, including research and marketing projects. Working Lands: The state has secured permanent protection for nearly 1,500 acres across two cattle ranches in Manatee and Highlands counties, preserving their agricultural use while blocking development. Research and Policy: The University of Florida will lead a new international innovation lab focused on high-value crops, while Florida voters will consider a proposed constitutional amendment to exempt equipment used in agricultural production and agritourism from property taxes.

Ranchland Protection: Polk County and the state are partnering to protect 991 acres of ranchland from future development. Cattle Processing: Central Florida ranchers who want to sell beef directly to consumers face a key hurdle: too few small USDA-inspected processors. Crop Protection: The University of Florida is taking its effort to stop crop pests at the border global, seeking new ways to protect farms and food supplies. Research and Innovation: UF will lead a new Feed the Future lab focused on high-value crops, while the Sunbelt Ag Expo showcased emerging farm technology. Citrus Outlook: USDA’s first forecast of the season projects higher U.S. production of non-orange citrus. Storm Recovery: Florida has opened a $500,000 pool of interest-free recovery loans for farmers affected by Hurricane Isaias and is asking agricultural businesses to report storm impacts.

Crop Protection: The U.S. State Department selected the University of Florida to lead a global effort to identify and contain crop threats overseas, aiming to protect U.S. farms and food supplies. Specialty Crops: USDA announced $86.6 million for 609 projects across 56 states and territories, including Florida, supporting research, marketing, improved varieties and pest management. Weather and Citrus: NOAA expects a wetter-than-average winter across the South, including Florida, raising the risk of heavy rain and flooding. USDA forecasts higher production of non-orange citrus, while winter freezes are weighing on the broader citrus outlook. Hurricane Recovery: Florida opened interest-free recovery loans for farmers affected by Hurricane Isaias. Local Food and Farming: St. Johns County is backing a program to bring locally grown food to area daycares, while Florida regenerative growers are working to improve soil health.

Produce Compliance: At Orlando’s Global Produce & Floral Show, food-traceability specialists urged growers and handlers to check case labels, barcodes and shipment records ahead of the rule’s July 2028 deadline. Crop Innovation: A Manatee County sod farm introduced a St. Augustine grass blend designed to reduce pest and disease risks. Irrigation: UF/IFAS will hold free workshops Nov. 12–13 for Suwannee Valley producers, covering overhead and drip systems, irrigation scheduling and water-saving tools. Citrus: USDA released its first citrus crop forecast of the season; Florida industry voices cite winter freezes as a factor behind a projected decline. Farm Investment: USDA announced $86.6 million for specialty-crop projects nationwide. Local Food: St. Johns County is supporting a program to bring locally grown food to area daycares. Land Conservation: A 498-acre Florida cattle ranch secured protection from development through a $7.48 million conservation easement.

Produce Industry: At its Orlando conference, the International Fresh Produce Association called for stronger cooperation as growers face affordability pressures and shaken consumer trust after a food-safety scare. USDA also announced $86.6 million for specialty-crop projects nationwide; Florida’s share was not specified. Farm Taxes and Conservation: Florida voters will decide Amendment 2, which would exempt certain farm and agritourism equipment from property taxes. Supporters say it could ease growers’ costs, while critics warn the relief may favor large agribusinesses and reduce local revenue. Marion County voters will also consider a bond of up to $140 million for parks, trails, clean water and land protection, including farms and forests. Florida Farm News: A Manatee County sod farm has introduced a St. Augustine grass blend designed to reduce pest and disease risks. In St. Johns County, a new program aims to bring locally grown food to area daycares. Florida’s citrus industry, meanwhile, points to winter freezes as a factor in a lower production forecast.

Specialty Crops: USDA’s $86.6 million grant program includes more than $4.3 million for Florida projects supporting crops such as mangoes and blueberries, along with research, pest control and market access. Hurricane Recovery: Florida farmers affected by Hurricane Isaias can apply for interest-free recovery loans of up to $500,000 as the state seeks reports on agricultural storm damage. Citrus Outlook: USDA’s first forecast for the 2026–27 season puts Florida orange production at about 10 million boxes, nearly 25% below last season’s level, after freeze and weather challenges. Precision Agriculture: South Florida State College and the University of Florida will share a $4.65 million grant to strengthen workforce training, including new precision-agriculture programs. Local Food: St. Johns County is backing a program to bring locally grown food to area daycares.

Local Food: St. Johns County is backing a $65,000 pilot to bring fresh, locally sourced meals to daycares, linking the program with Ben Wells Produce and giving the farm a steadier sales outlet. Hurricane Recovery: Florida farmers hit by Hurricane Isaias can apply for up to $500,000 in interest-free recovery loans, with individual loans capped at $100,000; state officials are also seeking reports on the storm’s agricultural damage. Citrus Outlook: Florida’s 2026-27 orange crop is forecast at about 10 million boxes, roughly 23% below last season, as winter freezes weigh on groves. Specialty Crops: USDA announced $86.6 million for projects to strengthen specialty crops nationwide, including research, pest management and market access.

Land Conservation: A 310-acre DeSoto County cattle ranch along the Peace River has gained state protection through Florida Forever, preserving farmland, a wildlife corridor and land that helps protect drinking-water quality. Urban Agriculture: Jacksonville City Council is weighing clearer rules for community and market gardens, after growers said uncertainty over zoning makes it hard to sell produce; one local farm says its plots can serve about 200 families. Hurricane Recovery: Florida announced $500,000 in interest-free loans for farmers hit by Hurricane Isaias and asked agricultural businesses to report storm impacts. Citrus Outlook: Florida’s 2026–27 orange crop is forecast at about 10 million boxes, nearly 25% below last season, with winter freezes cited as a major cause. Farm Costs: Florida agriculture officials are also pressing for federal action on rising sulfur prices, which are squeezing fertilizer production.

Citrus Forecast: USDA’s first outlook puts Florida’s 2026–27 orange crop at about 10 million boxes, down nearly a quarter as winter freezes weigh on production. Hurricane Relief: Farmers, ranchers and aquaculture producers in 30 counties can apply for interest-free recovery loans of up to $500,000 to repair infrastructure, clear debris and restock operations after Hurricane Isaias. Storm Impacts: State officials are seeking reports from agricultural businesses to assess damage, as recovery aid rolls out across the Panhandle. Farm Costs: Florida fertilizer producers are also facing a squeeze from rising sulfur prices, prompting calls for federal action. Land & Learning: A 498-acre Florida cattle ranch will remain protected from development through a $7.48 million conservation easement; the College of Central Florida has scheduled a free agriculture field day for Nov. 16.