AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: The FDA updated its recall of Lundberg Family Farms white jasmine rice, pulling more than 27,000 packages sold in 13 states including Florida due to possible foreign material contamination. Agriculture & Labor: A new report warns extreme heat can make pesticide exposure more dangerous for U.S. farmworkers by increasing absorption and changing how chemicals behave in the field. Wildlife & Fisheries: Florida’s snook season is underway, with anglers targeting slot-size fish under strict size rules as the popular backwater species returns to coastal waters. Local Land Use: Brevard County residents are pushing back on a rezoning request for an agricultural parcel near “Waelti Lake” in Suntree, where opponents fear an 84-unit townhome plan will erase habitat. Policy & Markets: USDA’s cattle initiative is rolling out new tools aimed at herd rebuilding for Florida ranchers, as producers weigh broader beef market pressures. Grocery Retail: Aldi is opening three more Florida stores in September, adding to its rapid expansion that’s already made it the state’s biggest presence.

Defense Funding: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced nearly $23M for Florida’s defense workforce and industrial base, including shipbuilding, aerospace, and supply-chain projects. Horse Forage: A practical North Central Florida guide breaks down how to choose and store hay for horses amid heat, humidity, sandy soils, and storm season. Shellfish Support: Cedar Key clam farmers received $500,000 to help fund a shellfish genetic breeding effort aimed at better heat- and weather-resilience after hurricanes and hot spells. Illegal Harvest Crackdown: Four people were arrested in Grant-Valkaria for allegedly harvesting about 200 pounds of saw palmetto berries without proper permits/authorization. Food Safety (Rice Recall): FDA recall coverage expanded for Lundberg Family Farms white jasmine rice, with affected lots distributed to Florida and other states—consumers are told not to eat and to discard/return. Marine Monitoring: Florida’s FWC says scallop abundance in St. Joseph Bay hit the lowest on record, underscoring big year-to-year swings. Invasive Pest Watch: A tiny pasture mealybug described as a serious threat was detected in Georgia after showing up in Florida and nearby states. Outdoor Sales Tax Holiday: Florida’s hunting and camping gear sales tax holiday runs Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, cutting 6% base sales tax on qualifying items.

Shellfish & Heritage: St. Andrews Bay’s oyster history runs from Indigenous shell mounds to today’s push to keep shellfish thriving, with scientists and residents working to protect the bay’s future. Local Tax Pressure: Amendment 3 could cut local budgets in Escambia and Santa Rosa by tens of millions, forcing tough tradeoffs for parks, fire, police, and community services. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a recall of Lundberg Family Farms White Jasmine Rice (27,000+ packages; UPC 073416040281; lots 260201MA/260202MA; best-bys Feb. 1–2, 2027) sold in 13 states including Florida. Beef Market Shock: Florida cattle ranchers warn Trump’s plan to allow large ground-beef imports could squeeze domestic prices and profits, especially as drought and costs already strain herds. Community Food Support: Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County named a new board chair and directors. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Southern Hill Farms in Clermont earned a national No. 2 ranking for its sunflower festival. Aquaculture/Seafood Research: USM’s fisheries center honored a Gulf angler for major cobia tagging and release contributions.

Food Safety: FDA expanded its recall of more than 27,000 packages of Lundberg Family Farms Jasmine white rice in 13 states (including Florida) due to possible foreign material contamination; affected 2-pound bags list UPC 073416040281 and lot codes 260201MA or 260202MA (best-before Feb. 2027), and the company says the issue was limited to one production run with no reported illnesses. Agriculture & Policy: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman and a 25-state coalition asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Biden-era EPA air rule, arguing it raises costs for manufacturers, utilities, and farmers without improving public health. Florida Citrus & Research: Florida Southern College is restoring historic citrus groves to support hands-on education and research as growers continue battling citrus greening (HLB). Beef Prices: Trump paused foreign beef tariffs for 90 days to lower prices, but Florida ranchers warn imported beef sold below market could squeeze local producers. Community & Environment: Palmetto Bay residents are pushing back against potential data center development, citing water quality and environmental impacts. Fishing & Seafood Heritage: A Gulf volunteer angler was honored for decades of cobia tagging and releasing, helping researchers track growth and movements.

Fishing Spotlight: A Charleston Jetties charter in South Carolina turned up a surprise 25–30 pound permit after a 20-minute fight, with anglers pitching live shrimp and landing a rare catch for the region. Freshwater Forecast: Florida’s Aug. 30–Sept. 2 fishing outlook points to stronger feeding as the moon heads toward last quarter, plus a push to fish deeper grass beds and open water when midday oxygen drops. Shark Safety: Two separate Florida shark stories highlight how quickly conditions can turn—one Boca Grande Key Beach victim credited nearby boaters and nurses with saving his life after a nurse shark attack. Food Safety: The FDA updated a white rice recall tied to Lundberg Family Farms, expanding distribution details across multiple states including Florida. Agriculture & Livestock Health: Texas screwworm prevention got a local spotlight as an AgriLife Extension agent explained the insect’s rapid life cycle and why timing is critical for treatment. Local Farming Growth: A Palm City, Martin County-area masterplanned community is pitching sustainable farming alongside major nature preservation—an agriculture-forward development model. Recalled Pantry Item: FDA also upgraded a pistachio butter recall risk level to Class I, citing potential salmonella contamination.

Freshwater Fishing & Wildlife: FWC is inviting anglers to log catches through its Big Catch program, with over 30 freshwater species eligible, plus hunters can now report alligator harvests in the Fish Hunt FL app. Coastal Cleanup: Divers pulled more than 1,000 pounds of debris from artificial reef sites off Destin–Fort Walton Beach, including 12 miles of fishing line that can endanger marine life. Local Agriculture & Land Use: A new masterplanned community in Palm City, Newfield, sets aside 2,000 acres for nature preservation and 170 acres for sustainable farming, banking on Martin County’s agricultural legacy. Food Safety & Recalls: USDA expanded a rice recall tied to foreign matter, and lettuce-related Cyclospora concerns continue to drive county-by-county updates in Florida. Weather & Farm Safety: Lightning risk remains a major Florida hazard, with recent reporting highlighting how close strikes can be during summer storms.

Freshwater Fishing & Hunting Tech: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is inviting anglers to log qualifying catches through its Big Catch program, and it’s also rolling out online reporting for alligator hunt harvests via the Fish Hunt FL app. Food Safety Watch: The FDA has classified a Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce recall tied to the Cyclospora outbreak as a Class I recall, underscoring how serious the risk is for consumers. Mosquito-Borne Alerts: Orange County health officials issued a West Nile virus advisory after sentinel chickens tested positive, prompting more mosquito-control efforts and bite-prevention reminders. Local Agriculture Policy: A new state law making it easier to designate agricultural enclaves is raising alarms in St. Johns County, where fast-tracked development could force the school district into more borrowing for new schools. Ranching & Trade: A Lakeland cattleman says Trump’s temporary tariff reduction on some foreign beef imports could hit producers during peak season, even as the White House expects lower prices for consumers.

Groundwater & Nitrate Risk: New Florida research uses AI to map where the state’s shallow, vulnerable aquifers are most at risk from nitrate pollution—aiming to help farms and communities target protection where it matters most. Food Safety: A cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce has surged to 20 states, with Florida among the affected; federal health officials also upgraded a related Taylor Farms de Mexico recall to the highest risk level. Beef & Processing Politics: Trump says he’ll pursue legal action to reduce ranchers’ dependence on big meatpackers, pushing for more producer-controlled processing as cattle producers react to foreign beef plans. Fertilizer Supply Shock: Mosaic is idling fertilizer production and laying off workers after sulfur prices spiked, a reminder that global disruptions can quickly hit Florida agriculture inputs. Outdoor Sales & Gear: Florida’s Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday runs Sept. 1–Dec. 31, offering tax breaks on qualifying outdoor equipment. Local Fishing Access: Pinellas tourism leaders are floating a plan to bring back shore-based fishing piers, but it’s still early with no funding request yet. Heat Health Warning: A physician urges Floridians to take extreme heat seriously, noting agriculture and other outdoor work put millions at higher risk.

School Food Funding Fight: After a reported $660M cut to programs that bring locally grown food into school lunchrooms, the Trump administration announced smaller farm-to-school and cafeteria grants, including a $32M DEPEND grant for replacing highly processed foods with “real food,” but Florida district leaders say it still doesn’t make up the gap. Fresh-Cut Produce Expansion: Lipman Family Farms acquired Phoenix-based Farm Fresh to grow ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and strengthen western US distribution and vertical integration. Food Safety Recalls: USDA/FSIS issued a Class I recall for frozen Buffalo chicken products from Shanghai Ravioli Corp. due to production without required federal inspection, and a separate Class I nut-butter recall was flagged after Salmonella positives tied to Walmart distribution in multiple states including Florida. Beef Import Backlash: Florida ranchers and others are questioning a plan to import foreign beef trimmings and cattle, arguing it could undercut prices and raise disease risk concerns like screwworms. Water & Heat Pressure: The Suwannee River Water Management District issued a Phase II water shortage order affecting counties including parts of Alachua and Levy, while Florida continues to face dangerous heat and drought stress that can hit outdoor workers and vulnerable residents. Local Farm Stand Spotlight: A Lee County farm market is staying open seven days a week through summer, highlighting continued demand for fresh local produce, meats, honey and made-in-FL goods.

Food Safety & Recalls: USDA is recalling about 30,000 pounds of raw Argentine beef sold in Florida and Texas after it entered without required import reinspection, including specific boneless cuts from Corte Argentino USA—check your freezer and return or dispose of affected packages. Public Health: Florida cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing, reaching 486 confirmed or suspected infections statewide since Jan. 1, with a county-by-county breakdown showing the biggest counts in places like Bay, Broward, and Hillsborough. Local Governance & Agriculture Leadership: Florida’s Elections Canvassing Commission certified Aug. 18 primary results, setting up the Nov. 2 general election; Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson won reelection and will face Joey Mendoza Atkins. Surveillance & Privacy: Gov. DeSantis called Flock-style automated license plate cameras “out of control,” even as Florida already has widespread police surveillance tech in place. Everglades & Wildlife: UF/IFAS highlighted hands-on invasive species work by students and interns, including invasive reptile efforts in South Florida and Big Cypress.

Food & Livestock Policy: A new Meat Institute–commissioned study argues reinstating mandatory country-of-origin labeling would cost over $1B a year, but a Florida-focused opinion piece says the claims ignore how little U.S. beef is imported and how imported cattle are tracked and documented. SNAP & State Budgets: States are racing to cut SNAP payment errors to avoid penalties starting in 2027; Florida is flagged as a major potential cost-bearer if error rates stay high. Invasive Species & Wildlife: New research links the invasive Asian swamp eel to declines in Florida wetland prey, raising fresh concerns for Everglades amphibians and wading birds. Hurricane Season Prep: UF/IFAS warns that storm damage and standing water can trigger mosquito and other pest surges, urging residents to clear breeding spots before weather hits. Fishing & Coastal Impacts: Lee County temporarily closed Royal Palm Park in Tice for fishing pier restoration after Hurricane Ian damage. Trade & Agriculture: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs starting Sept. 8 include some fishing-related items, while Florida officials say they’ll keep pushing Fresh From Florida. Regulatory/Enforcement: FDACS confirmed a Westlake Mobil mix-up where diesel was dispensed as premium gas, following multiple driver complaints.

Outdoor Tax Relief: Florida’s four-month Hunting, Fishing and Camping sales tax holiday kicks off Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, aiming to cut costs on outdoor gear for families. Local Land Use: Alachua County Commission approved the Everlee Farmstead Community, a 2,600-acre mixed residential and agricultural development with a farmstead for seasonal crops, livestock, and an apiary—now headed to the state for review. Regenerative Farming Push: Florida farmers are leaning into regenerative practices as the federal government spotlights a $1B fund tied to conservation and soil health. Citrus & Plant Health: EPA cleared a new disease-fighting tool for Florida citrus trees as harvests remain under strain. Policy & Rural Input: Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance is collecting feedback from farmers and rural businesses to shape state agriculture law, regulations, programs, and funding priorities. Food Safety/Trade: A new duty on Mexican strawberries could raise prices, adding pressure to Florida’s produce supply chain.

Wildlife Rulemaking: Florida wildlife officials are weighing the first harvest limits for cownose rays after concerns about population declines, with proposals of two rays per vessel for recreational fishers and 20 per vessel for commercial harvesters. Coastal Habitat Watch: A Cape Coral mangrove-removal incident tied to a development clearing job has triggered a South Florida Water Management District violation notice, renewing pressure on how mangroves are protected as development and storms intensify. Agriculture & Plant Health: Citrus greening disease (HLB) has been detected for the first time in Imperial County, triggering a mandatory quarantine zone and new restrictions on movement of citrus trees and fruit. Food Safety: The FDA updated details on a rice recall tied to potential foreign materials, listing distribution that includes Florida. Local Resilience: North Port finished a grant-funded tree canopy recovery and maintenance project along Sumter Boulevard after Hurricane Ian damage. Policy & Permitting: Taylor County residents urged stronger rules for data centers proposed on agricultural land, warning against streamlined approvals without public hearings.

Food Costs & Tariffs: Grocery prices keep climbing as tariffs, energy costs, weather shocks, and food-safety disruptions squeeze fresh produce and other staples, leaving “quick fixes” politically tempting but slow to work. Beef Market Pressure: Florida cattle ranchers are disappointed by Trump’s plan to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef to cut prices, arguing it disrupts cattle-market signals while producers still face high input costs. State Aid Rules: Florida moves to restrict TANF/EBT spending on “inappropriate” items like tobacco, adult content, and entertainment, building on earlier SNAP limits—raising concerns about impacts on low-income families and local retailers. Ag Land Use Law: Brevard County approved an agricultural enclave for 142 acres near Kennedy Space Center, and the state’s new enclave rules could make future development approvals easier. UF/IFAS Leadership: UF/IFAS named Mathews Paret interim director of the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, aiming to build on research momentum for crop disease and diagnostics. Freshwater Fishing: FWC promotes its Big Catch program for anglers to log qualifying freshwater catches and earn recognition. Local Retail Change: Wild Fork Foods is set to replace the former Boston Market in Seminole, expanding specialty meat and seafood options.

Florida strawberry trade: Florida growers say a preliminary U.S. Commerce finding on Mexican winter strawberries could ease pressure by adding cash deposits (3.37%–5.28%) where imports are sold below fair value, with growers warning razor-thin margins as costs rise. Cattle policy pushback: Florida cattle ranchers are criticizing a Trump plan to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef to cut prices, arguing it disrupts market signals while producers already face high feed and operating costs. Wildlife & pet safety: UF/IFAS highlights cane toads (“bufo” toads) as a rainy-season danger for pets, urging owners to watch for drooling, foaming, red gums, and disorientation after possible exposure. Local land-use & growth: Marion County residents are split over data centers, with water concerns raised alongside hopes for jobs and investment. Rural infrastructure: Hendry County commissioners will consider two proposed cell towers in Port LaBelle and northwest Hendry County amid some visual-impact opposition. Farm learning: UF/IFAS is hosting an Organic Vegetable Production Field Day Sept. 25 in Live Oak, focusing on whitefly management, companion planting, organic economics, and nutrient management.

Beef Trade Tension: Florida cattle ranchers are pushing back on President Trump’s plan to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef, arguing it disrupts cattle market signals and could undermine long-term herd stability. Food Assistance Pressure: SNAP enrollment continues to fall faster than expected as tightened work rules and paperwork burdens take hold, with Arizona seeing the steepest drop—an issue that also threatens free school lunch funding. Local Agriculture Education: UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County announced its September 2026 Commercial Horticulture program, including an organic vegetable field day in Live Oak focused on pest management, economics, and nutrient cycling. Health & Safety for Produce: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic whole blueberries and mixed berries after links to an E. coli outbreak, with Florida among the states reporting illnesses. Industry Growth in Turf: Spark Dealer Group completed its acquisition of Commercial Lawn Equipment in Lakeland, expanding its Central Florida outdoor power equipment footprint. Community & Conservation: A Sanibel workshop set for Sept. 15 will review options for replacing the Sanibel Fishing Pier, while temporary repairs aim to keep access open during construction.