AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Isaias: Florida issued evacuation orders and updated storm preparations as the hurricane approached the Panhandle, putting coastal farms and fisheries on alert. Citrus Outlook: Florida’s 2026–27 orange forecast points to about 10 million boxes, nearly 25% below last season after winter freezes. Farm Costs: Rep. Franklin is urging federal action over a sulfur shortage affecting Florida fertilizer production, while analysts say a new Russian diesel supply deal is unlikely to meaningfully cut fuel prices. Tax Relief: Florida TaxWatch recommends a “yes” vote on Amendment 2, which would exempt qualifying agricultural and agritourism equipment from property taxes. Land Preservation: Polk County and the state are partnering to protect nearly 375 acres of agricultural land.

Hurricane Readiness: Isaias strengthened to a Category 3 storm as it approached the Florida Panhandle, with mandatory evacuations in parts of Escambia, Franklin, Okaloosa and Walton counties. Growers and ranchers should follow local alerts as the Gulf Coast braces for landfall. Citrus Outlook: USDA’s first 2026–27 forecast puts Florida orange production at 10 million boxes, down 23% after winter freezes. Grapefruit is forecast at 1.3 million boxes and tangerines at 450,000; industry leaders say healthier trees offer hope for recovery. Farm Labor: Farmers say tough immigration policies are worsening worker shortages and could push food costs higher. Ranching Legacy: Fort Pierce’s Adams Ranch now spans about 50,000 acres, carrying on a cattle operation founded in 1937 as a fifth generation grows up on the land. Agricultural Land: Polk County and the state are working to preserve nearly 375 acres of farmland from development. Policy Fight: Producers are lobbying Congress over the Save Our Bacon Act, arguing it could override state farm standards, including Florida’s agricultural rules.

Hurricane Readiness: Category 2 Hurricane Isaias is driving evacuations along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with dangerous winds, storm surge and flooding possible. Panhandle growers and ranchers should follow local emergency guidance and protect people, livestock and equipment. Grower Priorities: Rep. Darren Soto visited Highlands County citrus groves and Buck Island Ranch, hearing concerns about citrus disease, storms, water quality and rising costs. Agricultural Investment: Lee County has earmarked up to $50 million for improvements at Mike Greenwell Regional Park, including plans for an agricultural education center, barns and event space. Citrus Outlook: Florida grapefruit is showing a higher Brix reading for the 2026–27 crop, a measure of fruit sweetness. Working Lands: Polk County and the state have protected 375 acres of cattle ranchland near Alturas, keeping it in agricultural use. New Farm Opportunity: UF is leading a regional effort to put fallow winter acreage to work and create economic opportunities.

Hurricane Isaias: The storm is forecast to reach Florida’s western Panhandle Friday night or early Saturday. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared emergencies in 27 counties, with more than 6,000 power-restoration workers on standby. Farm Policy: Florida voters will consider a proposed farm tax break in November, alongside a measure on state reserves. Citrus: Florida grapefruit is showing higher Brix levels in the 2026–27 crop, a sign of increased sugar content. New Crops: A UF-led initiative aims to make fallow winter acreage more productive, while UF researchers test whether coffee can grow in Volusia County. Aquaculture and Fishing: A proposal explores whether shellfish farming could help address algal blooms. Separately, 10 people face charges in a Florida probe into illegal fishing and sea turtle poaching.

Storm Watch: Hurricane Isaias is strengthening in the Gulf, with a dangerous landfall forecast near the Florida Panhandle late Friday or early Saturday. Heavy rain, flooding, damaging winds and storm surge could affect coastal communities and farms. Markets: Grain futures traded unevenly ahead of Friday’s USDA crop and supply reports; traders expect a lower corn-yield estimate and a slightly higher soybean estimate. Citrus: Florida grapefruit is showing higher sugar levels in the 2026–27 crop, a promising quality signal as the season approaches. Farm Innovation: UF is leading a regional effort to put fallow winter acreage to productive use, while Newberry’s $75 million in AgTech investments is strengthening the city’s role in agricultural technology. Farm Costs: A new federal order extends tax-free use of red-dyed diesel, offering fuel-cost relief to farmers and ranchers. Fisheries: Ten people face charges after a multiyear Florida investigation into alleged illegal fishing and wildlife sales, including protected sea turtles.

Fisheries Enforcement: Ten people face charges after a multiyear investigation into alleged poaching of about 23,000 pounds of fish, shrimp and sea turtles, valued at more than $150,000. Wildlife Health: Florida’s first known case of lead poisoning in an American crocodile has prompted FWC to plan more contaminant testing; the animal’s stomach contained 23 air-rifle pellets, a fishing weight and lead fragments. Citrus Outlook: Florida grapefruit is showing higher Brix, a measure of fruit sweetness, in the 2026-27 crop. Farm Costs: A new federal order extends tax-free use of red-dyed diesel, offering potential fuel-cost relief to farmers and ranchers. Year-Round Production: UF leads a $9.99 million effort to help Southeast growers use fallow winter acres for crops and livestock, aiming to boost farm income and environmental benefits.

Florida Freshwater & Fishing: A Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecast for Oct. 7-11 says tropical-depression-style weather and heavy cloud cover will push fish to “slow and deep,” with better feeding late morning to midafternoon. Food Safety: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for illegally imported canned chicken Vienna-style sausages from Jamaica, now found in Florida retail; consumers are urged not to eat and to return or discard. Water & Outdoor Access: Volusia County approved $13.1M in ECHO grants (with matching funds nearing $26.4M total) for 10 projects, including new boat ramps and fishing piers, plus nature and education facilities. Wildlife Health: A UF-linked study reports lead poisoning likely contributed to the death of an American crocodile in Florida, prompting more sampling of crocodiles for contaminants. Agriculture Diversification: UF researchers are testing whether coffee can grow as an alternative crop in northern Volusia County under shade structures. Policy & Costs for Farmers: Georgia began implementing Trump’s red-dyed diesel tax relief with penalty waivers, while the federal side is framed as a deferral through Dec. 31.

Diesel Relief for Farmers: Trump signed an executive order temporarily allowing tax-free use of dyed farm diesel on highways and deferring the federal excise tax through Dec. 31, aiming to cut soaring diesel costs; Florida Farm Bureau praised the move as input-cost relief for growers and ranchers. Food Safety Alert: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for illegally imported canned chicken Vienna-style sausages from Jamaica, warning consumers not to eat potentially affected products distributed in Florida and other states. Sea Turtle Crackdown: Florida AG James Uthmeier announced charges tied to “Operation Stolen Waters,” alleging a Gulf Coast ring sold protected sea turtles and other seafood to undercover officers. Water & Land Use Pressure: A resident letter urges serious attention to ecological decline at Hunters Lake, blaming development-driven drainage changes and aquifer drawdowns for invasive mats and habitat loss. Local Ag Infrastructure: Lee County approved up to $50M in disaster recovery funds for Mike Greenwell Regional Park improvements, including agricultural education and emergency-response upgrades. Conservation Policy Push: Byron Donalds unveiled a statewide “Coastal Corridor” plan modeled on Florida’s Wildlife Corridor to coordinate coastal water protection without restricting public fishing access. Whole Foods Expansion: Whole Foods opens its 40th Florida store in Bradenton next month, featuring 450+ local products and a food donation partnership with Good Neighbors.

Fuel Costs & Farm Relief: President Trump signed an executive order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel, arguing it will cut costs for farmers and trucking ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Wildlife & Fisheries Enforcement: Florida investigators say a four-year undercover operation led to charges against 10 people tied to an illegal Gulf reef-fish network that allegedly sold thousands of pounds and included sea turtle captures. Reef Fish Rules in Court: Commercial fishers are suing over federal permits that expand recreational red snapper catch, saying it would shrink the commercial share of the South Atlantic fishery. Water Affordability: A new study finds U.S. households pay 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, with water costs rising faster than inflation and incomes. Florida Agriculture Politics: In Tallahassee, Florida’s Cabinet races—including agriculture commissioner—are heating up as challengers focus on affordability against well-funded incumbents. Local Conservation Debate: Some anglers are calling for a rethink of Florida snook slot sizes, arguing current rules may reduce harvest of breeding-size fish. Outdoor & Community Agriculture: Sarasota’s farmers markets earned top national rankings, highlighting continued momentum for local food and farm retail.

Coastal Conservation Push: GOP gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds unveiled “Florida’s Coastal Corridor,” aiming to coordinate coastal protection across Gulf and Atlantic waters without new bureaucracy, while pledging it won’t restrict fishing access. Reef Protection at Risk: Florida’s Oculina Reef near Fort Pierce could see protections changed, with critics warning proposed shifts could allow bottom-damaging shrimp trawling. Seafood & Wildlife Crackdown: Florida AG James Uthmeier and FWC announced charges against 10 people in “Operation Stolen Waters,” alleging a Gulf poaching ring that sold about 23,000 pounds of fish and illegally traded protected sea turtles. Local Water Education: Citrus County students tackled water pollution during Save Our Waters Week, using a 3D model to map runoff and test pollution-prevention ideas. Aquaculture Feed Innovation: NRGene Canada and Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company announced a poultry feed collaboration using fish byproducts to boost omega-3s via black soldier fly production. Recreational Fishing Enforcement: A Lower Keys angler was cited after a deputy found undersized snapper during patrols.

Recreational Fishing Access: NOAA approved a new 14-day recreational red snapper season for eligible Georgia anglers (Oct. 9–22), following litigation that halted summer seasons—an effort led by Florida Rep. John Rutherford and others to expand access for Gulf and Atlantic anglers. Florida Land-Use Pressure: Florida lawmakers’ “agricultural enclave” fast-track is drawing developers: at least 17 landowners filed 21 applications covering 9,400+ acres in multiple Central Florida counties, letting some rural land shift toward single-family homes while limiting local zoning pushback. Coral Protection Trial in the Keys: Florida researchers tested temporary shade structures during the 2024 heatwave; blocking 60% of light reduced coral paling in two Caribbean species, offering a potential tool as warming intensifies. Food Prices & Tariffs: Reports link Trump tomato tariffs to higher costs for restaurants, with “free chips and salsa” at risk as tomato prices jump after weather hits supplies in Mexico and Florida. Local Ag Reserve Tensions: In Delray Beach, Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs faced a packed meeting over approvals tied to the Agriculture Reserve, with residents citing traffic and overdevelopment concerns and calling the zoning process outdated. GreenMarket Growth: West Palm Beach’s GreenMarket added new vendors, including Arya Tea Bar, continuing the push for local small businesses alongside farmers.

Everglades Water Fight: Friends of the Everglades says the Army Corps’ huge Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir won’t be enough, calling for an additional million acre-feet of storage to restore natural flow and protect coastal estuaries. Local Stormwater Accountability: Sarasota residents say stormwater failures after Tropical Storm Debby exposed gaps in the county’s Stormwater Environmental Utility, with officials reorganizing and hiring new leadership after investigations. Coral Resilience Research: Florida Keys researchers tested shade structures during the 2024 heatwave; blocking 60% of light reduced coral paling in two Caribbean species, offering a potential tool for future heat-stress events. Recreational Fishing Update: NOAA approved a revised federal red snapper plan, including a 14-day recreational season in federal waters (Oct. 9–22) with one fish per person per day and a 20-inch minimum. Food Safety Recall: Gias Foods recalled Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine sold at Walmart nationwide due to possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Farm-to-Community Food Access: Tampa Bay’s Kinship Free Market faces cuts after recurring grant funding losses, threatening some weekly distributions serving about 12,000 people. Agriculture Land-Use Pressure: Florida’s “agricultural enclave” law is accelerating subdivision approvals on former farmland, with dozens of applications covering thousands of acres in multiple counties. Drought Watch: Alachua County continues in moderate drought, with water restrictions still in place. Aquaculture/Seafood Restoration: A massive million-clam restoration was approved for Little Bokeelia Bay, aiming to expand habitat and support local fisheries.

Everglades Water Debate: Friends of the Everglades says the Army Corps’ huge Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir still won’t restore natural flow, calling for an additional 77,000-acre, 13-foot-deep storage plan and more water volume to keep the Everglades from staying dry. Recreational Fishing: NOAA approved a revised red snapper plan that gives anglers a 14-day federal season in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida (Oct. 9–22), with a one-fish-per-day limit and a 20-inch minimum. Food Safety: Florida agriculture officials flagged possible Listeria in Gias Foods’ Bettergoods Lemon Alfredo frozen pasta sold at Walmart; all lot codes are recalled nationwide, with no illnesses reported. Local Agriculture & Water: Alachua County keeps water restrictions despite a wetter August, citing continued groundwater lag after years of drought. Community Peanut Culture: Williston’s annual peanut festival drew major local participation, celebrating the peanut industry and community traditions.

Food Safety: Florida agriculture officials are warning shoppers about a frozen Walmart pasta recall: Gias Foods’ bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine (22 oz) may contain Listeria; all lot codes are included and no illnesses have been reported. Aquaculture & Restoration: The Gulf Shellfish Institute’s “All Clams on Deck” is moving ahead with a plan to seed more than a million southern hard clams in Little Bokeelia Bay to rebuild seagrass and clam populations, with state support already in place. Water & Drought: Alachua County is keeping water restrictions in effect even after a wetter August, citing continued groundwater shortfalls after years of below-average rainfall. Local Fisheries: Everglades City held its annual Blessing of the Fleet ahead of the Oct. 15 stone crab season start, a tradition tying commercial harvest to community faith. Wildlife & Farming Innovation: A Puerto Rico student turned plantain peels into bioplastic mulch that cut weed growth by up to 53% in a four-week test, aiming to reduce plastic use in agriculture. Ag Policy/Tech Pressure: Osceola County residents are pushing back on a proposed 2,200-acre hyperscale data center site, arguing it could strain wildlife and water resources as farmland gives way to development.

Food Safety Recall: USDA says Sempio Food Services is recalling 4,596 pounds of imported ready-to-eat Sempio Korean Ginseng chicken stew sold in Florida and seven other states because the products weren’t reinspected after entering the U.S.; no illnesses reported, but consumers are told not to eat and retailers to pull it. Food Safety Recall (Listeria): Gias Foods expanded a Walmart-distributed recall of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine to all lot codes after sampling found possible Listeria risk; no illnesses reported. Public Health (Cyclospora): FDA closed its investigation into a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico, citing “strong” links to the implicated products; the outbreak has been linked to thousands of cases. Aquaculture & Fisheries: FWC is taking input on potential changes to African pompano harvest rules, including a 24-inch minimum fork-length and limits for recreational and commercial anglers. Wildlife & Agriculture: UF/IFAS reports pasture mealybugs have reached Florida’s Panhandle, with confirmed infestations in Jackson and Calhoun counties and more samples pending. Local Policy: Marion County sent proposed roadside vendor rules back to staff after operators said the draft was too vague and too harsh. Recreational Fishing: FWC TrophyCatch season 15 continues with new prizes for record bass, and anglers are reminded of shifting grouper and snapper closures.

Florida Fisheries & Reef Rules: The FWC closure for gag grouper is set to keep them off local dinner tables for the rest of the year, shifting anglers’ focus to red snapper with changing harvest dates starting Oct. 4 and reopening Oct. 9–22, plus weekend-only periods. Local Food & Vendor Policy: Marion County commissioners sent proposed roadside vendor rules back to staff after operators said the draft was too vague and too harsh, with a rewrite aimed at clarifying “temporary roadside” limits for food trucks, produce stands, peanuts, Christmas trees and more. Coastal Resilience: Venice Beach’s renourishment is officially complete after hurricane delays and funding/material hurdles, placing about 620,000 cubic yards of sand along 3.2 miles and relocating 524 sea turtle nests with Mote Marine support. Agriculture & Politics (Palm Beach): Florida Senate District 26 candidates Rick Roth and David Silvers are competing in the Nov. 3 election; Roth runs a vegetable and sugar cane operation in Belle Glade. Conservation & Education: Monroe County approved $2 million toward the Discovery Center & Aquarium at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, targeting a 2028 opening.