AGP Executive Report

UF/IFAS & Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Floridians can now pick climate-smart plants with the new FFL Plants & Pollinators App, which combines the old plant guide plus bee and butterfly tools into one site-and-mobile resource with guided searches, invasive lookalikes, and wildlife benefits. Water & farming pressure: Central Florida’s aquifer remains in a “deficit” despite summer rains, keeping an “extreme” water shortage order in place that affects residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural users. Food prices & supply chain: Florida Farm Bureau criticized a move to flood the beef market with tariff-free imports, saying it will shock cattle markets during peak marketing season and weaken U.S. food security. Wildlife & ecosystem risk: Miami-Dade’s Extreme Heat & Biscayne Bay discussion highlighted coral stress and bleaching threats, with experts pointing to heat-driven impacts and public actions to help reefs. Animal health threat: U.S. agencies are tracking New World Screwworm and stress that even small wounds can invite infestation, keeping producers and pet owners on alert. Local community support: State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program is sending $10,000 grants to three Florida volunteer fire departments for protective gear and rescue tools.

Beef Supply Shock: Florida Farm Bureau is blasting Trump’s plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free imported ground beef, saying it undercuts rebuilding efforts and threatens U.S. food security during peak cattle marketing season. Trade Tensions: Canada’s Mark Carney says retaliatory tariffs will hit the U.S. starting Sept. 8 after talks failed, with agriculture and agricultural equipment among targeted sectors. Animal Health Watch: The New World screwworm has returned to the U.S., and officials stress the risk is currently low while urging producers and pet owners to stay alert for symptoms and report concerns. Water Reality Check: Central Florida aquifer levels remain in a deficit despite recent rains, with an “extreme” conservation posture still in effect for all water users. Food Safety Pressure: A major cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has surged to 10,930 illnesses across 17 states, highlighting how slow funding can prolong harm. Florida Education & Workforce: Florida’s education commissioner is moving to block undocumented students from postsecondary CTE programs that include training for agriculture and other in-demand jobs. Energy & Community: FPL says its solar buildout has generated $1.3B in customer savings and supports local tax revenue and jobs across Florida.

Coastal Fishing Rules: South Carolina’s DNR is urging towns to rethink local bans on drone-assisted shore fishing, warning that blanket restrictions could shift activity elsewhere and raise new ecological concerns. Food Safety: CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, with 55 reported illnesses and four hospitalizations; Florida is among the affected states. Agriculture Workforce Policy: Florida’s new education commissioner advanced a rule that would block undocumented students from postsecondary career and technical education programs, including agriculture-related training. Aquatic & Coastal Recovery: Fort Myers Beach broke ground on a $14.4 million replacement fishing pier after Hurricane Ian, funded through FEMA, tourist taxes, and RESTORE Act grants. Marine Conservation: Key West released “Timmy,” a 270-pound rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle, back into the Atlantic after weeks of treatment. Water Infrastructure: Repairs restored operation of the Wysong Water Conservation Structure’s navigation lock on the Withlacoochee River, bringing back a long-idle boat route. SNAP Update: SNAP enrollment fell more than 13% nationally as requirements tighten, with advocates pointing to paperwork and missed deadlines as major drivers.

Conservation Easements: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced conservation deals that permanently protect about 1,665 acres of working farmland across four counties, including a 228-acre Jefferson County diversified farm and an 816-acre Putnam County citrus operation, with easements funded through FDACS and USDA support. Animal Health & Trade: Florida expanded restrictions on animal imports after New World screwworm detections, adding counties in California and Arizona to help keep the livestock pest out. Food Assistance Pressure: SNAP enrollment fell sharply nationwide, with Florida reporting a decline tied to tighter requirements and recertification hurdles—raising concerns for families relying on grocery aid. Produce Prices: Shoppers are seeing higher costs across fruits and vegetables, with weather disruptions and supply-chain pressures cited as key drivers. Seafood & Wildlife: Discarded fishing gear on Florida’s Space Coast injured sea turtles, including a loggerhead that died after ingesting hooks/line; officials urged proper disposal. Water Infrastructure: Repairs restored operation of the Wysong Water Conservation Structure’s boat lock near Lake Panasoffkee, bringing back a long-idled navigation feature. Agriculture Policy Deadline: USDA is accepting applications for Florida agricultural conservation funding through Oct. 30.

Water & Drought: Suwannee River Water Management District issued a Phase II Water Shortage Order (WSO 26-004) affecting most district counties, with key exclusions including Gainesville, Micanopy and Hawthorne. Water Quality & Algae: Florida Atlantic University received a $600,379 DEP grant to develop 3D-printed adsorbent structures that capture excess phosphate from surface waters—aimed at reducing harmful algal blooms before they form. Citrus Health: An EPA-registered citrus greening treatment based on spinach-derived antimicrobial peptides cleared the way for commercial use, with Florida growers expected to access it in late 2026. Pollinators: UF/IFAS extensions are inviting Floridians to join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census this weekend (Aug. 21-22) to document bees and other pollinators and track habitat gains. Shellfish & Harvest: West Bay Shellfish Harvest Area is closing at sunset, a reminder for seafood buyers and anglers to watch local harvest notices. Local Growth Pressure: Environmental groups and residents are challenging Lee County’s push to rewrite the Southeast Lee Community Plan, saying public input is insufficient and development is favored. Food Safety: Florida cyclosporiasis cases continue trending downward statewide, though some counties still report new illnesses.

Hurricane Relief Deadline: Florida agriculture producers have more time to apply for the state’s $600M+ hurricane disaster relief grant—Wilton Simpson extended the deadline to Jan. 1, 2027 for 2023-2024 storm losses. Food Safety & Produce Supply: A Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to jalapeños from Mexico has grown to 431 illnesses across 32 states, with 57 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; Florida is among the affected states as recalls and restaurant pullbacks continue. Shellfish & Coastal Health: St. Andrews Bay oysters remain central to local history and water quality, but face pressure from overfishing, development, salinity shifts, and pollution—local scientists and residents are pushing to protect the reefs. Public Health Watch: Florida’s cyclosporiasis count is still high but easing, with 43 new cases reported statewide and Lee County leading new infections. Mosquito Alerts: Health alerts are active in multiple Florida counties as surveillance flags West Nile and dengue activity. Local Ag Support: FGCU added a student-athlete fueling station featuring fresh fruit from Farmer Mike’s, a small but direct boost to campus food access. Grocery Retail Expansion: Aldi opened three new Florida stores, bringing the state total to 326 as the chain accelerates growth.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Publix-linked frozen blueberry recall to Class I, warning of a “reasonable probability” of serious illness or death from possible E. coli contamination across multiple states. Water & Drought: Southwest Florida drought is still biting hard even with rainy-season hopes, with wells running dry and ranchers and horse farms feeling the squeeze. Citrus & Plant Health: Florida Southern College is planting a “living laboratory” of citrus varieties with protective netting to help growers fight greening by keeping insects off trees. Ag Innovation: Texas A&M researchers report EPA registration for a spinach defensin-based citrus greening treatment, aiming to protect trees from Huanglongbing. Wildlife & Biosecurity: A New World screwworm incursion has halted Texas animal adoptions and triggered pet movement restrictions, raising shelter risks. Invasive Species Control: Florida released Australian insects to curb melaleuca, but the range of the biocontrol dropped sharply, complicating long-term control. Public Health Alerts: Florida’s Department of Health issued mosquito-borne illness alerts in multiple counties, citing surveillance data and dengue activity. Local Enforcement: Polk County deputies stepped up crackdowns on illegal saw palmetto berry harvesting on private land. Marine Environment: Record sargassum is washing onto Miami Beach, and researchers are exploring ways to turn it into a usable resource. Aquaculture/Seafood: Indigenous fishers in Colombia are rethinking shark hunting with conservation steps as sustainability and compensation debates grow.

Gulf Fisheries Update: FWC adjusted 2026 recreational seasons for gag grouper and greater amberjack to better match NOAA rules, including a Monroe County exclusion for gag grouper and new Sept–Oct dates for both species, with anglers needing the State Reef Fish Angler Designation. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Texas pet adoptions are on hold as the New World screwworm spreads, while Florida’s FDACS closed an Arcadia Tractor Supply pest-treatment investigation with inspectors finding no violations. Florida Agriculture Policy: Florida Farm Bureau member Kate English was appointed to the EPA’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. Regional Pork Industry: Six state pork groups, including the Florida Pork Improvement Group, formed the Southeast Pork Alliance to coordinate advocacy and innovation. Food Trade Watch: The U.S. preliminarily set anti-dumping duties on Mexican “winter strawberries,” a move Mexico says is legally flawed. Community & Outreach: A Great Southeast Pollinator Census invites Floridians to count pollinators for 15 minutes Aug. 21–22, supporting pollinator conservation data.

Grocery Costs: Florida is tied for the sixth-highest average weekly grocery costs in the U.S., with “food at home” prices still rising even as overall inflation cools—pushing more families toward food assistance. Wildlife Policy: After five alligator attacks this summer, Rep. Greg Steube filed a bill asking the federal government to review whether “lookalike” protections are complicating nuisance removal. Fishing Outlook: The Florida freshwater fishing forecast warns of challenging conditions this week, urging anglers to target active fish in grass beds and plan around stormy weather. Elections & Agriculture Leadership: Wilton Simpson cruised to the GOP nomination for Florida agriculture commissioner, setting up a November matchup; voters also raised concerns at a Dade City polling site where a building named for Simpson sits near campaign activity. Marine & Seafood: FWC shut down the 2026 recreational bay scallop season in Florida’s Gulf County Zone due to very low abundance, while other Gulf activities remain open. Local Growth Enforcement: Cape Coral is set to add a licensing investigator and a permit surcharge to crack down on unpermitted work.

UF/IFAS Landscaping Tool: UF/IFAS rolled out the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plants & Pollinators App, merging its plant and pollinator guides into one place with guided plant searches, filters, and profiles to help homeowners and pros pick the right plants, support pollinators, and save water. Local Conservation: St. Lucie County’s Indrio Savannahs Preserve reopened after an 18-month restoration that reconnected a historic marsh system, boosted stormwater capacity, and expanded freshwater marsh habitat. Biosecurity & Crops: A new push for stronger orchard biosecurity highlights how growers are preparing for plant disease risks, with Florida citrus and other crops cited as lessons from abroad. Food Safety: Consumer Reports says Florida shoppers don’t need to avoid all salad during the cyclosporiasis scare, but should follow careful produce handling since washing can’t eliminate every risk. Outdoor & Community: North Central Florida’s 8th Annual Outdoor Expo returned to WEC Ocala with outdoor gear and family activities, including fishing.

Sargassum-to-feed push: University of Miami researchers are testing whether black soldier fly larvae can “bioconvert” Florida’s record seaweed blooms into protein for aquaculture and fertilizer for agriculture, aiming to redesign how the state responds to shoreline inundations. Strawberry price risk: Florida strawberry growers are asking the U.S. Commerce Department to act on alleged low-priced Mexican winter berries, a move that could trigger antidumping duties and raise costs for shoppers. Livestock protection funding: U.S. senators urged Secretary Rubio to restore funding to defend American livestock from New World screwworm and other pests, warning the spread could hit the Texas cattle industry hard. Local land-use pressure: Lee County commissioners will weigh a major Southeast Lee Community Plan amendment that environmental groups say could threaten Florida panther habitat and other sensitive areas. Hay quality spotlight: The Southeastern Hay Contest is back, pushing producers to submit samples for independent testing to improve forage management across the region. Boating economy: A Florida boating industry profile says the state generates about $31.5B annually and supports roughly 110,000 jobs, even as higher costs cool new sales.

Aquaculture & Coastal Resilience: University of Miami researchers are testing a scalable system using black soldier fly larvae to turn beached sargassum into aquaculture feed and fertilizer, aiming to shift a growing coastal nuisance into usable inputs for farms and marine production. Reef Habitat & Fishing: Jacksonville’s Offshore Sport Fishing Club helped sink a new artificial reef about 28 miles off Mayport using concrete culverts and pipes, part of a longer push to rebuild offshore habitat and boost recreational fishing. Recreational Fishing Rules: Florida opens new state seasons for greater amberjack (Sept. 1–Oct. 13) and gag grouper (through Sept. 30), aligning with federal timing and requiring anglers to sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation. Local Extension & Backyard Food: UF/IFAS Extension Duval County will host a free open house (Aug. 29) highlighting backyard poultry, beekeeping, gardening, soil testing, irrigation, and small-acre farming support. Pollinator Count: Floridians are invited to the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (Aug. 21–22) to track pollinators as citizen scientists, supporting crop and garden health.

Wildlife & Water Quality: A Florida couple’s 45-acre cypress swamp sanctuary near Tallahassee is credited with supporting 275 nesting wood storks and a wider mix of wildlife after years of hands-on protection. Marine Safety: Brevard Zoo says two loggerhead sea turtles were humanely euthanized after “ghost gear” and derelict fishing equipment caused irreparable injuries; a third is recovering after a flipper amputation. Invasive Species Control: A new report argues feral hogs can be managed only with coordinated, community-level effort, as federal funding alone won’t guarantee results. Local Agriculture & Food Tourism: Bacolod’s lawmaker is pushing a farm-to-table tourism plan to boost local farmers’ income through sustainable farm tourism, restaurant sourcing, and crop contracting for high-value crops. Produce Trade Pressure: A fresh-produce market analysis warns that since 2010 U.S. fruit and vegetable output has fallen while imports have risen sharply, increasing competition during domestic harvests. Florida Pollinator/Coastal Notes: Fort Myers Beach continues Hurricane Ian recovery with additional tree canopy plantings aimed at shade and habitat restoration.

Fresh Produce & Food Safety: A new federal “traceability” rule meant to speed outbreak investigations has been delayed for 15 years, now pushed to 2028—critics say it could have helped contain the massive cyclosporiasis outbreak sooner. Florida Water & Wetlands: After prolonged drought lowered Lake Okeechobee levels, state crews dredged muck and exposed native plants, sparking a “renaissance” that could still be undone by a single hurricane. Coastal Wildlife: Sea turtle nest counts hit records in Florida, but experts warn recent moves to weaken the Endangered Species Act could stall long-term recovery. Invasive Species: A University of Florida study highlights cogongrass as a tick-friendly invasive grass, helping lone star ticks survive longer. Local Agriculture & Community: Panama City’s downtown farmers market drew vendors and families, underscoring steady demand for local food. Fishing Outlook: A Florida freshwater fishing forecast points to better conditions tied to oxygen production and afternoon/evening feeding windows.

Lake Okeechobee Revival: Florida’s prolonged drought has dropped water levels enough for state crews to clear decades of muck and replant native wetland vegetation, turning once-brown water clearer and greener—though experts warn a single hurricane could undo gains. Agriculture Education: South Sumter High School FFA member Chase Bogart was selected as a Florida FFA delegate to the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis this October. Reef Protection: Florida Keys restoration teams are moving vulnerable elkhorn and staghorn corals into deeper, cooler waters as warming threatens another bleaching hit. Food & Farming Innovation: FPL is expanding agrivoltaics pilots—pairing solar sites with honeybee projects across 18 counties and testing grazing (cattle and sheep) to manage vegetation while supporting pollinators. Local Seafood & Enforcement: A Boca Raton man was charged after allegedly stealing about $8,000 in fishing gear from a Keys fishing mate, with investigators tracing pawn activity and identifying the equipment. Drought Watch in the Garden: A rainy-season gardening column notes how fast growth and weeds can surge in Florida’s summer storms, pushing homeowners to stay on top of mowing and control.

Coral Protection in the Keys: With another warm-up threatening Florida’s reefs, restoration teams are moving young elkhorn and staghorn corals from offshore nurseries to deeper, cooler water to prevent bleaching. Local Law & Fisheries: A Boca Raton man was charged after allegedly stealing about $8,000 in fishing gear from a Keys fishing mate, including rods and electric reels. Agrivoltaics Pilot: FPL is testing ways to pair solar sites with agriculture, including honeybee projects across 18 counties and grazing trials, with UF/IFAS studying crop growth on solar land. Beekeeping + Solar Partnership: The honeybee effort is already supporting pollinators at dozens of FPL solar centers, aiming to boost nearby farm yields. Florida FFA Spotlight: A South Sumter High School student was selected as a Florida FFA delegate to represent the state at the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis this October. Food Safety Recall: USDA announced a recall of nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine raw beef shipped to Florida and Texas after an inspection lapse. Sea Turtle Nesting Watch: Southwest Florida sea turtle nest counts are mixed—some beaches are seeing record nesting while others are losing nests to predators and the sea, raising concerns about hatch success. SNAP Shopping Rules: A roundup highlights what SNAP benefits can still be used to buy, including certain food and beverage items, with state rules shaping the details.