CANKER ERADICATION PROGRAM KILLED, EMINENT DOMAIN REFORM PASSED

The state House of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday (May 3) to kill the citrus canker eradication program. The “Citrus Canker Bill” would also require that all Florida citrus nurseries grow replacement trees only in state-approved greenhouses, and would allow the Florida Citrus Commission to both approve new tax rates by a simple majority vote and to remove a restriction that limits expenditures on marketing programs to 24 percent of its budget.

 

The Legislature also gave the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services permission to replace eradication with the new Citrus Health Response Plan, currently being crafted. The bill, which Governor Bush must still sign, would set aside more than $26 million to fund the new program.

 

In another bill of interest to the Florida agriculture industry, on Thursday (May 4), the Senate passed SB2168, an FFVA-supported eminent domain reform bill. The bill limits the power of local governments to use eminent domain. The House version, HB 1567, passed last month.

 

SIGN-UP BEGINS MAY 17 FOR 2005 HURRICANE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

USDA announced Monday (May 1) that sign-up will begin May 17 for four crop and livestock assistance programs providing aid to producers affected by the 2005 hurricanes.

The four programs - Livestock Indemnity Program, Feed Indemnity Program, Hurricane Indemnity Program and Tree Indemnity Program - are funded through Section 32 funds authorized immediately following these destructive storms.

Additional information about USDA hurricane assistance is available at USDA Service Centers nationwide and online at http://www.usda.gov/HurricaneInfo.xml.

FFVA PARTICIPATES IN FARM BILL PLANNING AT UNITED CONVENTION

Produce industry representatives from across the U.S. meet today (May 8) in Chicago to discuss strategies for the 2007 farm bill. FFVA President Mike Stuart will represent Florida grower interests at the meeting, being held in conjunction with the annual convention of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association.

Over the past several months, FFVA has worked with key produce industry organizations to develop proposals for inclusion in the next farm bill, including initiatives on pest and disease programs, marketing and trade, conservation assistance and more. FFVA has already begun outreach to Florida's congressional delegation to enlist political support for these programs. "We are seeking a more prominent position in the farm bill than in years past, including significantly more mandatory spending," said Stuart.

One topic for the meeting: Slow progress in WTO agricultural trade talks has some non-produce agricultural interests advocating an extension of current farm bill programs for at least another year until trade issues are resolved. Such an extension would, in effect, delay any chance for adoption of much-needed programs for the fruit and vegetable industry.

FLORIDA AVOCADO SEASON IS HERE

With their luscious, buttery texture and delicate, sweet nutty flavor, Florida avocados might seem just a little too good to be good for you. But not to worry --this is one delicious indulgence you don't need to feel guilty about. The "alligator pear" (or "butter pear," as the avocado is also known) is a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

"Avocados are something you can enjoy on a regular basis," said Mary Ostlund, director of marketing for Brooks Tropicals of Homestead, the nation's largest producer of tropical fruits and vegetables. "They're very healthy food and they don't have to be reserved only for parties and special occasions."

People are often reluctant to eat avocados because of concern about the fruit's high fat content. Well, avocados do contain fat, that's true, but it's mostly the "good" kind of fat -- monounsaturated -- the kind that lowers LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and contributes to heart health.

Florida avocados are actually lower in fat than other well-known varieties. In fact, they contain about half the fat and two-thirds the calories of their California cousins. According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, a quarter-cup of Florida avocado contains about 70 calories and six grams of fat. Florida avocados are generally considered to be sweeter and lighter than most popular West Coast varieties - and to hold up better when cut.

Florida avocados are rich in vitamins C and E -- two powerful antioxidants -- and folate, which may play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Ounce for ounce, avocados have 60 percent more potassium than bananas -- another heart-friendly feature. Studies show a potassium-rich diet may help maintain normal blood pressure. Avocados are high in fiber, which can help with weight control and lower your risk for certain cancers, and they are cholesterol- and sodium-free.

 

-Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

 

THE CITRUS HEALTH RESPONSE PLAN - WHAT NOW?

Federal and state authorities are drafting a plan to take over from where the citrus canker eradication program left off. Specifics are still being ironed out and industry input is encouraged. Read more about the “CHRP” in the May Harvester Online at www.ffva.com.