HOUSE COMMITTEE VOTES TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE

The House Appropriations Committee voted Tuesday (June 13) to approve an amendment that would raise the U.S. minimum wage in increments to $7.25 an hour by January 1, 2009. The vote came after the Democrat-backed amendment was attached to a larger spending bill.

Under the proposal, the current $5.15-per-hour federal minimum wage would rise in 70-cent increments starting January 1, 2007. On that date, the minimum wage would be set at $5.85. A year later it would go to $6.55 before topping off at $7.25 in 2009. The legislation will now go to the House Rules Committee.

The current Florida minimum wage is $6.40 per hour.

STICKER SHOWS PROMISE AS RIPENESS INDICATOR

An Albuquerque psychologist and inventor says he has devised a way to find out if the produce you buy at the supermarket is at the perfect stage of ripeness.

Robert Klein's company, Redi Ripe, may soon begin marketing inexpensive stickers that change color when fruit is ready to eat. Klein and a University of Arizona professor have been developing the thumbnail-size stickers for several years and expect to test prototypes during Washington apple harvests this fall.

The project is backed by grants from the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

CITRUS LUMINARY JAMES T. GRIFFITHS DIES

James T. Griffiths, a man who knew the citrus industry inside and out, died Tuesday (June 13) at Winter Haven Hospital from complications of a heart attack. Dr. Griffiths was 91.

Only last week, he received the 2006 Citrus Achievement Award from Florida Grower magazine.

“The Florida citrus industry has lost one of its best advocates,” said FFVA President Mike Stuart. “Dr. Griffiths' heart and soul were always with the grower. He will be sorely missed.”

During his long career in the citrus industry, Dr. Griffiths worked as a research entomologist, fertilizer salesman, grove manager, general manager of a fresh fruit packinghouse and juice processor. He had been serving as managing director of Citrus Grower Associates, Inc,. of Lakeland at the time of his death.

Dr. Griffiths was born November 4, 1914 in Alta Loma, Texas, earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Rice University and a master's and Ph.D. in entomology from Iowa State University. He is survived by two sons, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Anita, passed away in 1998.

The family has asked that contributions be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Polk County or The Boy Scouts of America (Gulf Ridge Council).

SENATOR NELSON ISSUES STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF FLORIDA CITRUS GROWERS

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson issued a statement Tuesday (June 13) urging USDA to reconsider its recent decision to ban the shipment of Florida citrus to other citrus-producing states.

“I rise to call on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reconsider its recent decision to ban Florida’s citrus industry from shipping fruit to other citrus-producing states – as this decision could adversely affect a major segment of my state’s economy,” Nelson’s statement said.

“Specifically, the government ban lacks adequate scientific backing; and could even harm Florida’s ability to trade with other citrus-producing countries,” the statement, addressed to President Bush, continued.

TEACHERS, VOLUNTEERS, LEARN ABOUT “AGRICULTURE - EDUCATION’S GREATEST TREASURE”

Florida teachers and agriculture industry volunteers put in a good showing Thursday through Saturday (June 15-17) at Florida Ag in the Classroom’s State Teacher and Volunteer Workshop in Tampa.

The workshop, themed, “Discover Florida Agriculture: Education’s Greatest Treasure,” featured a broad range of lessons and activities as well as a choice of several farm/ranch field tours.

Florida Ag in the Classroom is funded by dollars generated by sales of the “ag tag,” the state’s agriculture specialty license plate. For more information on how to buy or renew your ag tag, contact your local tag office.

“MORE MATTERS” IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION

“Fruits & Veggies - More Matters,” is the new brand identity for the National 5 A Day Partnership's quest to get more fruits and vegetables into the American diet. Learn how moms are being targeted in the new campaign in the June issue of Harvester Online at www.ffva.com.