Growers interested in making water quality and quantity improvements on their farms will not want to miss a presentation by JP Fraites, assistant director of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Water Policy. During the Florida Ag Expo, he will lead a discussion on increased cost-share funding provided by the department. The percentage of cost-share has increased from 75% to 90%, if growers voluntarily agree to share project-specific data. And the cap of available funds per project increased from $50,000 to $150,000. Fraites will provide insights on how the department can work with growers to make improvements on their farms, with an emphasis on regional watershed-based projects.
Here are a few more highlights of what’s on tap for the Expo:
- Scott Angle will provide an update on University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences priorities as he returns to his leadership role.
- Learn more about significant changes coming in regard to pesticide-use regulations, including the Endangered Species Act.
- Breakout seminars will focus on pest management and how new technologies can be applied on farms today.
- Field tours will provide attendees with a chance to see research work in action.
- Back by popular demand, the tailgate-style trade show will include vendors serving a variety of delicious foods from their booths.
Don’t wait, register now! Registration, sponsored by Kennco, is free for commercial growers, commercial grove owners, commercial grove managers, certified crop advisers, grower association executives, government, legislative and universities. All preregistered growers will be entered to win a John Deere gun safe, courtesy of Everglades Equipment Group.
Is your company interested in exhibiting? Please visit the exhibitor registration page for the registration form and more information about getting in front of Florida’s largest specialty crop growers!
Complete details about the seminar sessions are coming soon. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Florida Ag Expo in Wimauma!