AGP Executive Report

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.

Food Safety Recall: USDA ordered a Class I recall of about 29,628 pounds of raw Argentine beef after a missed import reinspection, with product distributed to retailers in Florida and Texas; no illnesses were reported, but consumers are told to throw it out or return it. Public Health Watch: Florida’s cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to spread, with Palm Beach County reporting 22 cases and Florida totaling 417 as infections slow, raising questions about produce safety during the summer run. Conservation & Land Use: Miami-Dade received a major boost for pine rockland protection as a family donated five acres in the Redland to the Miami Blue Chapter of the National Butterfly Association, buffering county preserves against nearby nursery and farm impacts. Agriculture Education & Workforce: Florida’s agricultural pipeline got a nod as FFA hit a record 1,053,847 student members for 2025-26, underscoring continued demand for school-based ag leadership. Local Response: A Florida agricultural law enforcement officer in Century helped save a choking one-year-old before EMS arrived, highlighting on-the-ground readiness in rural communities.

Food Safety Recall: USDA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef after a missed import reinspection, with products shipped to stores and distributors in Florida and Texas; officials say there are no confirmed illness reports, but consumers should not eat the recalled cuts. Public Health & Produce: Florida’s cyclosporiasis total continues to climb and then ease—66 new cases were reported Aug. 1–8, bringing Florida to 405 reports since June 1 and 417 confirmed or suspected cases since Jan. 1, tied to a multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Local Agriculture Policy: Martin County is reviewing its first agricultural enclave proposal under a new state law allowing agricultural enclave development, a move that could reshape how rural land is used. Marine & Fishing: A new study finds marine protected areas cover less than 10% of most sharks and rays’ ranges, with major gaps in how fishing restrictions are reported—an issue for Florida’s Gulf fisheries and conservation planning. Gulf Fishing Season Tips: West Coast anglers are gearing up for the short September gag grouper season, with trolling highlighted as an effective way to prospect nearshore structure.

Artificial Reefs Boost Gulf Tourism: Escambia County is sinking more ships and concrete reefs off Florida’s Panhandle, aiming to turn the area into a year-round dive and fishing draw that could bring millions to Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Local Food Marketplace: Sebring’s Florida Homesteader hosted a new “Mercantile” for locally grown food and farm-raised products, with plans to run it twice a month. Everglades Water Quality Wins: Everglades Agricultural Area farmers cut phosphorus by 65% in Water Year 2026, exceeding the Everglades Forever Act target and keeping tons of pollution out of the system. Agricultural Enclave Zoning: Orange County is weighing its first agricultural enclave under SB 686, while St. Johns County now has nine applications under review, including Entrada’s 51-acre proposal. Public Health Watch: Florida cyclosporiasis cases are rising again, with Tallahassee reporting new infections as the nationwide outbreak continues. Food Safety Recall: Corte Argentino USA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of raw Argentine beef after missed U.S. inspection, shipping to retailers in Florida and Texas. Mosquito Control Over Farmland: Lee County mosquito-control pilots describe low-altitude aerial spraying and the licensing needed to protect people from drift.

Food Safety Recall: Aventura-based Corte Argentino USA LLC is recalling about 29,628 pounds of raw Argentine beef shipped to Florida and Texas after the meat entered the U.S. without required reinspection, a USDA FSIS Class I recall. Look for products marked with “EST. N° OF. 2025” and shipping mark “26644-AA,” produced May 15–20, 2026, with use/freeze-by dates Sept. 15–20, 2026. Public Health: Florida’s cyclosporiasis count keeps climbing. The Florida Department of Health reported 407 cases statewide from May 1 to Aug. 8, up 19% week over week, with new increases in Bay, Palm Beach, Polk, Marion, and Miami-Dade. Citrus & Nutrition: New research says drinking about two cups of orange juice daily for 60 days may improve blood pressure, inflammation, and blood sugar—timed alongside ongoing citrus pressures. Weather Outlook: Forecasters say a developing Indian Ocean Dipole alongside strengthening El Niño could mean a stormier, wetter winter setup for the southern U.S., with Florida affected. Marine & Environment: Health officials warn that Vibrio vulnificus “flesh-eating” infections are rising along the Gulf Coast, with Florida reporting at least two deaths in 2026 so far.

Food Safety & Recalls: USDA/FDA actions are still hitting Florida shoppers hard, with multiple Salmonella-linked recalls expanding beyond jalapeños and leafy greens, including products sold at major retailers like Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods, as illnesses climb. Marine & Coastal Safety: Experts are urging anglers to check gear after a rare hawksbill turtle died from severe entanglement in discarded fishing line near Hinson’s Island, while Florida also saw rehabilitated loggerheads return to the Gulf after accidental hooking. Labor & Agriculture: Miami-Dade plant nursery owners warn that deportation moves and the end of Temporary Protected Status are shrinking the workforce, threatening closures even as wages rise. Policy & Water/Soil Risks: EPA issued draft voluntary guidance on PFAS in biosolids land application, with public comments due Sept. 4—important for farmers and landowners planning for future rules. Wildlife & Community Impacts: Flagler Avenue residents report abandoned chickens roaming neighborhoods, including possible heritage breeds, as local rescues push for better rehoming. Energy & Infrastructure: Utility-scale battery storage in the U.S. is growing about 70% annually, adding momentum for solar-plus-storage projects that can stabilize power for agriculture and rural communities.

Land Preservation: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced permanent protection of more than 2,600 acres of working farmland and ranches across Hardee and Marion counties under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Water & Agriculture Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marked completion of the Indian River Lagoon-South C-23/C-24 stormwater treatment area, a 2,560-acre project that can store 4,750 acre-feet to reduce nutrient runoff hitting the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon. Food Safety: Multiple reports highlight expanded recalls tied to salmonella and other contamination concerns affecting products sold in Florida and beyond, urging consumers to check labels and retailers’ recall lists. Fisheries Management: Florida, Georgia and South Carolina submitted proposals to set a collective South Atlantic red snapper recreational harvest limit far above the current cap, pushing for longer fall seasons. Policy & Industry Watch: A new Florida-focused debate is heating up around data centers in the Heartland—local leaders are being warned that power, water use, and infrastructure costs could shape communities for decades.

Food Safety & Recalls: The FDA is urging confidence in the U.S. food supply as it traces a major Cyclospora outbreak to iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico, prompting recalls tied to Taylor Farms. Food Safety & Recalls: Separately, USDA issued a Class I recall for nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine raw beef distributed to retailers in Florida and Texas after a missed import reinspection. Ag Policy & Nutrition: SNAP enrollment dropped by more than 5.3 million after new work requirements took effect, with Florida among states seeing declines of over 20%, raising fresh pressure on grocery sales. Invasive Species: Florida’s invasive-species crisis is bigger than pythons, with Burmese pythons still being removed in the Everglades while other non-native predators expand and strain wildlife, pets, and agriculture. Water & Agriculture: The Suwannee River Water Management District issued a Phase II water shortage order affecting counties across its district, a direct hit to irrigation and farm water planning. Local Agriculture Politics: A Florida forum preview highlights the crowded GOP fight in the redrawn 9th Congressional District, where agriculture and affordability are expected to be key themes.

Ag Land-Use Watch: Martin County is reviewing its first agricultural enclave proposal under Senate Bill 686, which could allow homes and businesses on qualifying farmland; the initial 396-acre “Waterside” plan would fit up to 1,200 homes, but county staff recommended denial after tax records didn’t show all acreage was in bona fide agriculture. Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Fresh Foods/Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall, pulling prepared foods like salsa and guacamole sold across 26 states including Florida; the company says it’s not aware of illnesses tied to the recalled items. Imported Meat Recall: USDA/FSIS recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine raw beef distributed in Florida and Texas after the shipment missed required U.S. import reinspection; no illnesses reported. Public Health & Water Safety: Officials issued urgent warnings along Gulf Coast beaches as deaths from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus rise, with Florida reporting cases and fatalities. Wildlife & Recreation: FWC reported an alligator bite in Marion County’s Silver River; the animal was removed and the river reopened after a brief closure. Industry Update: National FFA membership hit a new record, reaching 1,053,847 student members for 2025–2026, with Florida among the top states by enrollment.

Food Safety & Recalls: Taylor Fresh Foods is recalling 20 jalapeño-containing dips, salsas and prepared items sold nationwide (including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger and Whole Foods) after jalapeños linked to a Salmonella outbreak were pulled; affected products carry “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16, and shoppers are urged not to eat them. Public Health: Gulf Coast health officials report rising Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths, including a new Florida fatality, warning people to avoid seawater contact with open wounds and to be cautious with raw shellfish. Local Conservation: Florida scrub jays are getting a boost in Manatee County, with 48 birds moved into Wingate Creek State Park in Myakka City as part of a public-private effort to improve genetic diversity. Coastal Development Fight: The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage voted to oppose a Sarasota Bay federal permit tied to a Longbar Pointe/Aqua by the Bay project, citing risks to wetlands and mangroves and urging the developer to shift farther inland. Wildlife & Fisheries Management: Florida’s FWC set 2026 Gulf gag grouper recreational season dates, while Martin County tabled a proposed saltwater fishing ordinance after residents raised concerns about shark fishing during unguarded beach hours.

Food Safety Recall: Taylor Fresh Foods (Taylor Farms) expanded a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall, pulling prepared dips, salsa, guacamole and other items sold at major retailers including Walmart and Target in Florida; the CDC/FDA say the outbreak strain traces to fresh jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors from Sinaloa, Mexico, with illnesses reported across 27 states. Public Health Watch: A separate multi-state cyclosporiasis update shows North Carolina surpassing 850 cases since May, as the CDC tracks thousands of illnesses tied to Cyclospora contamination. Agribusiness & Land: Alico, Inc. reported Q3 results and highlighted a new agricultural lease for about 3,280 acres with a purchase option, extending its land monetization strategy while keeping cash and guidance on track. Citrus & Climate Pressure: NOAA reported record-breaking July heat across a dozen Florida counties, with South Florida and the Treasure Coast hardest hit—another reminder of how weather extremes can stress crops and water systems. Fishing Economy: St. Augustine’s fall tournament lineup spotlights Florida’s saltwater fishing draw, with events promising large payouts and continued economic impact for coastal communities.