AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Recall: Walmart-exclusive Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter is recalled in 19 states after Florida testing found salmonella in a specific lot; no illnesses reported, but shoppers are told not to eat the product. Cyclospora/Lettuce Fallout: A lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has kept sick people coming, with guidance circulating on what to avoid while investigations continue. Local Seafood Access: Punta Gorda’s U.S. 41 bridge “no fishing” signs were replaced with “no littering” signs after an agreement with FDOT, bringing back fishing access while cracking down on trash and blocked walkways. Agriculture & Policy Push: Florida farm groups are urging the U.S. Senate to move quickly on a GOP budget resolution that includes additional agricultural assistance. Mariculture/Water Quality: A new report says most of Florida’s assessed waterways fail to meet state water quality standards, pointing to weak enforcement and policy gaps. 4-H Forestry Spotlight: Florida 4-Hers earned top honors at a national forestry invitational, including a “Spirit of the Invitational” award.

Water Quality Watch: A new report using Florida DEP data says only 30% of assessed waterways meet standards, while 52% fail—blaming lax policy and weak enforcement. Recreational Fishing Rules: FDOT replaced “No Fishing” bridge signs in Charlotte County with “No Littering,” after backlash from anglers over fish-gut cleanup complaints. Shellfish Safety: Florida reported a second death this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare bacteria tied to raw shellfish and risky for people with weakened immune systems. Cyclospora Update: The lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak has surged nationwide to nearly 23,000 cases across 47 states, with Florida still tracking new county-by-county counts. Agriculture Policy Push: Florida farm groups urged the U.S. Senate to move quickly on a GOP budget resolution that would include at least $12 billion in agricultural assistance. Local Land & Water: Lee County has a $13M listing for private land on Buck Key Island, while Polk County’s historic Bannon Island is also back on the market for the first time in over a century.

Fire Safety in Florida: UF/IFAS shared a new guide, “See Smoke? Smell Smoke? Be in the Know,” explaining how Florida residents can tell prescribed-burn smoke from riskier wildfire smoke, and why planned burns can be better for long-term forest health. Florida Citrus Research: Florida Southern College planted 45 young citrus trees at its Lakeland campus as a “living laboratory” to help growers tackle greening and other tree-health problems. Cyclospora Update: Florida health officials reported 342 cyclospora cases statewide (including 16 in Palm Beach County) tied to recalled iceberg lettuce products linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico, with CDC noting thousands more unconfirmed cases nationwide. Agriculture Cabinet Race: The race for Florida commissioner of agriculture is heating up ahead of the primary, with Wilton Simpson facing Matt Taylor; the post oversees regulation and promotion across the state’s $13B ag sector. Local Boating & Fishing Economy: New NMMA data keeps Florida at No. 1 for recreational boating sales, underscoring the state’s strong water-based recreation and seafood culture.

Cyclospora Update (Florida): Florida health officials report cyclosporiasis cases are surging again, with 352 confirmed/probable cases statewide through Aug. 1 and rapid growth across counties—Lee County at 32, Sarasota and Manatee each at 4, and Charlotte County confirming its first case. The outbreak is still tied to iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms, and public guidance emphasizes food safety and reducing exposure risk. Agriculture Innovation (South Florida): Le Jardin Community Center broke ground on a new three-acre hydroponic and aquaponic garden in Homestead, aiming for up to five harvests a year and selling produce to local restaurants, with community U-pick access planned. Pork Industry (Regional): Six state pork groups launched the Southeast Pork Alliance, including Florida’s Florida Pork Improvement Group, to coordinate advocacy, education, and innovation across the region. Water Quality Research (FAU): Florida Atlantic University received an EPA grant to develop AI-guided technology using 3D-printed structures made from sargassum to remove excess phosphorus and help prevent harmful algal blooms. Policy & Land Protection (Statewide): Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson says the state is on pace to permanently protect 250,000+ acres of agricultural land during his first term, highlighting conservation and regulatory priorities.

Conservation Deal for Ranchland: Conservation Florida says a partnership permanently protected 1,500 acres at Square One Ranch in Highlands County via a conservation easement, keeping the working cattle operation intact while safeguarding habitat that connects for endangered Florida panthers. Marine & Fishing Rules: FWC announced fall season dates for Greater Amberjack and Gulf Gag Grouper, and Florida’s regular spiny lobster season opens Thursday with reminders on licenses, gauges, protected areas, and daily bag limits. Food Supply & Safety: The FDA issued a recall of Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states due to possible salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported. Egg Prices Settlement: Three major egg producers will donate 53 million eggs to food banks as part of a settlement over alleged price-fixing. SNAP Pressure Point: Florida Democrats pressed the DeSantis administration for details on using AI to reduce SNAP eligibility errors after lawmakers funded a $4 million AI contract. Wildlife Policy Warning: An internal fisheries memo warns a Trump-backed bill could delay North Atlantic right whale protections until 2035, risking functional extinction. Local Agriculture Land Use: Hillsborough County commissioners voted to study AI data center impacts and draft a moratorium ordinance tied to water restrictions.

Agribusiness & Inputs: Mosaic reported a $273M Q2 2026 net loss as fertilizer production stayed constrained by tight sulfur supplies, underscoring how global conflict-driven volatility keeps squeezing crop nutrient availability. Florida Agriculture & Food Safety: FDACS testing helped trigger a Walmart recall of bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states, including Florida, after salmonella was found. Local Farming & Water Management: A Belle Glade flood practice is highlighted as a “clean slate” approach for winter crops, using seasonal flooding to reduce pests and soil disease pressure across thousands of acres. Wildlife & Fisheries: A dead great hammerhead on Jupiter Beach has conservationists urging stronger protection for prohibited species and warning that nearshore targeting of large predators may shift shark behavior. Everglades & Invasives: USACE Jacksonville and Florida agencies are coordinating on Everglades invasives, focusing on practical removal efforts. State Parks & Rural Economy: Florida’s state parks funding debate continues as advocates push back on whether current allocations cover core maintenance needs. Labor & Farm Work: A Punta Gorda Isles Lunch & Learn with Melon1 stressed how state policy and H-2A rules affect day-to-day farm operations and compliance. Pest News: UF research confirms “hybrid termites” exist in only one Florida county (Broward) and says treatment recommendations remain effective.

Food Safety & Produce: Cyclospora cases in the U.S. topped 10,000, with two deaths in Michigan, and Florida reporting 254 cases across 39 counties; health officials say the outbreak is tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Mexico distributed by Taylor Farms, prompting consumers to check “Best If Used By” dates and product labels. Local Agriculture & Community Food: People’s Freedom Farm in Orlando marked three years supplying fresh produce for People’s Free Kitchen, pairing meals with hands-on farming skills and community “Solidarity Hubs.” Agricultural Land Policy: St. Johns County is weighing whether to challenge Florida’s new “agricultural enclave” law after it created a faster path for certain residential developments, with county attorneys expected to report back Aug. 18. Invasive Species: Lee County’s python sightings remain unusually low on paper, but experts warn sparse reporting doesn’t mean the snakes aren’t spreading through agricultural and semi-rural areas. Ag Economy: Farm groups warn crop producers face another stretch of losses from high input costs and weak margins, urging continued support as working capital tightens.

Bridge Fishing Rules: FDOT will remove and replace “No Fishing” signs on Peace River bridges (U.S. 41) after public backlash, switching to “No Littering” messaging while still addressing sanitation complaints. Food Safety Recall: Walmart recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter (lot LB028ACP04, exp. Jan. 28, 2027) after Salmonella was found in jars tested by FDACS; sold in 19 states including Florida. Aquaculture Deal: Atlantic Sapphire sold a majority stake to Coral HoldCo, with a mandatory offer for remaining shares as the RAS salmon-farming company restructures. Farmland Protection: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced permanent protection for 1,675 acres of working farmland in Levy and Putnam counties via rural lands easements. Coastal Restoration Research: FAU Harbor Branch researchers highlighted Ruppia maritima as a resilient native seagrass that could help restart recovery in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Shellfish & Shell Harvesting: CBP agriculture K9 interceptions at Miami/Tampa flagged restricted seashells and coral from the Bahamas, underscoring strict Florida and federal harvest rules. Invasive Pest Watch: UF/IFAS intern work at IRREC focused on pasture mealybugs and developing sticky traps and pheromone lures to protect Florida pastures, hayfields, turfgrass, and sugarcane. Grocery Expansion: Publix opens in Apollo Beach Aug. 13; Aldi adds three Florida stores Aug. 20 (DeFuniak Springs, Eustis, Tarpon Springs).

Cabinet Primaries: Florida’s GOP incumbents are positioned to coast in under-the-radar statewide Cabinet races, with CFO Blaise Ingoglia and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson both seen as strong in their primaries. Fertilizer Costs: Fertilizer prices are likely to stay high as geopolitical shocks—Russia-Ukraine and renewed Middle East conflict affecting ammonia shipments through the Strait of Hormuz—tighten global supply. Food Safety Recall (Pistachio Butter): Walmart shoppers in 19 states are urged to check pantries after a Bettergoods pistachio nut butter lot was recalled for possible Salmonella contamination; Florida inspectors found the bacteria during routine testing. Water & Fishing Access: Charlotte County and FDOT are working toward a compromise after “No Fishing” signs went up on U.S. 41 bridges, a move anglers say cut off hard-won access. Shark Concerns: Rare hammerhead sightings and multiple beach deaths are renewing scrutiny of land-based shark fishing practices along Florida’s coast. Space & Science (Agriculture Link): NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission from Florida’s Space Coast includes studies tied to crop production and longer-duration spaceflight health research.

Local Growth & Power Demand: Lakeland commissioners voted 4-3 to impose a one-year moratorium on new data centers and other high-power users (50+ megawatts), pausing applications while permanent rules are drafted after public backlash over the proposed “Project Swan.” Food Safety in Florida Retail: Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states—including Florida—was recalled for possible Salmonella contamination; the affected 6.7 oz jars are tied to UPC 194346207961 and lot LB028ACP04 (no illnesses reported). Public Health Watch: Florida reported 254 cyclosporiasis cases across 39 counties since May 1; Michigan has now reported two outbreak-related deaths, underscoring the ongoing national risk. Local Food Access: SWFL Produce Farm Store opened a new location at Coconut Point in Estero, expanding pickup and weekly delivery of produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, beef, and other Florida-made items from local farms. Farm Labor Policy: New H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates are set to take effect immediately for most states, with a later start for Florida and other states covered by a 2024 court ruling. Pollinator News: South Florida residents are seeing more honeybee swarms in unusual spots as heat and habitat loss push colonies into yards and structures; experts urge professional removal and relocation. Seafood & Water Quality: A long-running Gulf of Mexico shell-reef effort—using oyster and clam shells from seafood processors—has helped rebuild underwater habitat after storms and the Deepwater Horizon spill.

SNAP Shock for Florida Families: More than 4 million Americans have already lost SNAP food aid as sweeping federal changes roll out, with the biggest funding shift set for October—raising fears of deeper hunger for children and families. Water Worries: A new report warns Florida’s water supply and water quality are under pressure as aquifers shrink and demand rises, with ongoing algae, red tide, sewage leaks, and beach closures hitting communities. Invasive Pest Alert: Southwest Florida officials are urging residents to watch for the giant African land snail after a renewed detection, warning it can devastate gardens and crops and spread quickly. Cotton Jassid Returns: Experts say cotton jassid is back in the Lower Southeast, with monitoring showing early activity on hosts like okra and cotton and potential yield risk. Local Growth & Agriculture Land Use: Marion County voters choose among four candidates for a commission seat, with infrastructure and development pace front and center—issues that can shape farmland and rural land protection. 4-H Forestry Spotlight: Florida 4-H teams placed top-three at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational, with a Florida contestant earning the “Spirit of the Invitational” award.

Invasive Species Watch: Southwest Florida officials are urging residents to report sightings after the giant African land snail was detected again, a fast-breeding pest that can devastate gardens and crops and may carry parasites. Emergency Preparedness for Livestock: Jefferson County is hosting an Aug. 13 meeting with Florida agriculture and UF/IFAS and FAMU extension partners to help farm and livestock owners plan for hurricanes and new pests like the New World screwworm and mealybug. Wildlife Conservation: Florida scrub-jays are showing signs of recovery at Wingate Creek State Park, where a restoration effort has reached 56 breeding pairs and aims for 100. Coastal Disruption: Caribbean and Gulf beaches are dealing with heavy sargassum seaweed, with researchers saying 2026 could bring another major year and that runoff and warming waters may be driving the surge. Food & Health: A new USDA/HHS message pushes shoppers toward whole, nutrient-dense foods and away from highly processed options—especially important for lower-income households.

Sargassum Surge: Swaths of rotting sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf beaches, with USF scientists reporting about 27 million metric tons in July and warning this year’s bloom is growing locally rather than just drifting in—bad news for coastal ecosystems and tourism-dependent economies. Wildlife Recovery in Working Landscapes: Florida scrub-jays are rebounding at Wingate Creek State Park, where a long-running restoration effort has reached 56 breeding pairs and aims for 100, after agriculture and development wiped out low, open nesting habitat. Shark-Fishing Rules Under Review: Hammerhead and great white sightings along Florida’s Treasure Coast are prompting renewed attention to beach shark-fishing regulations, including a Martin County ordinance that limits where people can fish from shore. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Bartow County’s Farm Family of the Year went to a third-generation operation, highlighting how farm work ethic and community ties keep local agriculture moving forward. Freshwater Fishing Forecast: Anglers get a week-ahead Florida freshwater plan, with advice to fish flowing water before storms as temperatures and cloud cover shift.

Seaweed & Coastal Impacts: A new surge of sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf beaches, with researchers reporting unusually large growth in-region and warning of tourism and marine-life fallout. Food Safety & Produce: Florida’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps climbing as FDA/CDC investigations tie cases to recalled fresh-cut lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, with guidance focused on what shoppers should avoid. SNAP & Food Access: Federal food-aid cuts are hitting Black Americans hardest, with advocates warning that reduced SNAP benefits mean more households face food insecurity. Local Land-Use: Brevard County residents are pushing back on a proposed 82-unit townhome project in Suntree, arguing rezoning could harm wildlife habitat and worsen drainage/flooding. Shark Fishing Rules: Martin County is reviewing changes after the state directed alignment with Florida rules that preempt county saltwater fishing regulation, following public concern after a past bull shark attack. Agriculture Business: Parish Tractor is expanding in the Southeast by acquiring Crain Tractor, adding a new Mississippi location and growing its Florida footprint. Community Food Event: The Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center will host Food Truck Friday on Aug. 21 in Palm Coast, featuring local food trucks and artisan vendors.

Sargassum Surge: Swaths of rotting sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf beaches, with the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab reporting nearly 30 million tons in July—scientists say this year’s growth in-region is “not normal,” raising fresh pressure on tourism-dependent coasts. Mosquito Release Plan: Google is seeking permission to release about 32 million Wolbachia-treated mosquitoes in Florida to curb breeding and disease spread, part of its Debug initiative. Backyard Farming Push: A new community farming effort is set to reach 600 households in Barbados with seedlings, grow bags/boxes, chicken coops and support—an agriculture-food security model worth watching for Florida’s backyard growers. Heat Safety Legacy: The Korey Stringer Institute, with a Florida satellite, is spotlighting heat-stroke prevention after the 2001 death of NFL player Korey Stringer, citing policy changes across all 50 states. Local Waterway Infrastructure: Babcock Ranch is backing Florida DOT work on State Road 31, a key corridor for agriculture and regional traffic, with widening and bridge replacement planned. Fishing Youth Training: First Mate Academy in Tampa Bay is running boating and fishing camps that teach hands-on skills and safety for young anglers.

Road & Rural Access: Babcock Ranch is praising Florida DOT work on State Road 31 in Lee/Charlotte, a widening project to six lanes and a Wilson Pigott Bridge replacement that’s expected to finish the first phase by May 2027—key for agriculture and mining traffic. Farm Economics: USDA data show Florida at about $279 per acre for average cash rent on irrigated cropland, ranking 9th nationally in 2026. Local Tax Pressure: Ormond Beach budget talks keep the property tax rate steady at 4.3202 mills while officials plan for possible state constitutional changes that could reshape future revenues. Mosquito Control: Google has filed to release 32 million bacteria-treated mosquitoes in Florida as part of its Debug initiative, using Wolbachia to curb breeding. Coastal Agriculture Threat: A University of South Florida report says record sargassum—about 27 million metric tons—has been growing in the Caribbean and Gulf, smothering shorelines and disrupting marine life. Aquaculture & Seafood Season: Florida’s spiny lobster regular season runs Aug. 6 through March 31, with a six-lobster daily bag limit and required permits.