Hello DeSoto and Sarasota County Producers!

It looks like there is a 50-50 chance that we may actually get some much needed rain tomorrow and that certainly would be a blessing.

Today I have another split list of info for you – the first half is virus/disaster related and the second half is more general information.

And just a reminder that if you need to access the last two months of info I sent your way, this link will take you to it: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/tag/covidagupdate/

Coronavirus Updates

1. DOT extends weight waver through May 31^st
   • This applies to forestry products, livestock, milk, poultry/eggs, vegetables, rice, sugar, and citrus
   • See attachment at the bottom of the page called 2020-05-08 Emergency Road Use Permit Letter. This letter can be used as your road use permit.

2. Pesticide licensing exams available soon

• • Exams will start up again in DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pasco Counties after May 18^th
  • There is no date yet for when exams will resume in Sarasota County
  • For a full list of which counties are starting when and information on how to register for an exam, visit this website:

1. 1. • https://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/update-on-testing/

3. Today’s webinar on CFAP was recorded and is now available on You-tube

• • CFAP is the $19 billon direct relief program for producers who have suffered losses during the 2020 marketing year due to COVID-19.
  • Here is the link to the 15-minute recording:

1. 1. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWK-s1kzmgw&feature=youtu.be

1. • Here is a link to the government website about CFAP:

1. 1. • https://www.farmers.gov/cfap

General Agriculture Updates

1. Alternative Agriculture Listening Sessions:

• The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recently posted a notice that they are taking stakeholder input to help inform and set priorities for $40 million of grant funding for research, education and extension around urban agriculture, indoor agriculture and emerging agriculture.
• See the attached at bottom of the page called Urban Agriculture Listening Sessions for more information, dates/times of sessions.

2. Possible Graft Incompatibility affecting the new citrus rootstock

• Recently, some apparent graft compatibility issues affecting the new citrus rootstock US-1283 and particular scions were noticed.
• To read a brief statement about this, click here: https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/docs/pdf/plant-physiology/2020-02-14-Albrecht_Notice-possible-graft-incompatibility.pdf.
• For further information, contact SWFREC plant physiologist Dr. Ute Albrecht (ualbrecht@ufl.edu) or Dr. Kim Bowman (Kim.bowman@usda.gov), research geneticist with USDA ARS in Fort Pierce.

All my best to all of you

ATTACHMENTS

• Urban Agriculture Listening Sessions
• 2020-05-08 – Emergency Road use Permit Letter EO Weight Waivers

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