News

New FL Sales Tax Exemptions for Agriculture

August 27, 2015

During the 2015 state legislative session, several new Florida Sales Tax Exemptions for Agriculture were passed with direct application to aquaculture. The following is an excerpt from House Bill 33 that became effective July 1, 2015. “Livestock” includes all animals raised for commercial purposes. The term “livestock” also includes all aquaculture products, as defined in s. 597.0015 Florida Statutes (F.S.), and identified by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to s. 597.003 F.S.

Cultured Clams are Green!

August 4, 2015

Molluscan shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) provide a favorable environment for the coastal waters in which they are grown. The unique sustainability of Florida clam aquaculture was demonstrated in a University of Florida (UF) study conducted during 2014-15 with funding from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Aquaculture Program. Three environmentally-beneficial ecosystem services (water filtration, nitrogen removal and carbon storage) provided by clam farming were examined with values determined for several commercial harvest sizes.

Sign-up for NAP Coverage by September 1

August 3, 2015

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency(FSA), provides financial assistance to growers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in crop losses. NAP provides catastrophic level (CAT) coverage based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50% of expected production at 55% of the average market price for the crop. The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes additional coverage levels ranging from 50 to 65% of production, in 5% increments, at 100% of the average market price. Additional coverage must be elected by a grower by the application closing date.

Harvesting and Aquaculture Education Training Workshops

April 24, 2015

To meet the annual training requirements for shellfish harvesting, handling, and transportation practices as required by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP Guide Section II, Model Ordinance Chapter X), a series of workshops has been organized around Florida by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture with assistance from the University of Florida IFAS and Florida Sea Grant. Following participation of the shellfish harvesting training, a signed certificate will be issued.

Marketing Cultured Oysters Workshops: May 6-7

April 16, 2015

The University of Florida IFAS Cooperative Extension Service in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture is offering a workshop on the harvesting and marketing of cultured oysters. The workshop will be held on two dates and at two locations. Both workshops are from 2:30 to 5:00 pm. Wednesday, May 6, 2015, FSU Coastal and Marine Lab, 3618 Coastal Hwy 98, St. Teresa, FL Thursday, May 7, 2015, FWC Kirkpatrick Marine Lab, 11350 SW 153rd Court, Cedar Key, FL

Florida Trend Report Highlights Aquaculture

April 2, 2015

Aquaculture, the controlled production of seafood, ornamental fish and other aquatic life, is big business in Florida. In 2012, the state’s producers earned $70 million in cash receipts, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey. Worldwide, aquaculture is responsible for about half of all seafood consumed, so this emerging sector of Florida agricultural production holds great promise for the future, said Karl Havens, Florida Sea Grant director. To inform the public about this rapidly developing field, Florida Sea Grant chose aquaculture as the subject of its latest special report for the statewide business magazine Florida Trend.

“Oysterater” Features Cedar Key Oysters

March 5, 2015

Rowan Jacobsen, author of Geography of Oyster, has been a big name in the world of oysters since writing his book, and has maintained a blog ‘oyster finder’ online giving reviews of oysters. Rowan just opened up a new website, Oysterater, that takes feedback from people to hear what they think about oysters. The new site is to be the most comprehensive listing of oysters in the world giving oyster connoisseurs an opportunity to rate oysters, have favorites and open discussions on any oyster-related topic.

Leslie Sturmer Recognized with National Award

March 3, 2015

Leslie Sturmer is rooted in the culture – or should we say “aquaculture” – of Cedar Key. The University of Florida IFAS extension agent works with shellfish harvesters and farmers in the small North Florida Gulf Coast town. I’ve been in aquaculture my whole life,” said Sturmer, “I’ve lived here for 22 years. I’m married to a clam farmer. I’d like to think I provide assistance to the industry.” Last month, Sturmer was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the U.S. Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society.

Clam Industry Workshop Hosted by HBOI & UF

February 10, 2015

A special Clam Industry Workshop, co-hosted by the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, University of Florida IFAS and Florida Sea Grant, will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the HBOI campus in Fort Pierce (for directions, click on Events). The morning session, HABs-Global to Indian River Lagoon, held from 10am to 12:30pm will feature guest speaker Dr. Sandra Shumway, a renowned expert on impacts of harmful algal blooms and biotoxins to shellfish.

Pine Island Clam Jam Showcases Sunray Venus

February 5, 2015

Over 700 folks had the opportunity to take home some cultured sunray venus clams—in addition to popular hard clams—during the appropriately titled Pine Island Clam Jam Food and Music Fest that took place January 31 on a 40-acre Green Planet palm nursery near Bokeelia. The weather was great for a day of music, beer, clam chowder and fun hosted by Pure Grown Aquaculture and the Center for Organic and Sustainable Living. A clam farming display, provided by the UF Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program, was popular with the crowd. Joy Hazell, Lee County Sea Grant agent, also provided local information on