National GIS Day

November 17, 2021

What is GIS? GIS specialists use modern-day cartography, data science and web development to make the most of data collected by DPI, whether it was gathered in the field or submitted by the public. The United States Geological Survey defines GIS as “a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data … More National GIS Day

All in a Day’s Work — DPI’s Citrus Nursery Inspectors Inspect and Protect

August 11, 2021

Citrus is big business in Florida. Its revenue is in the billions, and the industry employs over 70,000 Floridians in citrus-related work. Ninety percent of the orange juice in the United States is made from Florida oranges, and Florida ranks second only to Brazil in global orange juice production. Florida is also the leading producer of grapefruit.    With that kind of production and over 70 million citrus … More All in a Day’s Work — DPI’s Citrus Nursery Inspectors Inspect and Protect

The Relentless Pursuit to Keep Invasive Insects and Plants Out of Florida — USDA Money Keeps the Dogs Working for Florida Agriculture

August 4, 2021

How many ways can an invasive insect pest enter Florida? With at least 30 ports of entry via truck, plane or boat, it’s not surprising that since 1980, the state of Florida has identified several hundred plant pests either new to Florida or the United States – a statistic that tells the tale of the constant and never-ceasing battle fought … More The Relentless Pursuit to Keep Invasive Insects and Plants Out of Florida — USDA Money Keeps the Dogs Working for Florida Agriculture

Moving with Houseplants

May 26, 2021

An estimated 1,000 people move to the state of Florida every day. According to PEW Research, “roughly one-in-five Americans have relocated due to the pandemic or know someone who has.” These statistics, combined with a nationwide trend in indoor gardening, leads many people to wonder what the rules are when it comes to moving with houseplants. The National … More Moving with Houseplants

DPI Exporting Fresh From Florida Blueberries Worldwide

May 12, 2021

Aside from working to keep pest and disease far from Florida’s blueberry crops, DPI has been helping Florida growers find opportunities to sell berries to new markets all over the country and globe.  As the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently reported, Florida’s market share of the global blueberry trade has decreased by 38% since 2015. … More DPI Exporting Fresh From Florida Blueberries Worldwide

The Beauty of Bonsai; Caring through Composting

May 5, 2021

Find them in DPI’s Florida Citrus Arboretum World Bonsai Day, May 9, and National Composting Awareness Week, May 2-8, may not be on your calendar, but at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) office in Winter Haven, the Florida Citrus Arboretum features both of the celebrated activities.    The Florida Citrus Arboretum got its start in 1975 and hosts over 217 varieties of citrus. The collection represents everything from … More The Beauty of Bonsai; Caring through Composting

One Year of Hemp

April 27, 2021

As of today, Florida’s Hemp Cultivation Program has been accepting applications for licensing to grow hemp for one entire year. Hemp opportunities created an estimated $370 million impact and Florida ranks in the top five states for cannabis job growth.   The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services manages and regulates Florida’s state hemp program and cannabis products, including CBD. Headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, … More One Year of Hemp

Winter Beekeeping Tips

January 13, 2021

The winter season is one of the most difficult times to keep up an apiary. The temperature and weather become highly unpredictable. Cold wind can whisk away unsecured hive components and stray bees. Snow can block air openings on your hives, preventing proper ventilation and stopping bees from coming out to search for food.  Simply … More Winter Beekeeping Tips