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Mid-Florida REC

Editorial Team

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

Florida Pest Management Industry Economic Contributions Report

FE1140/FE1140by Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Christa D. CourtFebruary 22nd, 2024Florida's pest management industry is one of the nation’s leaders, accounting for more than 14 percent of pest management establishments in 2021. Among other services, this industry provides insect extermination and control, bedbug extermination, mosquito control, termite extermination and control, and rodent control and extermination. The market share concentration of the Florida pest management industry has increased due to consolidation during the past decade, but the general concentration within the industry has remained relatively low. Most operators are midsize or small and strategically located near densely populated areas. To estimate economic contributions of the Florida pest management industry for the most recent fiscal year, we sent survey questionnaires to more than 3,500 pest control firms and received responses from 764 of them. We then conducted an economic contribution analysis using the IMPLAN© regional economic modeling system and associated databases.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

H-2A Workers in Demand in the Ornamental Horticulture Industry

FE1141/FE1141by Xuan Wei, Benjamin L. Campbell, Hayk Khachatryan, and Robin G. BrumfieldFebruary 21st, 2024The US agricultural industry depends on immigrant farm labor, particularly in the specialty crop sector where tasks like harvesting require a lot of labor. Most US farmworkers are from other countries, and almost half are not authorized to work in the United States.  The importance of immigrant labor in meeting the demand for workers in the nursery and floriculture production sector has been further highlighted with this industry's recent growth. This publication offers an overview of the increasing demand for H-2A workers in the ornamental horticulture industry, examines growers' challenges, and explores the underlying factors affecting workers’ participation in the H-2A program. It guides industry stakeholders to monitor changes in immigration policies and labor regulations, including the H-2A program and to adjust labor management practices accordingly. It includes strategies to address  labor challenges and remain competitive in the marketplace.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Common Poisonous Houseplant Species in Florida

EP639/ENH1375by Yuvraj Khamare and Chris MarbleOctober 13th, 2023Plants inside our homes, offices, or those used as part of a patio garden have been shown to create a relaxed, productive environment and to improve indoor air quality. Overall, they are efficient, low-cost, and sustainable. While houseplants are safe to grow and provide many benefits, some can be toxic if ingested accidentally, which could be a concern for those with pets or small children. This publication is intended to inform homeowners, home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common poisonous plant species used as houseplants in Florida. It should be noted that while photos are provided of each species, there are many variations of each plant described, which could have different foliage color, variegations, slightly different leaf shapes, or flower colors.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Biology and Management of Asiatic False Hawksbeard (Youngia japonica) in Florida Ornamental Production and Landscapes

EP636/ENH1372by Heather Kalaman and Chris MarbleAugust 11th, 2023Asiatic false hawksbeard is a common, annual broadleaf weed found across Florida landscapes, agricultural production systems, home gardens, and natural areas. This article is written for home gardeners, commercial growers, and other green industry professionals to aid in the proper identification and management of Asiatic false hawksbeard in the landscape and in nursery production.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Characteristics of Commercial Urban Agriculture in Florida

FY1522/FCS3383by Catherine G. CampbellMay 22nd, 2023This publication provides an overview of the size, production methods, and market channels used by urban farms in Florida. It discusses urban farmers’ perceptions of barriers, opportunities, and needs for their operations. Written by Catherine G. Campbell, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, May 2023.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems