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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 22, 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: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

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

FE1141/FE1141by Xuan Wei, Benjamin L. Campbell, Hayk Khachatryan, and Robin G. BrumfieldFebruary 21, 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: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

Common Poisonous Houseplant Species in Florida

EP639/ENH1375by Yuvraj Khamare and Chris MarbleOctober 13, 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: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

Cómo solicitar una evaluación fiscal agrícola Greenbelt

FY1527/FCS3358-Spanby Raychel Thomas, Jana Caracciolo, Catherine Campbell, John Diaz, y Valeria Caicedo ZapataSeptember 8, 2023Esta publicación de EDIS está diseñada para proporcionar un resumen preciso y actual de la Ley Greenbelt de Florida. Esta publicación se distribuye con el entendimiento de que los autores no se dedican a prestar asesoramiento legal u otro asesoramiento profesional, y la información contenida en este documento no debe considerarse como un sustituto del asesoramiento profesional. Este documento es el FCS3358-Span, uno de una serie del Departmento de Familia, Juventud y Ciencias Comunitarias, UF/IFAS Extensión. Publicación original de agosto del 2023.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

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

EP636/ENH1372by Heather Kalaman and Chris MarbleAugust 11, 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: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises