#DYK 90% of imported 🌷 cut flower shipments go through Miami – a crucial point for the introduction of invasives into the 🇺🇸?

Beyond ensuring that every #MothersDay 🌹 bouquet is pest-free, the early 🔎 detection of 🐜pests & 🌿diseases is crucial to protecting our biosecurity!

In the past, 🌱 plants categorized as commercially exploited were 🚜 overharvested, putting them at risk of ⚠️ extinction.

Today, certified nurseries can continue to sell these plants if they are propagated in-house, but 🧺 collecting them in the wild requires a 📄 state permit!

Our Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services team at the Citrus Budwood facility are working closely with Florida’s citrus farmers and nurseries to protect and strengthen the industry. Great to be with them in Trenton today.

If you find a feral 🐝 swarm in your area, visit our 🌐 website!

FDACS maintains a spreadsheet of registered beekeepers & certified pest control operators that perform removal or eradication services.

For more information, visit our website: bit.ly/HBRemovalList

📢 Introducing DPI's 97th class of new plant inspectors! 📢

Last week, DPI's North Florida plant inspectors participated in a comprehensive 5-day training program to cultivate their expertise with the inner workings of our division!

This year, FDACS-DPI will receive $7,006,435 from the 2024 Plant Protection Act (PPA), which will advance our mission of protecting Florida’s native and commercially grown 🌱plants and 🌾 agricultural resources.

For the full breakdown, visit our blog: bit.ly/PPAFunding2024

Happy National 🪴Gardening Day!

With Florida's unique range of 🌤️ climatic conditions and 🌧️weather phenomena, there is something for every gardener in the ☀️ Sunshine State!

Since 2019, DPI staff have tended to a 🌱 teaching garden which we use to train our plant inspectors!

At FDACS-DPI, we produce an abundance of 🖨️ printed materials relevant to our state's plant industry!

These materials cover a range of topics, including 🪲 pest management, 🦠 plant diseases, 🔎species identification, 📑 regulatory guidelines and more!

fdacs.gov/About-Us/Publi…

#DYK that Florida 🫐 blueberries🫐 are the first blueberries to ripen in North America?

To support our #FLGrowers , DPI helps facilitate the export of #FLBlueberries by providing 🔎 inspection, and 📄 certification services to our blueberry industry.

Need a reminder about what we do at FDACS-DPI?

Whether our staff are out in the 🌾 field, in the 🔬 lab, or at the 🏢office, we are all dedicated to advancing our organization's mission to protect and preserve Florida's 🌴 natural and 🚜 agricultural resources!

Our 23 🚧 agricultural inspection stations are located across 19 🛣️ major highways across Florida.

We extend our #gratitude to our plant regulatory officials & agricultural law enforcement officers who 🛡️ protect #FLAgriculture & 🌱preserve our 🍽️ food supply!

#FDACSBlitz

Happy 🌳 National Agricultural Day 🌾!

Today, we would like to celebrate the hard work and effort each individual at FDACS-DPI contributes to Florida's 🚜 agricultural and 🌿 plant industries!

#NationalAgricultureDay #FloridaAgriculture #FloridaGrowers #FDACS #PlantIndustry

#DYK that most ornamental plants are propagated vegetatively?

This process risks spreading viruses, especially if the parent plant is infected.

If you think your plant is infected, send a sample to our GNV office for virus diagnostics. We test residential samples for free!

This week, FDACS-DPI is commemorating National Invasive Species Awareness Week!

In this picture, you can see one of our inspectors conducting a survey for giant African land snail or #GALS , an invasive pest that attacks more than 500 plant species and damages structures.

We had a fantastic time at the 🎡 #FLStateFair showcasing the work we do here at DPI!

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and made the fair a huge success! If you missed us this time, we will be back next year!

If you plan on moving plants in/out of Florida, you need a #phytosanitary certificate from your state of origin!

This certificate confirms that your plants are:
🌱free from quarantinable pests.
🌱free from other pests/pathogens.
🌱conform with state phytosanitary regulations.

In partnership with the USDA, FDACS-DPI monitor 56,000+ fruit fly traps across FL!

We place these traps on host plants in high-risk introduction areas, such as:
🪰 International ports of entry
🪰 Densely populated areas
🪰 International food markets
🪰 Residential & rural roads

Every year, Florida beekeepers send 🚚 truckloads of 🐝bees across the country for 🌸 #pollination services!

Our inspectors certify the movement of bees throughout the state and country. They monitor colonies for 🦠 diseases, 🐜 pests, and 🐝 unwanted bee species.

🎟️ Only two more days until the Florida State Fair!

FDACS-DPI will be hosting a booth located at Insect Encounters, across from the TECO Arena!

Come visit us, speak to our scientists, and take a look at what we have in store for you!

This image shows one of our exhibits during the State Fair in Jacksonville – one of many ways we've historically showcased how we protect Florida's natural and agricultural resources.

This year, you will be able to find us at the Florida State Fair from Feb. 8 until Feb. 19!