In the world of small business there is a constant balancing act between what needs to be done versus what can be properly achieved with the resources available. For a grower, this means some farm improvements may be put off while addressing the main priorities of producing and harvesting a marketable crop. In the sector of niche journalism, under which …
Florida’s Beef, Dairy and Allied Industries Generated Billions in Revenues in 2017
As Florida approaches the 500-year anniversary of the introduction of cattle to her shores in 1521, a new report from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) demonstrates just how important beef and dairy production have become to the state’s economy – and shows a recent upswing in Florida cattle industry exports. In 2017, Florida’s combined …
UF Scientists Sequence Vanilla Genome
Could Support Domestic Industry University of Florida scientists have sequenced the genome of Vanilla, which will help them select the best types for breeding new varieties of the popular plant to grow in Florida. Some consumers crave vanilla. The U.S. leads the world in imported vanilla beans, said Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of tropical fruit breeding and genetics at …
10 Big Issues to Watch During the 2019 Florida Legislative Session
Florida lawmakers will gather March 5 in the House chamber to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis give his first State of the State address, the traditional start of the 60-day legislative session. Led by Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, lawmakers this year will deal with myriad issues, ranging from passing a state budget to …
Four Ag Leaders Inducted into Hall of Fame
The 40th Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet took place last night in the special events hall on the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Four distinguished ag leaders were inducted into the hall of fame. The evening began with a reception, during which agriculturalists from different industries were able to mingle and catch up with old friends. Following the reception …
News from Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried: Week of January 28th, 2019
From Commissioner Nikki Fried It’s been a busy past few weeks making our way around the state — from touring our Panhandle communities to survey the damage from Hurricane Michael, to hearing from members of the Miami-Dade County Farm Bureau, to working with my fellow Cabinet members to honor and remember the victims of the Parkland tragedy.I’m thrilled to continue …
Remarks by Commissioner Nikki Fried at 2019 Florida Associated Press Day
Good afternoon, I’m Nikki Fried- I’m here today proudly serving as the first woman elected as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. I want to thank all of you for your public service to our state and nation as journalists. Our democracy relies upon a free and strong press. And I want to give a special thank you to …
Put Florida First and End the Shutdown
As Americans, we have some basic, reasonable expectations. Among them: our food should be safe to eat, our businesses should be able to operate, our workers should be paid for their labor, and our government should function effectively. That shouldn’t be asking too much. Yet as the federal government shutdown extends past the four-week mark, even those basic expectations aren’t …
Fried Honored to Serve Florida Agriculture
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture makes the following statement to Florida agriculture producers, consumers and families. I’m so honored to serve as your 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services! It’s been an exciting first two weeks as we start working to implement our bold agenda and fresh vision for Florida’s farmers, consumers, and families. We’re working with our agriculture community to keep our second …
Florida Ag Commissioner on Water Issues
In her first few days as Florida’s 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nikki Fried has hit the ground running. Coming into her new position, Fried noted that water is one of the main issues facing the state and her department. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober …