The Department of Agriculture is offering $5 million in grants to schools through the USDA Farm to School Program. The program has been awarding grants to schools and communities since 2013. Farm to School refers to efforts that bring locally or regionally produced foods into school cafeterias. USDA says that also includes hands-on learning activities such as school gardening, farm …
Florida FFA Chapter Named National Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture
The Barrington Middle FFA Chapter from Florida has been named the 2017 National Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture winner at the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and …
Georgia FFA Chapter Named Middle School Model of Excellence
The West Jackson Middle FFA Chapter from Georgia has been named the 2017 National FFA Middle School Model of Excellence winner at the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA …
USDA Strengthens Agricultural Sciences at Hispanic-Serving Institutions
To Cultivate Future Scientists and Leaders The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to support agricultural science education at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). These grants will strengthen the ability of the institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. “These grants highlight NIFA’s commitment to Hispanic-Serving Institutions by cultivating …
UF/IFAS’ Top-Ranked College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Sees Record Enrollment
The enrollment of the University of Florida IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) has continued to trend upward over the last several years, resulting in the college’s largest enrollment to date – 6,167 students. These numbers reflect the growing interest students have in understanding how food and agriculture impact the world. UF’s recent ranking as a Top 10 …
Dairy Industry Applauds Introduction of School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017
The nation’s two leading dairy organizations applauded the introduction of a bipartisan bill to help reverse the decline in milk consumption in schools. The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017, introduced by Representatives G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Joe Courtney (D-CT), would allow schools to offer low-fat and fat-free milk, including flavored milk with no more than 150 calories per 8-ounce …
UF Offers Free Invasive Plants Toolkit for Teachers Nationwide
Science and agriculture teachers across the nation now have a new tool to teach students about invasive plants, thanks to researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The Florida Invasive Plant Education Initiative at the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) has partnered with The Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS) to produce a …
More Than 64,000 Expected in Indianapolis for 2017 National FFA Convention & Expo
Innovators and leaders of tomorrow, FFA members make a difference by sharing their stories of agricultural education and FFA. This year, members will continue the tradition as they attend the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo, held in Indianapolis, the Circle City, Oct. 25-28, 2017. More than 64,000 FFA members from across the United States, representing all 50 states, Puerto …
Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: October is Farm-to-School Month
On this week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam speaks on the importance of healthy school lunches and the role Florida’s farmers play in providing fresh, wholesome food to local schools. You can follow Florida Commissioner Adam Putnam on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Discover more by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com.
UF honors alumni, friends at annual Dinner of Distinction
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences honored some of its most ardent supporters at its annual Dinner of Distinction, held recently. This was the fifth year for the awards banquet that recognizes individuals and organizations that support and advance UF/IFAS in its research, teaching and Extension efforts. “Land-grant universities are special places, and the agriculture and …