by James Beverly, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences When the staff at the University of Florida IFAS Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center decided to transform the facility’s farm, their only thought was helping local growers to succeed. Little did they know that their efforts would exceed all of their expectations. The UF/IFAS Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, …
UF/IFAS’ Crane Honored by Horticultural Society
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences As a scientist and tropical fruit Extension specialist, Jonathan Crane has spent most of his adult life trying to help South Florida farmers grow crops in the Sunshine State’s hot, humid weather. In recognition of Crane’s work, the Florida State Horticultural Society has honored the University of Florida Institute …
NIFA Announces $4.3 Million for Higher Education Support
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced 20 grants totaling $4.3 million to help higher education institutions teach the next generation of food and agricultural science professionals. The grants are funded through NIFA’s Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program. “NIFA invests in the development of future agricultural professionals,” said NIFA Director Sonny …
Achieving ‘Bliss’: Children, Adults Differ in How They Perceive Sweetness of Fruits
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Most children want their food to taste sweet. So, do you want your child to eat a candy bar or fruit when they have a snack? A team of researchers from the University of Florida and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Pennsylvania found children and adults differ in …
USDA Announces Farm to School Grant Awards
Projects Nationwide Chosen The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the projects selected to receive the USDA’s annual farm to school grants designed to increase the number of local foods served in schools. Sixty-five projects were chosen nationwide. “Increasing the number of local foods in America’s schools is a win-win for everyone,” said Cindy Long, Deputy Administrator for Child Nutrition Programs …
No Override for Cuts to UF/IFAS Budget
When the Florida Legislature wrapped up its special session last Friday, some things survived the governor’s veto pen, but others didn’t. And that included cuts to the University of Florida/IFAS budget. According to Sydney Stone, legislative assistant for the University of Florida/IFAS Governmental Affairs, while the legislature did override some $60 million in cuts to higher education, it could not …
UF Weed Scientist to Lead Aquatic Invasives Center
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences A University of Florida weed scientist has been named the director of the Center of Aquatic and Invasive Plants, a unit that develops environmentally sound techniques to manage invasive weeds. Jason Ferrell, an agronomy professor at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, was named to the position …
Organic Research Institution Launches Industrial Hemp Research Project
The Rodale Institute has started a new industrial hemp research project focused on examining the crop’s role in soil health and regenerative organic agriculture. Proclaimed as the nation’s leading organic farming research institution, Rodale is overseeing one of 16 pilot projects to grow industrial hemp in Pennsylvania, the first legal cultivation of the crop in the state in 80 years. …
UF/IFAS Budget Affected by Gov. Scott’s Veto Pen
According to a release from Sydney Stone, legislative assistant for the University of Florida/IFAS Governmental Affairs, while the governor’s veto list included a huge hit to the K-12 and higher education budget, 14 UF/IFAS projects, most of which were existing – not new projects — were saved. (from Sydney Stone) We want to send out a big, huge, thank-you to …
Registration Deadline for Tri-State Agronomic Scout School is Monday
The University of Florida/IFAS along with Auburn University and the University of Georgia will host a Tri-State Agronomic Scout School on June 8 at the Jackson County, Florida Agricultural Conference Center in Marianna, Florida. The event will start with registration at 8:00 AM (CST) and ends with lunch. But Monday, June 5 is the deadline to register for the event. …