Center Combines Scientists, Industry to Manage Insects More Efficiently

When she joined the University of Florida as an eminent scholar in entomology and nematology two years ago, Bryony Bonning brought an insect and nematode research center with her. That center works with researchers and industry to help manage insects and nematodes that harm crops and humans. Bonning started the Center for Arthropod Management Technologies while conducting entomology research at …

DeSantis Could Come Up Short on Environment Money

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request for $625 million next year for environmental projects, including Everglades restoration, may be “pushing” the limits of a budget expected to be taxed because of the response to Hurricane Michael. Senate President Bill Galvano said Tuesday he supports environmental efforts that include combating a potential return of red tide and helping communities shift from septic tanks …

Florida Beef Council Working with More Students

The Florida Beef Council (FBC), through a program conducted with University of Central Florida culinary medicine program students, is pleased with the first class taking part in this partnership. DeAnne Maples, director of beef marketing and promotion, says the first session wrapped up really well and FBC is excited about the second session that began this week.  Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists …

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 …

Florida, Georgia Square Off Again in Water War

Florida says the case is the “last, best hope” to save the Apalachicola River region from destruction. Georgia says Florida’s arguments threaten to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in “real harm” to the Peach State. Now, a federal appellate judge based in New Mexico will have to sort out the long-running battle between Florida and Georgia over water in …

National Nutrition Month Advice: Eat More Fresh, Fewer Processed Foods

Nutrients from fresh foods give you “more bang for your nutritional buck,” says a registered dietitian with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “For every calorie, there’s also going to be a lot of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in that food that contribute to our health,” said Laura Acosta, also a lecturer in the UF/IFAS …

Commissioner Nikki Fried Appoints Steven Hall as General Counsel

Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried on Friday announced that Steven Hall will serve as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Hall had previously served as Acting General Counsel under the previous administration, and will now lead the Department’s legal efforts as General Counsel. Hall first began with the Department as a law clerk in 2005 and became Deputy General Counsel in …

Florida Cattlemen and Farm Bureau to Visit Tallahassee

The 2019 Florida legislative session kicks off Tuesday, March 5, in Tallahassee. Next week, Florida Farm Bureau Federation members from across the state will be in town for their annual Farm Bureau Legislative Days. March 6 will be a full day of events, including the Legislative Briefing Breakfast, meetings with state lawmakers and the Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception that …