Bringing Persimmons into the Limelight

Dan Fruits, Industry News Release, Research

Persimmons are a sweet, flavorful fruit that hasn’t gotten much attention. That’s probably because many people don’t know what it is, how to eat it, or that it’s good for you. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their collaborators are working to bring this uncommon Asian native fruit into the limelight. In 2016, the United States exported 7.4 million pounds of …

Agri View: Grape Farming Growing

Dan Agri View, Fruits, Specialty Crops

Everett Griner talks about grape farming growing across the country in today’s Agri View. Everett gives us a bit of history of grapes and looks at how grape farming is expanding into the eastern part of the country.   Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for cattle producers regardless of herd sizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the …

Florida Ag Expo is Wednesday

Dan Florida, Fruits, Vegetables

The 2017 Florida Ag Expo, a can’t-miss opportunity for growers and consultants looking to maximize profitability in fruit and vegetable production, will be held Wednesday in Balm. And Dr. Jack Payne, University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, says they have a great lineup for those who attend. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for …

Agri View: Tree Damage from Storms

Dan Agri View, Citrus, Fruits, Specialty Crops

Everett Griner talks about the agricultural impact of tree damage caused by storms in today’s Agri View. Everett discusses various types of tree damage from recent hurricanes and what the agricultural losses were.     Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for cattle producers regardless of herd sizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work …

Jack O’ Lanterns Made With Fruit

Dan Fruits, This Land of Ours

Everyone carves a pumpkin into a Jack O’ Lantern for Halloween, but, have you thought about carving some fruit. Cathy Isom gives you ideas about some great fruits you can use to make Halloween Jack O’ Lanterns. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.   Sure, nothing screams Halloween more than the biggest, plumpest, perfectly carved pumpkin with a happy, …

No “Skull and Crossbones” for GMO Apple Labels

Dan Fruits, Industry News Release

The company behind GMO apples hitting the market later this fall says the apples won’t be labeled as containing GMO’s. The arctic variety apples developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, an initiative started by an apple farmer, will instead include a QR code, as outlined in the GMO labeling bill that was passed by Congress and signed by then President Barack …

Putnam Speaks to Florida Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C.

Dan Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Sugar, Vegetables

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott to discuss the recent agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to request federal assistance. The following are excerpts from his remarks: “The Florida delegation has a long history of coming together in the aftermath of these types of disasters and bringing the full weight of the third largest …

APHIS to Allow the Importation of Fresh Persimmons from New Zealand

Dan Exports/Imports, Fruits, Industry News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending its regulations to allow the importation of fresh persimmons from New Zealand into the United States.  After analyzing the potential plant pest risks, APHIS scientists determined that persimmons from New Zealand can be safely imported into the United States under a systems approach. A systems approach …