Avocado prices have reached a record high and a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could have U.S. consumers paying even more for the fruit. A group of avocado companies recently wrote the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office predicting prices could rise, depending on whether the Trump administration, in renegotiating NAFTA, changes rules on anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The letter …
Dangerous Avocado Pathogen Grows Faster in Cooler Temperatures
A University of Florida scientist has some new data that avocado growers might consider: The disease grows faster in the fall or winter than in the summer, so growers may want to look for Laurel Wilt more closely during the winter. Laurel wilt has been ravaging Florida’s avocados, which have a UF/IFAS-estimated $100 million-a-year economic impact on the state. UF/IFAS …
Exotic Fruits to Try and Why
Cathy Isom fills us in about some exotic fruits to try and why. That’s coming up on this Land of Ours. It’s unsure of the exact number of edible fruit species available for human consumption, but it is estimated that there are more than 20,000 species of edible plants. It is also highly probable that even if you were …
One of Summer’s Favorite Fruits – Watermelon
Cathy Isom has some great tips about the best way to buy, cut and store one of Summer’s favorite fruits. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a juicy, sweet slice of watermelon. Aside from being delicious, watermelons contain water, of course, potassium, Vitamin A, C, and lycopene. While browsing …
USDA Calls for Nominations for the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill vacancies expiring in 2017 on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). FVIAC, administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, was established by USDA in 2001. Members of the committee meet up to two times a year to develop recommendations on issues affecting the U.S. produce industry. Committee members represent …
UF Scientists Trying to Control Avocado Pathogen
University of Florida experts are trying to find ways to prevent Laurel Wilt, the pathogen endangering the state’s $100 million-a-year avocado industry, from spreading. They recently took their data to California to talk with scientists, growers, and regulators there. AgNet Media’s Taylor Hillman talked with Jonathan Crane, UF/IFAS professor of horticultural sciences and tropic fruit extension specialist, about the disease …
Easy Fruits and Veggies to Grow in Pots
Cathy Isom has some easy fruits and veggies we can grow in pots. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Let’s face it, we all want to be green thumbs. And why wouldn’t we want to grow our own food? It really is a lot easier than we think. Container gardening can be done with little fuss, …
National Watermelon Day
Cathy Isom tells us a lot of different ways of celebrating a refreshing and sweet summertime fruit. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Which fruit is made up of 92% water, refreshing, sweet, and is a summertime staple at picnics and outdoor cookouts? Why, yes, of course, it’s watermelon. And today is the perfect day to …
UF Scientists to Help California, Florida Growers Control Dangerous Avocado Pathogen
University of Florida experts know all too well about laurel wilt, the pathogen endangering the state’s $100 million-a-year avocado industry – and they’re trying to find ways to prevent it from spreading. Now, they’re taking their data to California to talk to scientists, growers, and regulators. Faculty from the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center are in California this week …
National Peach Month
Cathy Isom tells us about a month-long celebration for one of the greatest tasting fruits. That’s coming up on “This Land of Ours.” August is National Peach Month. Eat them right off the tree, sliced in cream, make peach cobbler with ice cream or you can even blend them in delicious smoothies or slushies. It doesn’t matter how you …