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 …
Agricultural Chemical Use Survey Results Released
The 2016 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey collected data about pesticide use and pest management practices on acres planted to 28 different vegetable crops. NASS conducted the survey among producers in 19 states, focusing on the states that were major producers of the surveyed crops. (Fig. 1) In California, NASS collected data for 23 crops, the most number of crops selected …
Margaritaville Lime Bags
A lime is a perfect fruit to have a slice of with a cool refreshing drink. Cathy Isom tells us about the California company hoping to boost produce sales by the bagful.That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The next time you reach for the limes in the produce aisle, you might be surprised to find them bagged …
Agri View: Lemon Imports
Everett Griner talks about why the lemon producers wanting to stop imports in today’s Agri View. You know we grow a lot of fruit in this country. It is very likely more than anywhere else. One of the least common, and least talked about, is the lemon. It is not a fruit you eat a lot. It is …
FFVA Announces Class 7 of Emerging Leader Development Program
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) has selected 10 up-and-coming agriculture industry leaders to participate in its Emerging Leader Development Program for the coming year. The 2017-2018 Class 7 members are Myles Basore, TKM Bengard; Maria Cavazos, R.C. Hatton; Catherine Cellon, Duda Farm Fresh Foods; Philip Grigsby, Premier Ag Finance; Brent Johnson, DuPont; Frankie Montalvo, Glades Formulating Corp.; Justin …
Tropical Fruit Contest ‘Share Mango Love’
Cathy Isom tells us all about the tropical fruit getting a lot of attention this summer. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. What is your favorite way to eat or enjoy a Mango? In a smoothie? Diced and tossed in a salad? In Salsa? Or eaten whole? Well, you could be seeing Mangos popping up everywhere this …
Agri View: Winter Storm Losses
Everett Griner talks about losses suffered by producers during the last winter storm in today’s Agri View. Let me see if I can put this in more realistic terms for you to understand. Say you make so much money per month. You work 12 months. You add up your total salary for the year. Not bad! But …
Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: FRESH! Recipe – Balsamic Watermelon
On this week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is joined by Executive Chef Justin Timineri to talk about a tasty new way to enjoy watermelon, Fresh From Florida! Ingredients: Watermelon Slices 6-12 slices of fresh Florida watermelon 4-6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled Mint Oil 1/2 cup olive oil 20-25 fresh mint leaves 2 tablespoons fresh parsley Sea …
Do You Love Watermelon in the Hot Summer? University of Florida scientists are on the case
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Some people love to eat a juicy, seedless watermelon for a tasty, refreshing snack during a hot, Florida summer day. University of Florida scientists have found a way to stave off potential diseases while retaining that flavor. Consumers increasingly savor the convenience and taste of seedless watermelons, said Xin …