The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reviewed a new tomato variety from Norfolk Plant Sciences. The tomato was modified to alter its color to purple and enhance the nutritional quality. The agency says it found the plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated tomatoes and is not subject to regulation. …
New UF/IFAS Blueberry Lab Nearing Completion
Research efforts continue with a variety of crops at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and that includes blueberries. And those researchers are looking forward to the completion of the new blueberry lab. UF-IFAS Senior Vice President, Dr. Scott Angle, noted to Southeast AgNet that their top-notch blueberry breeding program will get a boost from this new …
New Tomato Variety Approved by APHIS
There may someday be a new tomato in the produce department. That’s coming up on this land of ours. Norfolk Plant Sciences requested approval from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for a new tomato. The tomato was modified to alter its color and increase its nutritional quality. APHIS found that from a plant pest risk …
UF/IFAS Researcher Developing a “Flavor Tool”
Research efforts continue at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in the area of food chemistry and quality, with an emphasis on the flavor (aroma and taste) of fruits, herbs and other agricultural commodities. UF-IFAS Senior Vice President Dr. Scott Angle explained to Southeast AgNet that Dr. Yu Wang is developing a “flavor tool” that relies on artificial intelligence to …
Fruits, Vegetables, Top Local Foods Purchased by Schools
Many U.S. school food authorities purchase local foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins for their district’s cafeterias. In addition to buying locally produced foods, many school districts participate in other farm to school activities, such as product-specific promotions, taste tests of local foods, onsite edible gardens, and field trips to farms. Approximately two-thirds of U.S. school districts participated …
USDA Announces New Opportunities to Improve Nutrient Management
Now that both the U.S. Senate and House have passed the Inflation Reduction Act, it only awaits the signature of President Biden. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) welcomed the passage of the Act, which they note will deliver $19.5 billion in new conservation funding to support climate-smart agriculture. Funding from the Act is designed to will bolster new steps …
American Fruit Grower’s Survey Shows Serious Labor Concerns
The American Fruit Growers held its annual State of the Industry survey. Labor was a big topic in the survey, and one-third of the respondents say it’s not an issue for them, at least not yet. Growing Produce says they typically have a stable team of employees, and in 20 percent of those cases, it includes family members. For the …
Celebrate Avocados in June
A ten-year milestone for a certain fruit. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Ten years ago, the California Avocado Commission first observed June as the official California Avocado Month and they continue the tradition this year. Avocados are grown by about 3000 California growers primarily with Groves from San Diego to Monterey. The California Avocado Commission was created in 1978 …
Growing a Little Berry with a Big Impact
A little berry with big impact. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Aronia berries have been around for hundreds of years, but they’re just now coming into the spotlight. Greg Nelson is an aronia berry grower, one of the few in the United States. The plant is native to North America, and is also grown in other countries …
U. S. Wine Imports
Imports of Wine Increasing in the U.S. That’s today’s this land of ours. Growing consumption of wine in the U.S. has contributed to an increase in wine imports, from 127 million gallons in fiscal year 2000 to 456 million gallons in 2021, reaching nearly $7.5 billion in value. USDA’s Economic Research Service reports most wine imports come from the European …