UF/IFAS Hopes to Grow Vanilla, Meet Consumer Demand

Dan Education, Florida, Nursery Crops, Research, Specialty Crops

For dessert, how about a scoop of ice cream flavored with vanilla from Florida’s farmers? Because so many consumers enjoy vanilla, University of Florida scientists hope to help Florida farmers grow the bean. Consumers have an appetite for vanilla. The U.S. leads the world in imported vanilla beans, said Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences at the UF …

Celebrating National Fruit and Vegetable Month

Dan Fruits, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Cathy Isom has a friendly reminder about a month-long celebration of all of the produce that provide us fresh fruits and vegetables all year long. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating National Fruit and Vegetable Month June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable month. While most of us know that eating more fresh fruits and vegetables are …

Planting Dates for Crop Insurance

Dan Corn, Cotton, Field Crops, Fruits, Peanuts, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, Vegetables, Wheat

There have been some questions concerning planting date deadlines for crop insurance. So Tyron Spearman has a story that hopefully answers those questions. Planting Dates for Crop Insurance Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober …

USDA and FDA Announce Key Step to Advance Collaborative Efforts to Streamline Produce Safety Requirements for Farmers

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing effort to make the oversight of food safety stronger and more efficient, USDA and FDA announced the alignment of the USDA Harmonized Good Agricultural Practices Audit Program (USDA H-GAP) with the requirements of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA’s) Produce Safety Rule. The new step is …

FDACS Begins Efforts to Eradicate Oriental Fruit Fly

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Vegetables

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has positively identified the presence of three Oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis, in south Miami-Dade County. The initial fly was discovered during routine trapping, and additional flies were discovered during expanded trapping activities. The department, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, monitors more than 56,000 fruit fly traps statewide as an …

Celebrating National Veggie Burger Day

Dan This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Cathy Isom continues with delicious foods by celebrating a protein-packed sandwich that combines flavor and plant plower. That’s coming up on this Land of Ours. Celebrating National Veggie Burger Day Tuesday June 5th is National Veggie Burger Day. A veggie burger is a patty resembling  a hamburger but is made with vegetable protein, soybeans, or anything else that does not …