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 …
Specialty Crop Growers Want Changes to NAFTA
Specialty crop growers are more than ready to see changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While certain agriculture industries have fared well from the agreement, such as potatoes, apples and cherries, specialty crops have not. Established in 1994, NAFTA created free trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the United States specialty crop industry is …
Autumn Vegetable Planting
Cathy Isom checks out some plants to start thinking about for Autumn gardening. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Fall is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about what to plant on the farm or in that garden. When we think of Autumn, pumpkin, and squash might come to mind. Some popular squash …
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 …
NIFA Invests $35 Million in Specialty Crop Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced 12 new grants totaling $35 million for science-based solutions and new technology for the specialty crop industry. Funding is made through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Specialty crops generally fetch high value for the farmers, but require more intensive …
Grow Veggies Differently-Hydroponics
Cathy Isom dives into a different way to grow veggies, or just about any plant, with very little space or soil. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. You may be hearing the word Hydroponics a lot these days. It’s because it’s becoming quite popular for farmers and gardeners and urban garden designers who can grow plants vertically. Hydroponics …
Agri View: Florida Carrots
Everett Griner talks about Florida farmers growing carrots in today’s Agri View. If you wrote down the 10 healthiest vegetables grown in America carrots would certainly be in that group. If you want to know where the most carrots are grown. Well, you can say California. Although Texas and a couple of other states do produce …
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 …
Plant Now for Fall Harvest
Cathy Isom fills us in about some things to plant right now for the fall harvest. That’s coming up on “This Land of Ours.” Now that school is back in session and summer is beginning to wind down, it’s time to think about all of the goodies that you’ll want cropping up in your fall garden. Consider things …
Reasons to Buy Local
Cathy Isom has some important reasons why you should buy local when it comes to your favorite produce. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Sure, the one-stop shopping can be convenient, but not if you’re looking for fresh, local produce. You won’t always find local fresh fruits and veggies at those big box chain stores. And with all …