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 …
Agri View: Sweet Reward
Everett Griner talks facts about the sweet reward of the watermelon in today’s Agri View. There were a few problems but overall the 2017 watermelon crop was a good one. You know we grow a lot of watermelons in this country. But, China grows a lot more than we do. Here is another fact I didn’t know. …
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 …
Perdue Welcomes Specialty Crop Producers’ Ideas on NAFTA
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue met with the Mexican secretary of agriculture last week, where discussions about various issues for producers in both countries took place. Of course, this is all leading up to talks concerning the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During a teleconference, Perdue said he knows certain sectors of agriculture, like fruit and vegetable growers across the …
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 …
NAFTA is a Problem for U.S. Specialty Crop Industry
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing Wednesday to highlight opportunities for agriculture in the upcoming renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Chairman Michael Conaway and members of the committee heard from various stakeholder groups on opportunities to achieve the best deal possible for American agriculture. One of those providing testimony was Executive Vice President of the …
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 …