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 …

Foods Harmful to Your Health

Cathy Isom tells us about some of the foods we eat every day that could be harmful to our health. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.     Many of the healthy foods we eat every day: fruits, vegetables, and other plants that are good for us also could be harmful to our health, if prepared or eaten improperly. …

Sugar Deal Sparks Twitter Debate

One of the less incendiary tweets sent out last week by President Trump had to do with the American sugar industry, making corn and sugar lobbyists happy. Trump tweeted, “New sugar deal negotiated with Mexico is a good one for both Mexico and the U.S. Had no deal for many years, which hurt U.S. badly.” The deal announced last month …

Agri View: Social Event

Everett Griner talks about how one Southern social event has evolved in today’s Agri View.     Well, we have all seen changes. Every generation faces alterations in their lives. And, ultimately fade from memory, and, changes our society. You see, up until the late 1950’s sugar cane was a critical crop over the south. Not a big crop. A …

Florida Commissioner’s Spotlight: FRESH! Recipe-Watermelon Fizz

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 sparkling new drink featuring a summertime favorite – Watermelon Fizz. You can follow Florida Commissioner Adam Putnam on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Discover more by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps …

Research on Pests and Beneficial Species Funding from USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced 21 grants totaling $7.6 million for research to help manage pests and beneficial species that affect agricultural crops. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “There continues to be a critical need to …

UF/IFAS’ Crane Honored by Horticultural Society

by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences As a scientist and tropical fruit Extension specialist, Jonathan Crane has spent most of his adult life trying to help South Florida farmers grow crops in the Sunshine State’s hot, humid weather. In recognition of Crane’s work, the Florida State Horticultural Society has honored the University of Florida Institute …