UF/IFAS researchers are working on a decision-support app to help policy makers and growers decide the best regional treatment options for laurel wilt disease, which is challenging Florida’s $35 million-a-year avocado crop. Laurel wilt disease is spread by several ambrosia beetle vectors. People, whether they grow avocados or not, can spread the beetles when they move infested wood products – …
Time to Consider Growing Your Own Vegetables
Why now is the best time to consider growing your own vegetables. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. We are closing in on almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic sort of halted the world, forcing us to retreat into our homes and forgo physical social contact. Though grocery stores are open for business, government officials have asked …
Historically Significant Fruit Goes Beyond Food and Medicine
A historically significant fruit that goes beyond food and medicine. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Breadfruit can be found growing worldwide, used for food, medicine, boat building, and to prevent erosion of hillsides. All parts of the tree are used, and they are an important part of the ecosystem, wherever they grow. From the same family as …
NIHC Officially Recognized by USDA Foreign Ag Service
The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) announced it received $200,000 in funds from the USDA’s Market Access Program. Those funds will support export market development for industrial hemp. “We are grateful for the USDA confidence and the recognition of NIHC as the industry leader in industrial hemp trade and marketing,” says Kevin Latner, Senior Vice President for Trade and Marketing. …
Hemp Application Deadline Nearing in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) wants to remind eligible hemp growers and processors/handlers the deadline to apply for a hemp license for the 2021 crop is November 30, 2020 by 5:00 pm (CST). ADAI will accept hemp applications using their new online application system: agi.alabama.gov/hempapp. In 2016, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 …
A Few Natural, Healthy Benefits of Growing Beets
The healthy benefits of beets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re looking for a natural way that may help you lose weight, or lower blood pressure, and improve overall athletic performance, among other things, then beets might be your new best friend. There are so many healthful benefits beets are known for. Including fighting inflammation, supporting …
More COVID-19 Tests for Florida Ag Workers
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently announced updates to COVID-19 testing sites in Hendry, Miami-Dade, Collier and St. Lucie counties for farmworkers. The effort to provide access to no-cost testing for farmworkers is part of a partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and county governments. Testing services will continue as …
Growing a Gorgeous Flower for Both Food and Medicine
Growing a gorgeous flower that has both food and medicine uses. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Multi-purpose plants are invaluable. Especially when you can maximize your harvests in more ways than one. The Purple Passion Flower is the perfect example. You can eat the fruits, flowers and leaves, and it’s an absolute pleasure to grow. The flowers …
Get Florida Freeze Updates With Winter Weather Watch
By Chris Oswalt There was a time back in 1962, on Dec. 12 and 13, when a devastating freeze in Florida decimated a significant portion of the state’s citrus industry. In Polk County, the freeze caused serious damage to 134,000 acres of citrus. In 1963, citrus growers were concerned about receiving timely weather information and frost warning bulletins. Back then, …
Popular UF/IFAS Vegetable Gardening Guide now Available in Spanish
(UF/IFAS) — With COVID-19 lingering, it might be a good time to use your green thumb to grow some vegetables in your garden. While you’re at it, you can get help from the UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide — now also in Spanish — and as a downloadable web app. Because we’re nearing the holidays, let’s look at some vegetables you …