UF Scientists Sequence Vanilla Genome

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

Could Support Domestic Industry University of Florida scientists have sequenced the genome of Vanilla, which will help them select the best types for breeding new varieties of the popular plant to grow in Florida. Some consumers crave vanilla. The U.S. leads the world in imported vanilla beans, said Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of tropical fruit breeding and genetics at …

National Nutrition Month Advice: Eat More Fresh, Fewer Processed Foods

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Vegetables

Nutrients from fresh foods give you “more bang for your nutritional buck,” says a registered dietitian with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “For every calorie, there’s also going to be a lot of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in that food that contribute to our health,” said Laura Acosta, also a lecturer in the UF/IFAS …

Training for Farmers and Growers on Produce Safety Rule

Dan Education, Fruits, Georgia, Industry News Release, Vegetables

This one-day workshop is being offered to produce growers. The training will cover the standardized curriculum designed by the Produce Safety Alliance, which meets the regulatory requirements of the Produce Safety Rule under FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act). The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on …

Perdue Calls on Agriculture to Fight Back against Movement

Dan Fruits, Technology, Vegetables

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is calling on agriculture to fight back against the “Fear Your Food” movement. During last week’s Ag Outlook Forum, Perdue said the “Fear Your Food” movement could harm efforts to feed the world’s soaring population and shouldn’t go unanswered.  “This growing fear has the potential to sideline, deter, critical technologies that we already use, and derail …

UF/IFAS Researchers Find Aromatic Strawberry Variety Grows in South Florida

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

As National Strawberry Day approaches on Feb. 27, University of Florida scientists have found another variety that can grow in South Florida. It’s largely unknown to American consumers, it’s temptingly tasty and it’s good for local markets, UF researchers say. Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, led a team …

Agriculture Chairman Seeks State Hemp Program

Dan Florida, Specialty Crops

With officials seeing a potentially lucrative industry, Senate Agriculture Chairman Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, is proposing creation of a state hemp program. Albritton on Thursday filed a bill that would set up the program under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill came after Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried last week named Holly Bell as the state’s first director …