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 …
10 Big Issues to Watch During the 2019 Florida Legislative Session
Florida lawmakers will gather March 5 in the House chamber to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis give his first State of the State address, the traditional start of the 60-day legislative session. Led by Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, lawmakers this year will deal with myriad issues, ranging from passing a state budget to …
Four Ag Leaders Inducted into Hall of Fame
The 40th Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet took place last night in the special events hall on the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Four distinguished ag leaders were inducted into the hall of fame. The evening began with a reception, during which agriculturalists from different industries were able to mingle and catch up with old friends. Following the reception …
News from Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried: Week of January 28th, 2019
From Commissioner Nikki Fried It’s been a busy past few weeks making our way around the state — from touring our Panhandle communities to survey the damage from Hurricane Michael, to hearing from members of the Miami-Dade County Farm Bureau, to working with my fellow Cabinet members to honor and remember the victims of the Parkland tragedy.I’m thrilled to continue …
Remarks by Commissioner Nikki Fried at 2019 Florida Associated Press Day
Good afternoon, I’m Nikki Fried- I’m here today proudly serving as the first woman elected as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. I want to thank all of you for your public service to our state and nation as journalists. Our democracy relies upon a free and strong press. And I want to give a special thank you to …
Put Florida First and End the Shutdown
As Americans, we have some basic, reasonable expectations. Among them: our food should be safe to eat, our businesses should be able to operate, our workers should be paid for their labor, and our government should function effectively. That shouldn’t be asking too much. Yet as the federal government shutdown extends past the four-week mark, even those basic expectations aren’t …
Fried Honored to Serve Florida Agriculture
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture makes the following statement to Florida agriculture producers, consumers and families. I’m so honored to serve as your 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services! It’s been an exciting first two weeks as we start working to implement our bold agenda and fresh vision for Florida’s farmers, consumers, and families. We’re working with our agriculture community to keep our second …
Florida Ag Commissioner on Water Issues
In her first few days as Florida’s 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nikki Fried has hit the ground running. Coming into her new position, Fried noted that water is one of the main issues facing the state and her department. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application …
The News Service Has: Five Questions for Nikki Fried
Nikki Fried was sworn in last week as state agriculture commissioner, becoming the first woman elected to run the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She also is the only Democrat holding statewide office and the first Democrat on the state Cabinet in eight years. Fried is an attorney from Fort Lauderdale who was a student-body president at the …
Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the 40th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 12, which will honor four inductees who have made invaluable contributions to Florida agriculture. The banquet, which each year celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served in research, education and business, is held in the Special Events Center at the Florida …