U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced bipartisan legislation last week to authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make priority research grants available for land-grant universities to research and develop agricultural applications of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced mechanized harvester technologies, invasive species control and aquaculture. “Florida’s land-grant universities are constantly innovating to address …
Bumper Crop: Florida Watermelon Growers Still Lead Nation in Production
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Registration Ongoing for Tomato Conference in September
By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Florida Tomato Conference scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hendry County Extension Director Craig Frey highlighted what growers and industry specialists can expect at this year’s event. “Our goal is to make it useful …
New Research Looks to Pollen for Plant Heat Stress Resilience
People aren’t the only ones stressed by heat waves. For many plants, higher-than-anticipated temperatures can lead to water loss, wilted foliage and unsuccessful pollination. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are investigating how to improve plant resiliency to high temperatures. Kevin Begcy, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department, is looking to how pollen …
Leaf Rust Disease a Concern Now More Than Ever for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Agriculture’s Share in Florida’s Blockbuster Budget
By Frank Giles The Florida Legislature passed a record budget of $116.5 billion as it wrapped up its work on May 5. It was an active session for agriculture. It also was a session in which Gov. Ron DeSantis was looking to score wins prior to announcing his run for president in 2024. DeSantis announced his presidential bid on May …
Florida Strawberry Update: Hillsborough County Land Running Low for Farmers
By Clint Thompson Hillsborough County, Florida’s winter strawberry capital of the United States, could soon be in danger. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, believes the influx of people moving into the area means there is less and less land to use for agriculture. That will slowly impact the county’s production of strawberries over time. …
Florida Farmer Testimonial: Adaptation Key to Survival
By Clint Thompson The secret to Chuck Obern’s agricultural success is adapting to the changing economical landscape. How he farmers now looks much different than when produced crops 10 years ago. Obern, with C&B Farms, located south of Clewiston, Florida, has kept his head above water the past two decades though the rising tides of increased input costs, unfair trade …
FFVA Convention Scheduled for Sept. 25-27
Florida specialty crop growers interested in attending this year’s Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention need to mark their calendars for Sept. 25-27. The three-day event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. Attendees will learn about the latest trends and receive industry updates impacting their fruit and vegetable industries. The Ritz-Carlton in Naples will reopen on …
UF/IFAS Scientist to Train for National Leadership
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Lorenzo Rossi’s role with the American Society for Horticultural Science will begin to increase. Recently selected for the organization’s Leadership Academy, Rossi will commence training to support agricultural production on a global scale. Rossi, an assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River and Research and Education Center …