GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Remote imaging can effectively detect a pathogen that endangers the $100 million-a-year Florida avocado industry – even before the trees show symptoms — University of Florida scientists say. Yiannis Ampatzidis, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, led recently published research that shows that multispectral cameras can …
Florida Couple Wins National Award
Jake and Melissa Raburn of Hinton Farms Produce in Hillsborough County won the Excellence in Agriculture Award at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in New Orleans on Jan. 14, 2019. The couple placed first in the nation for their impressive agricultural careers and community service. The Raburns will receive a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford. They will also receive …
UF/IFAS Turfgrass Specialist Gets International Extension Award
As a child in Dodge City, Kansas, Bryan Unruh grew up in 4-H. During his first year in the organization, he attended a lawn mower safety school taught by the county agriculture agent. That summer he mowed three lawns every week. In fact, he calls himself “a product of the Cooperative Extension Service.” In high school, Unruh envisioned himself as …
Florida Brilliance Shines on State’s Strawberry Industry
For years, University of Florida scientists looked for a few characteristics in a more desirable strawberry. Among those traits was a higher yield in November and December — the early part of the Florida season when prices are highest. They also sought better fruit for the consumer. That meant a longer shelf life, better flavor, improved shape and other traits, …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Inaugurated as 12th Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Commissioner lays out a fresh agenda that will keep Florida growing Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried was inaugurated as Florida’s 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As Commissioner, she will oversee a $1.8 billion department with nearly 4,000 employees, a $137 billion economic impact, and widespread responsibility for Florida’s food production and safety, consumer protection and licensing, and our state’s …
UF Researchers to Breed a New Variety of Florida-Friendly Hops
APOPKA, Fla. – Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have been awarded a two-year grant for $194,000 to breed varieties of hops that can grow in Florida. The researchers, based at the UF/IFAS Mid Florida Research and Education Center (MFREC) in Apopka, Florida, said the grant will help continue their work to bring …
UF ‘Plant Whisperer’ Helps Floridians Keep Produce Lush, Green and Safe
APOPKA, Fla. – Liz Felter gazes at the tomato plant and considers it quietly for a few seconds. Stroking the discolored leaves, she sticks two fingers in the soil and pushes the dirt down. “My gut tells me it’s not Erwinia,” says Felter, a University of Florida IFAS Extension regional specialized agent. The visitor to the UF/IFAS Diagnostic Plant Clinic …
Tickets On Sale for Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet
TAMPA, Fla. — 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 …
UF/IFAS Experts: Growers Ready for Freezes
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When the next frost threatens Florida’s crops, growers will do their best to make sure your favorite foods are protected from the potentially crippling chill, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts. For example, citrus growers use wind machines and micro-sprinklers to ensure freezing temperatures don’t ruin the fruit, said Chris Oswalt, a …
Desantis Urged to Help Farmers on Trade Deal
Incoming Gov. Ron DeSantis is being urged to use his close ties with President Donald Trump to bolster efforts to help Florida farmers fend off low-priced crop imports that weren’t addressed in the rewrite of the North American Free Trade Agreement. During a conference call last week, several members of DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources & …