By Clint Thompson Florida’s sweet and highly productive watermelon crop was the topic of conversation at the Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on Thursday, Nov. 30. Producers and industry leaders across the Suwanee Valley Region met to discuss production in a crop that thrived in quality and quantity this past season. Mark Warren, University of Florida …
Diversification Continues to Be Key for Cold-Hardy Region
Diversification is key to production remaining sustainable in the cold-hardy citrus region. It is message that industry leaders preach to producers who are looking to grow the citrus industry in North Florida, Georgia and Alabama. John Chater, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, talked about the importance …
Cucurbit Downy Mildew on Rise in Florida
Cucurbit downy mildew is on the rise in parts of Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Gary Vallad, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center plant pathologist, and Lisa Hickey, UF/IFAS Extension agent, are reporting increased infestations in cucumber and squash fields in central Florida. They have gone …
New Genetic Finding Could Pave Way for Fall Blueberries in Florida
Fall is not normally when you would find Florida-grown blueberries at the grocery store. But that may change, thanks to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. This comes as good news for consumers and growers, who could expand their market window by several months. The fruit normally grows and is harvested from February through May …
Blood Oranges May Be Option for Cold-Hardy Region
Blood oranges could provide citrus growers with another variety to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region. But further research is needed to verify its effectiveness in the Southeast, says Ali Sarkhosh, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor. “We harvested those fruit in Quincy at the North Florida Research and Education Center. We still don’t …
Enjoy Florida-Grown Foods At Thanksgiving
When you’re giving thanks this Thanksgiving, consider that much of your food grew in the Sunshine State, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts. Those edibles include corn, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, lettuce and tomatoes. Like many of us, Nelly Nelson, family and consumer sciences agent for UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, said she and her …
Planning Pointers for Cold-Hardy Citrus Production
Crop planning is an essential part of the citrus production process. What are you going to grow? Where are you going to market? How are you going to overcome HLB (huanglongbing or citrus greening)? John Chater, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, discussed the different factors that …
Harvest Window a Potential Limiting Factor for Artichoke Production in Florida
By Clint Thompson Artichoke production can be accomplished in Florida. The only concern Shinsuke Agehara has is capitalizing on a harvest window that is not very long. He discussed the current outlook concerning artichokes during the recent Florida Ag Expo event at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in …
Florida Ag Community Continues Work to Enhance Water Quality Management
By Frank Giles Water quality and quantity are issues that cross all political and economic boundaries in Florida. When blue-green algae and red tides occur, they make front-page news and keep these challenges top-of-mind for all Floridians. Agriculture and the water-quality debate have been closely intertwined over the years. As a large user of water for irrigation and the need …
Commissioner Wilton Simpson Applauds Florida Legislature for Prioritizing Hurricane Idalia Recovery Efforts for Agriculture
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the efforts of the Florida Legislature last week following the conclusion of a special session that prioritized Hurricane Idalia recovery relief for Florida’s agriculture industry: “Florida’s agriculture industry sustained widespread damage from Hurricane Idalia, with an estimated loss of over $447 million in crops, livestock and infrastructure. Our state’s farmers, ranchers, and growers …



















