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The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday left unchanged a forecast for Florida orange production in the 2023-2024 growing season but cut projections for grapefruit and tangerines and tangelos. The federal forecast came the same week that a new state budget included at least $22.7…
Read More Florida Projected Orange Production Unchanged
Florida, known for its sunny beaches and vibrant cities, is also home to a thriving agritourism industry. Agritourism combines agriculture and tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the state’s farms, nurseries, and ranches while enjoying various activities and purchasing local produce.…
Read More Agritourism In Florida: Exploring The Ultimate Farm Experience And Sunshine State Agriculture
Half of Florida residents don’t know about their local water restrictions, but those who are aware can be persuaded to abide by them, new University of Florida research shows. Water restrictions can be set by cities, counties and the state’s water management districts. But if…
Read More UF Study: About Half Of Florida Residents Are Not Aware Of Local Water Restrictions
Citizen scientists help researchers collect valid data. But University of Florida scientists wanted to know how citizen-science projects change the volunteers. In a newly published study, a project involving urban gardening led participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. For the study, Catherine Campbell, a UF/IFAS assistant…
Read More Citizen Science Project Leads Volunteers To Live Healthier Lifestyles
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Calling all junior gardeners! Registration is open for the 2024 Youth Vegetable and Fruit Show hosted by Hillsborough County Extension Service. Show off your fruits, vegetables, and herbs to win cash prizes! The 2024 Youth Vegetable and Fruit Show brings together…
Read More Hillsborough County Rewards Future Farmers During Popular Produce Contest
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson issued a statement Friday following the news of JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock withdrawing from the United Nation’s Net-Zero Banking Alliance, This is a climate initiative focused on “combating global warming through corporate sustainability agreements.” However, Commissioner Simpson blasted the alliance…
Read More Florida Ag Commissioner Applauds After JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock Drop From U.N. Climate Alliance
A proposal aimed at helping what are known as “food recovery” programs, such as food banks, get discounted prices for fresh foods moved forward Monday in the Florida House, with lawmakers looking at a pilot program to help curb food insecurity in the state. The…
Read More Florida ‘Food Recovery’ Programs Could Get Boost
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Monday the preservation of three family farms in the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The K-Rocker Ranch, a 707-acre ranch in Polk County, the Los…
Read More Three Florida Family Farms Preserved Through The Rural And Family Lands Protection Program
Federal officials Thursday reduced a forecast for Florida citrus production this growing season, dealing a setback to a struggling industry that continues to rebuild from Hurricane Ian. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a forecast that, in part, projected Florida will produce 19.8 million boxes…
Read More Florida Citrus Industry Gets Sour Forecast
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Friday that more than $1 million in Hurricane Idalia recovery loans have been approved for Florida farmers through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. The program, launched…
Read More Florida Ag Commissioner Simpson: $1M Approved Through Hurricane Idalia Recovery Loan Program