Recognizing the increasing complexity facing the produce and floral industries today and in the future, science and technology will be a key focus of Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) 2016 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo when it convenes October 14-16, in Orlando, Florida, USA. And new this year, a pilot program will be held to help attract science and technology talent …
Water-Saving Technology Proves Beneficial
A new agricultural technology has been tested by several farmers to see if it saves water usage. The technology allows farmers to access soil-moisture readings right from their phones, with updates every three hours. A University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension trial included three farmers from the Suwannee River Valley who tested the new system. The technology …
NGA Holds Annual Congressional Best Bagger Showdown
ARLINGTON, VA – The National Grocers Association (NGA) held its fifth annual Congressional Best Bagger Showdown yesterday at the Library of Congress, located on Capitol Hill. NGA’s 2016 Best Bagger National Champion, Candice Lastimado of Metropolitan Markets, located in Seattle, WA, competed against Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). Candice was able to fend off a good effort by Congressman Newhouse to …
FAWN Helping Growers with More Efficient Irrigation Practices
Florida farmers are encouraged to learn how the “My Florida Farm Weather Program” can be used as a tool to access data and information for irrigation purposes. Rick Lusher, project manager for the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), says they have had a lot of great success with the program so far. Click here for more information through …
PMA, United Fresh Establish Joint Working Group on Listeria Monocytogenes
From the Produce Marketing Association: Washington, D.C. —Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) are collaborating to address produce-specific challenges surrounding Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). While both organizations have been actively working with their respective members on individual projects related to reducing the risk of produce-associated foodborne illnesses from Lm, additional areas exist where a joint effort …
Pomegranates in Florida — Really?
By Bill Castle and Emory McTeer Yes really! Investigating the potential of pomegranates as a commercial crop in Florida started in 2008 at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center (UF/CREC). At the time, greening disease was well estab-lished in the citrus industry. Interest in alternative crops was high. Pomegranate was identified as a crop worth exploring partly …
Hops Research Among UF/IFAS Winners at National Horticultural Science Awards
Hops research by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers is gaining national scientific recognition in addition to media attention. Three UF/IFAS scientists are not only trying to see if hops will grow in Florida’s hot, humid climate, but they also want to know whether they can quench the thirst of the fast-growing micro-brewing industry. Brian Pearson, …