THE BEGINNING OF EACH school year ushers in a whole new set of experiences for Florida’s children, whether it is a new classroom, new teacher, new classmates, or even a whole new school. This year, Florida students will be going back to more than new classes, teachers, and friends — we’re working to make sure […]
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Farm to School program update Read More »
AS FLORIDA’S COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, directing more locally grown products to Florida’s school cafeterias and encouraging healthy eating habits is one of my top priorities.
Summer BreakSpot: Spreading Florida’s agricultural bounty when school is out Read More »
State’s Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory modernized FLORIDA’S FARMERS AND RANCHERS face a variety of threats, including pests, diseases, and market changes. In fact, the survival of Florida’s 500-year-old agriculture industry has hinged on its ability to prevent, diagnose, and respond to crises. Now, with an upgrade and modernization of the Florida Department of Agriculture
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Strengthening Florida’s livestock industry Read More »
IN RECENT REPORTS, there has been talk of doing away with agriculture education due to budget cuts. Personally, I don’t see why agriculture is not a mandated class. Back in the day, there were classes like home economics and shop that taught us some life skills, but again, due to budget cuts, those classes are
Ag Time with Abby: What does ag education actually teach? Read More »
FOR CENTURIES, Florida’s farmers and ranchers have served as Florida’s original conservationists and great stewards of our natural resources. In recognition of these contributions, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has collaborated with our state’s ranchers and farmers to protect important agricultural lands, and their immeasurable environmental benefits, for generations to come.
FLORIDA IS KNOWN for its white sandy beaches, world-class attractions, and (my personal favorite) citrus. Look no further than Florida’s official license plate, with its image of two oranges and an orange blossom, as proof of its place in our history and culture. Florida has been synonymous with citrus for most of our 500-year history
AS WE ARE KICKING OFF our new year, I am sure most, if not all, of us have created our list of resolutions. Was a new career on your list of changes you wish to see happen this year?
Ag Time with Abby: Careers in ag — Top 10 fields of interest Read More »
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE will begin its annual 60-day legislative session on January 12, and I’m working closely with members of the Legislature to address one of the state’s greatest challenges: water.
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Water is top priority this legislative session Read More »
IT IS ALWAYS exciting to have a new chapter established in the FFA, especially when it is one right here in Polk County! Winter Haven Christian School was founded in 1965, and it added a high school in 2013. This year, they introduced Agriculture as one of the academies for their high school students. I
Ag Time with Abby: New FFA chapter takes root Read More »
THE REASON for Christmas , the birth of baby Jesus, goes back more than 2,000 years. And we shouldn’t forget that. Modern Christmas just wouldn’t be the same holiday without Santa’s red suit and Rudolph’s red nose. You have to add some green in there, too … holly branches and mistletoe, for instance. DID YOU
Recipe Spotlight: Color your plate red and green for the holidays Read More »
