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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On March 27, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Reba Y. Mazak as the 2025 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. “Reba Y. Mazak embodies the resilience, dedication, and innovation that define Florida agriculture,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Her lifelong commitment to ranching, advocacy, and mentorship has strengthened our agricultural community and ensured a […]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On March 27, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Wish Farms as the 2025 winner of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. The Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award has been presented annually since 1994 and spotlights environmentally innovative growers and ranchers who share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while continuing to produce the world-class

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On March 21, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the completion of major updates to nine existing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals, which provide specific, research-based practices to agricultural producers to improve water quality, along with the introduction of a new BMP manual for small farms and specialty livestock. These

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS With the citrus industry at a crossroads, growers are looking for any solution to cope with the deadly citrus greening disease. Scientists see genetic editing – and in particular CRISPR technology — as one potential avenue to rescue Florida’s signature crop, and consumer perceptions of the technology are key. Bachir Kassas,

by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS Aspiring vanilla growers and seasoned agriculturalists in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are invited to a free online workshop: An Introduction to Domestic Vanilla Cultivation. From 5-7 p.m., on April 10, leading experts from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), University of the

Tallahassee, Fla.— More than 350 grassroots members gathered at the state Capitol on March 18 to meet with legislators during Florida Farm Bureau’s annual Farm Bureau Day. Members discussed key policy issues including the Florida Farm Bill, farm labor housing, a health benefit plan and protecting private property rights. “Farm Bureau Day is a great opportunity

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS Do you have a green thumb? Maybe you’re interested in growing something that will blossom in your yard. The spring gardening season is a good time for planting a citrus tree in your yard. Such trees used to be a common site around Florida homes. But citrus canker and greening have

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS As we head into the heart of Florida blueberry harvest season – March through May — growers are shipping the fruit to market to meet statewide and national consumer demand. You can find Florida-grown berries in stores, farmer’s markets and U-picks from the Panhandle through South Florida. Along with vitamin C,

UF’s efforts demonstrate surge in invasive species detection and response by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS Thanks to the power of citizen science, everyday people are becoming frontline defenders in the battle against invasive species. By reporting sightings and contributing valuable data, the public is helping researchers detect threats sooner and act faster, making a difference in