Latest News

SEBRING, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislative leaders, and agriculture industry champions in Highlands County as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was officially signed into law. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, Senate Bill 290 delivers major victories for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, […]

by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS Think you can’t grow avocados in the chilly winters of North Florida? Think again. The significant cold snap of January 2026, which sent temperatures plunging across the Sunshine State, has become the optimal testing grounds for University of Florida scientists developing new cold-hardy avocados at the Institute of Food and Agricultural

by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS Turf professionals will get a first look at the future of weed control and sustainable turf when the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) unveils new research and pioneering technologies at the 37th South Florida Turfgrass – Landscape Research Field Day and Expo on March 26. Set

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS After a winter that hit harder than anyone expected, freezing blossoms and fruit and bruising hopes, Florida blueberry growers are working to recover from this chilly season. They’re coaxing every bit of sweetness they can from the surviving fruit, ready to deliver berries that are as vibrant and nutritious as ever,

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Tuesday, March 3, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing the historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill, SB 290, that will protect freedom, family, and farmers. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, supports and defends Florida agriculture and Florida’s farmers, ranchers,

by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS Before you plant that new ornamental vine, flowering shrub or tree that caught your eye, University of Florida scientists have a simple request: check this list. In observance of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, UF researchers are urging the public to use a free website that helps Floridians avoid turning today’s