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by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS Communities are hungry for urban food production. Engagement continues at an all-time high when there is opportunity to grow food in containers, hydroponic systems, rooftops, community gardens and any available green space. Why? Urban food production, also called urban agriculture, provides an avenue to grow food locally, fight food insecurity and […]

by TORY MOORE, UF/IFAS Initiated this year, UF/IFAS hemp research and Extension teams will prioritize hemp crops with climate-smart management with help from a five-year USDA Climate-Smart Commodities grant. The $4.9 million grant led by Florida A&M University will help researchers support hemp production for conservation and carbon sequestration that can help combat climate change.

provided by UF/IFAS The spotting of a new predatory hornet in Georgia could mean trouble for Florida’s imperiled honey bees if it spreads further South. To track the spread of the yellow-legged hornet, scientifically named Vespa velutina, UF/IFAS honey bee experts are working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to spread the

by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS There are plenty of environmental and economic benefits of composting. It is gaining ground among consumers and industries because it helps keep food and yard debris from landfills thereby cutting methane gas emissions. Compost may also promote soil health and enhance water conservation which may aid plant establishment. Knowing what to include

by BRAD BUCK While many of you enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from – the sweat of farmers, and some Florida growers say they had their best season ever. The bountiful season, which ends in most of Florida in late June or early July, continues

by KIRSTEN ROMAGUERA RABIN, UF/IFAS  People aren’t the only ones stressed by heat waves. For many plants, higher-than-anticipated temperatures can lead to water loss, wilted foliage, and unsuccessful pollination. University of Florida scientists are investigating how to improve plant resilience to high temperatures. Kevin Begcy, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department, is looking

Disability Act Part of the DNA of UF/IFAS by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS Through a project called Florida AgrAbility, Serap Gorucu tries to ensure that everyone – even those with functional limitations — can operate the technology and machinery on the farm where they work. “Agricultural producers must be able to work their farms,” says Gorucu, a

Coffee Research Percolating Right Here in Florida by UF/IFAS  photos by CAT WOFFORD, UF/IFAS The United States is consistently among the top coffee-consuming nations in the world, largely importing its favorite beans from South American countries such as Brazil and Colombia. University of Florida researcher Felipe Ferrao says the Sunshine State could become a global

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent photos by TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS A new algorithm is set to further bolster the credibility of the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), a system that farmers count on for such data as temperature, humidity, wind and rain. Among other improvements, the technology will send an email to FAWN technicians, letting