Passion Fruit’s Potential in Florida

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Maegan Beatty Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is an evergreen perennial vine that produces a tropical fruit. The most cultivated type of passion fruit in the United States is the purple passion fruit. The fruit thrives in tropical climates and grows exceptionally well in central and southern Florida. In April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …

Coalition Calls on Policymakers to Safeguard Produce Supply

Web AdminFruits, Vegetables

The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce recently called on national and international policymakers to implement measures to safeguard the supply of affordable and safe fruits and vegetables worldwide. The coalition also sought to ensure the viability of the fruit and vegetable industry. The coalition made the requests in a report titled Global Value Chains for Fresh Produce: An Urgent Call for …

Blueberry Cultivars in North Florida

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Maegan Beatty Blueberries are a popular commodity throughout the state of Florida and the entire southeast region. Scientists and researchers are working to create new cultivars that can sustain hard freezes during those difficult winter months, especially throughout the North Florida area. Dr. Jeff Williamson is a part of the Horticulture Sciences Department at the University of Florida Institute …

Persimmon Production and Challenges

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Maegan Beatty Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a round fruit crop that is native to China, Northeast India, and northern Indochina. In the United States, it is typically grown in California, Florida and southeastern Texas. While California is the leading state in persimmon production, Florida is a close second. Farmers and researchers across the state are implementing new practices in …

Vegetable Seminars Added to Citrus Show

Web AdminFlorida Grower Citrus Show, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson A new feature of the Florida Grower Citrus Show was a win for growers and leaders of the region’s vegetable crop industry. The annual event in Fort Pierce no longer focuses solely on Florida citrus production. The addition of vegetable-based seminars catered to specialty crop producers during the April 13 event. Judging by the attendance, the audience …

UF/IFAS Hosts Orchard Field Day

Web AdminFruit, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Maegan Beatty Last week, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted an Orchard Field Day at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. The field day served as an educational event for commercial farmers, home gardeners and industry representatives. Attendees gathered to learn more about fruit crop diversification options. Speakers covered …

UF/IFAS Hosts Orchard Field Day

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Maegan Beatty Last week, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted an Orchard Field Day at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. The field day served as an educational event for commercial farmers, home gardeners and industry representatives. Attendees gathered to learn more about fruit crop diversification options. Speakers covered …

What’s the Future of Fumigation?

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson How specialty crop growers manage weeds when the field is not being sown is just as important as what fumigant they choose prior to planting season. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate center director and professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, has conducted years …

Inflation Continues to Impact Organic Produce Sales

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Ongoing inflation continued to impact organic fresh produce sales in the first quarter of 2023 as overall dollar sales grew by slightly less than 1%, and volume declined by 3.4% from the same per year-over-year period, according to the Q1 2023 Organic Produce Performance Report released by Organic Produce Network (OPN) and Category Partners. Overall, the total produce department gained …

Maximize Marketing in the Online Space

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Lauri M. Baker Digital marketing could increase sales for agriculture-based businesses that sell directly to consumers. However, many business owners struggle to understand where to place their online efforts and how to effectively market in the digital sphere. The Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement (CREE) conducts research to understand best practices in digital marketing for agribusinesses. Then, the CREE …