Increasing Agriculture Literacy

Ernie Neff Agriculture, Education

Agriculture is the second largest industry in Florida, but there is uncertainty about the industry’s labor force, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently reported. UF/IFAS stated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the market value of Florida agriculture at more than $7.46 billion. “But career interest from youth does not match the size …

Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute Returns

Ernie Neff Education

The annual Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute, hosted by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension, will be held on April 6. The event will be delivered via a Zoom webinar from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. “We hope to reach a broad audience despite the limits imposed on us because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris …

Miss Florida Citrus Has a New Squeeze!

Tacy Callies Education

By Brenda Eubanks Burnette In January, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hosted virtual “Florida Citrus Squeeze” events at elementary schools throughout Florida with Chef Paula Kendrick and Miss Florida Citrus Leila Sabet. The program was announced in December to Florida food service personnel and teachers that participate in the division’s Harvest of the Month Program.  Participating …

Job Opportunities Good for Ag Graduates

Ernie Neff Education

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report that projects strong employment opportunities for new college graduates interested in agriculture and related fields opened with a cautionary preface. Termed “A 2020 Pandemic Note,” it stated that the underlying study and preparation for the report began in September 2019, “when global socio-economic conditions were much different from today.” It stated that fewer …

Training Veterans for Agriculture Jobs

Ernie Neff Education, Industry News Release

Veterans Florida is working with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to prepare former military personnel for jobs in agriculture. The organization has received a three-year, $745,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program (VFAP) in partnership with UF/IFAS. The program is a six-month paid fellowship designed to …

New Virtual UF/IFAS OJ Breaks for Growers

Ernie Neff Education

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension citrus program is launching a webinar series of OJ Breaks free to all Florida citrus growers. The twice-a-month meeting series will provide the latest information on grove production practices and research findings.  The series will be delivered via Zoom and start Dec. 15. “COVID-19 has made it difficult …

Worker Safety Resources Available in Spanish

Ernie Neff Education

Free online resources from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension put safety in the hands of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The Extension Farm Labor Education programs are part of UF/IFAS Extension Online Learning. For the first time, the Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer (WPS TTT) certification course is available online in …

FFVA Selects Emerging Leader Class

Ernie Neff Education

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently announced the selection of 13 agriculture industry leaders for Class 10 of its Emerging Leader Development Program for the coming year. Class 10 members are: Sherri Atwell of Feeding Florida, Tallahassee Ariel Bauer of Hardee Fresh, Sebring Federico Boscolo of Cultiva Farms USA, Jennings Sasha Burgin of Burgin Farms, Wauchula Nathan Carson …

Farm Bureau Young Leaders Class Forming

Ernie Neff Agriculture, Education

Applications are open through July 17 for positions in the 2020-2022 Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Group. The group experience develops participants for future leadership positions. It also provides them with opportunities to be involved in various Farm Bureau advocacy events at the local, state and national level. A select group of agriculturists is chosen for …