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Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a pioneering tool to bolster Florida’s defenses against invasive species: a DNA-based environmental monitoring test that can pinpoint where they’ve been, aiding eradication efforts. Once a nonnative species gets into an environment, it is often too late…
Read More UF/IFAS Scientists Develop Method For Detecting DNA Of Invasive Snakes In Florida
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced the allocation of $47 million in state and federal funding to preserve agricultural lands and protect vital natural resources in the Peace River Valley. The funding, part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, will secure…
Read More Florida Secures $47 Million For Peace River Valley Conservation Projects
The agricultural production losses Florida experienced due to Hurricane Helene have an estimated value between $40.3 million and $162.2 million, according to a preliminary report by the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP). The report is based on a diverse set of baseline data and…
Read More Hurricane Helene: Florida Ag Production Losses Top $40M, UF Economists Estimate
HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced a significant expansion of the state’s agricultural land preservation efforts. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program will now include Howard Cattle Corporation, a 754-acre cattle…
Read More Florida Commissioner Of Agriculture Announces Major Land Preservation Effort In Hendry County
Florida strawberry growers are a resilient bunch. They’ve survived the back-to-back punches from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Through hard work and efficient problem-solving, they have planted the fruits you’ll enjoy from December through April. Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, works…
Read More Following Hurricane Milton, Florida Growers Show Resilience In Ensuring Fresh Strawberries Are Available This Season
Atlantic subtropical seaweed is making waves among scientists who are exploring its potential for economic and environmental benefits for the Sunshine State. The University of Florida and Florida Sea Grant have secured a $250,000 grant from NOAA to investigate seaweed aquaculture cultivated from Florida’s tropical…
Read More UF/IFAS And Florida Sea Grant Secure $250K NOAA Grant To Cultivate Seaweed Aquaculture
Franta Majs is a common fixture at Florida plant shows and sales. He doesn’t attend to shop, however. He’s on hand to offer advice. “Frequently I’ll see people pulling a wagon with hundreds of dollars worth of plants or trees,” Majs said. “And I’ll ask…
Read More Know Your Soil: UF/IFAS Labs Offer Expert Analysis For Florida Gardeners And Farmers
Hurricanes Helene and Milton left many homeowners with flooded septic tanks. To make sure your system is ready for future storms, a University of Florida scientist has suggestions for you. “If you are one of those homeowners with a flooded septic system, it’s likely not…
Read More Florida Hurricane Recovery: UF Expert Urges Septic System Inspections
Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However,…
Read More New Outreach Program Helps UF Researchers Track Invasive Species In Florida
Despite some having their own homes without power or damaged in the wake of Hurricane Helene, UF/IFAS faculty and staff from around North Florida readied themselves as an Incident Command Post was established at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds. “Our Extension agents got to work quickly,…
Read More UF/IFAS Supports Florida After Hurricanes Helene And Milton