Southeast

5 things Florida employers must know about vote to increase minimum wage

Florida voters just approved Nov. 3 a constitutional amendment that will gradually raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2026. What does this mean for employers? Here are the top five things you... more »

Wish Farms refreshes its brand, reveals app and website

International grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, Wish Farms, has introduced a new look and messaging for its labels. Additionally, the company is promoting with an updated website and newly designed... more »

University of Florida sets online resources for non-English speaking ag workers

The fall crop season is underway in Florida and over the next few months, an increase in the farmworker population will help plant, maintain, and harvest our crops in the Sunshine State. Agriculture is an... more »

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association names new director of communications

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has named Christina Morton as its new director of communications. She replaces Lisa Lochridge, who will retire Dec.1. An experienced strategic communicator with a strong public relations background, Morton... more »

New blueberry variety honors benefactor and Florida alumnus Alto Straughn

When Patricio Muñoz developed the University of Florida’s newest blueberry variety, he wanted to name the fruit in honor of Alto Straughn, a longtime, strong supporter of UF’s blueberry breeding program. “A ‘sentinel’ is a... more »

Study shows how bountiful ‘miracle fruit’ can grow in the subtropics

Scientists at University of Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center have unlocked the mystery behind a highly sought-after berry known as the miracle fruit in a study published this week. This news brings much needed insight to local growers,... more »

Sensory lab helps UF/IFAS breeders know which fruits, veggies taste, smell best

Not long ago, about 200 consumer panelists went to the University of Florida Sensory Testing Lab to taste a new blueberry developed by UF/IFAS scientists. Turns out, they liked the flavor of the ‘Sentinel’ blueberry,... more »

University of Georgia imaging software supports food safety initiatives

Many countries struggle with food shipments being damaged or destroyed by invasive insects and plant disease. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, between 20% and 40% of global crop production is lost to pests,... more »