April 3, 2006
Issue 1109

CONSUMERS SHOW AN UNDERSTANDING OF HEALTHY FOODS - STUDY

Consumers are getting the message that some healthful food components, such as whole grains and certain types of fats found in fish and nuts, promote health. Consumers also have begun to add foods containing these components into their diet. But do they understand what health benefits they may gain from consuming these and other "functional" food components?

According to an online International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation survey of 1,060 Americans ages 18 or older conducted in November 2005, consumers rate fish oil (70 percent) and omega-3 fatty acids (58 percent) as "somewhat or extremely healthful." The same survey found that 88 percent said whole grains are "somewhat or extremely healthful" and 87 percent of consumers believe the same of fiber.

According to the survey, 75 percent of Americans said they are trying to consume more fiber and whole grains and about one-half said they are trying to consume more omega-3 fatty acids.

"Consumers told us that they are acting upon the advice to consume more fiber, whole grains, and healthful dietary fats as a part of a balanced diet," said Susan T. Borra, RD, president of the IFIC Foundation and past president of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). "Consumers also are becoming more aware of the role that certain foods or food components may have in promoting health and reducing the risk of disease."

 

 

FFVA SPRING “REG TOUR” A SUCCESS

“It’s an invaluable experience for these people, because a lot of them just don’t get the opportunity to see this kind of thing - ever,” said FFVA Assistant Director, Environmental & Pest Management Division Mike Aerts about the just-completed 2006 Spring Regulatory Tour. The tour, held in Southwest Florida last week, allows regulators to get to know the concerns of those affected by state and federal policies.

Because the group was somewhat smaller than in years past, interaction was expanded and participants were able to ask in-depth questions that may not have been answered in the past.

“A picture really does tell a thousand words in instances like this,” Aerts said. “You can talk about how to grow a tomato plant or plant a citrus tree, but when you get to see it and touch it and experience it first hand, that makes a long-lasting impression!”

 

GOVERNOR BUSH APPOINTS FOUR TO CITRUS COMMISSION

Governor Jeb Bush announced Wednesday (March 29) the following appointments to the Florida Citrus Commission:

· Wesley W. Brumback, 47, of Oviedo, partner and manager of TRB Groves, LLC, to succeed Harry Falk, for a term beginning June 1, 2006 and ending May 31, 2009. He will represent district one as a grower member.

· Robert M. Behr, 52, of Lakeland, vice president of Planning and Product Services with Citrus World, Inc., to succeed Andrew Taylor, for a term beginning June 1, 2006 and ending May 31, 2009. He will represent district one as a grower-handler processor member.

· David P. Wheeler, 43, of Lake Placid, president of Wheeler Farms, Inc., to succeed Anina McSweeney, for a term beginning June 1, 2006 and ending May 31, 2009. He will represent district four as a grower member.

· William "Cody" Estes, Sr., 54, of Vero Beach, president of Estes Citrus, Inc., re-appointed for a term beginning June 1, 2006 and ending May 31, 2009. He will represent district three as a grower-handler shipper member.
Senate confirmation is required.

 

FARM BILL COMMENT SUMMARIES RELEASED

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced Wednesday (March 29) that USDA has completed a summary of the public comments submitted verbally and in writing during USDA's Farm Bill Forum listening tour. The summaries will serve as a basis for USDA policy review and analysis in preparation for the 2007 farm bill.

The summary papers announced today are available on the USDA website. One of those listening sessions took place at FFVA’s Annual Convention last September.

 

 

 


 


©2006 Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association