FLORIDA FARMS ESCAPE HURRICANE DAMAGE

Alberto, the first named storm of the 2006 season, crossed over many of the farms and ranches of North Florida, but left no reported damage other than varying amounts of rain.

"Our growers in the those areas experienced anywhere from 1/2 inch to two inches of rain, but no one we've talked to has any damage to buildings or equipment," said Danny Raulerson, FFVA's marketing director.

The storm might have even helped more than it hurt, by assisting in efforts to fight wildfires and providing the much needed rain.

FARMWORKERS SERVED BY NEW FLORIDA LAWS

Florida Governor Jeb Bush recently signed into law several pieces of legislation that would help the state's farmworker community. SB258, “Farm Labor Vehicles,” sponsored by Senator J.D. Alexander (R-Lake Wales) and Representative Baxter Troutman (R-Winter Haven), was signed into law Wednesday (June 7). The bill improves the safety of vehicles used to transport farm workers and encourages farm workers to use available safety equipment.

HB1363, “Affordable Housing,” sponsored by Representative Mike Davis (R-Naples) and Senator Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton), was signed into law by Governor Bush June 1. The bill provides $15 million for farmworker housing.

And finally, on June 5, less than one week before the first tropical storm of the 2006 hurricane season formed, Governor Jeb Bush signed into law a series of bills to provide state funding for hurricane preparedness, response and recovery. They include $108 million to replace the stock of safe, affordable housing in communities impacted by the 2005 season and an additional $82.9 million to restore housing and infrastructure in the hardest hit communities.

ORANGE, GRAPEFRUIT JUICE FOR BREAKFAST BUILDS BONES IN LAB ANIMALS

Orange and grapefruit juice regularly given to lab animals prevented osteoporosis, long considered an unavoidable aging disease in which bones become more likely to break, according to a study by Texas A&M University's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center researchers. The article was published in Elsevier's Nutrition journal.

A group of rats was treated in one of three ways: no additional diet change; diet including orange juice; or, diet including grapefruit juice. Results showed that both grapefruit juice and orange juice increased antioxidants in the rats' systems. Oxidants damage bone cells and cause loss of bone density.

Osteoporosis affects about 2 million men and 8 million women in the United States, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Nationally, about 1.5 million hips, vertebras and wrists break each year as a result, said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of the center at Texas A&M in College Station.

Source: http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/HORT/Jun0506b.htm

PLENTY OF GOOD REASONS TO SHOP AT FLORIDA FARMERS MARKETS

Shopping at farmers' markets is a growing trend in Florida. In fact, the number of farmers' markets in the state has doubled in the last 10 years.

"The increasing popularity of farmers' markets is due to a couple of factors," said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson. "First of all, people have become more health-conscious, so there's more demand for fresh, high-quality produce-and that means local produce. Plus, our small farmers have become very aware of the benefits of direct-marketing. They can substantially increase the profits they make on the food they work so hard to grow."

People who shop at farmers' markets enjoy fresh, wholesome produce throughout the growing season, while helping to keep small farms viable. And there are other, less obvious benefits, too. Buying locally grown food conserves energy and other natural resources, reduces air and water pollution, preserves green space, and helps build a stronger, more close-knit community.

For a list of community farmers' markets throughout Florida, visit http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/farmers_markets.htm.

CHINA - A THREAT TO U.S. PRODUCERS?

Some see China as a threat to U.S. vegetable exporters, taking over markets that previously imported U.S. product. Some see opportunities on the horizon. Find out more in the June issue of Harvester Online.