WOMAN-OWNED FARMS ON THE INCREASE

The total number of farms in Florida may be down, but the number of farms owned or managed by women is rising.

Historically women have often been unseen partners on the farm-hardworking farmwives and daughters-essential but largely unacknowledged. Today, things have changed; women are stepping out of the shadows and putting a new face on American farming.

Women in agriculture are making their presence known in every state, and Florida is no exception. They're changing the way food is grown and sold and even how it tastes. In Homestead, Teena Borek is growing heirloom tomatoes in all shapes and colors to supply Miami's five-star restaurants and gourmet markets. In Monticello, Dr. Cynthia Connolly is producing organic muscadine wine at Florida's only certified organic farm winery. Meanwhile, Betty O'Toole of Madison has found her niche with organic herbs, luring customers to her small farm with workshops, daylong internships, and tours of the farm's sumptuous display gardens.

Around the country, farms run by women are on the increase. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of farms with women as primary operators grew 58 percent from 1975 to 1997, and it is predicted that as much as 75 percent of U.S. farmland will be owned by women by 2014.

Women come by the land-and the job of farming-in a variety of ways. Some inherit farmland when their husbands die. Others assume management of the farm when their spouse is forced to find off-farm employment. Women who grew up on farms often return after their parents die or retire.

-Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

FRUIT, VEGETABLES MAY DECREASE RISK OF NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA

The results of a study published in the International Journal of Cancer says that a high intake of fruits and vegetables may significantly decrease the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).

The researchers, based in Italy, found that individuals who consumed the highest amounts of fruits, vegetables, and/or eggs had a 50% reduced risk of developing NHL compared to those who ate the fewest amounts of these foods.

Individuals who consumed the highest amounts of cheese, pasta, or rice had a significantly increased risk of developing NHL compared to those who ate the lowest amounts of these foods.

The researchers concluded that individuals who consume higher amounts of fruit, vegetables, and/or eggs appear to have a significantly reduced risk of developing NHL compared to individuals who eat the lowest amounts of these foods. Conversely, those who eat the largest amounts of cheese, rice, or pasta have an increased risk of developing NHL. These data provide further evidence that diet can significantly affect the risks of developing specific types of cancers. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables are generally associated with a notably decreased risk of developing cancers.

Source: Talamini R, Polesel J, Montella M, et al. Food Groups and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Multicenter, Case-Control Study in . International Journal of Cancer. 2006; 18: 2871–2876.

FLORIDA LOSES A GREAT PUBLIC SERVANT

Ed Chance of Manatee County, a great friend of agriculture and a model public servant, died June 26. Mr. Chance was appointed to serve on the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board in 2000 and subsequently in 2001 and 2005. He also served on the Resource Management and Development Committee, the Outreach and Planning Committee, and as the co-chair ex officio of the Manasota Basin Board. His untiring service to the people of Manatee County will be greatly missed.

IMMIGRATION REFORM: WHAT CAN GROWERS DO NOW TO ENSURE A STABLE WORK FORCE?

FFVA's 63rd Annual Convention will feature an up-to-the-moment educational session, Immigration Policy and Florida's Farm Workforce, addressing the needs of the agriculture industry in a climate of labor uncertainty. The convention, themed Market Smart, will be held September 17 - 19 at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida, and will also offer other educational opportunites, social activities and auctions benefiting the farmworker community.

The media is welcome to attend. Contact Ray Gilmer at (321) 214-5200. Click here for more details.