FFVA SERVES FRESH FLORIDA SWEET CORN AT INAUGURAL

Hundreds of people attending Gov. Charlie Crist’s Jan. 2 inaugural were treated to fresh sweet corn straight from the steamer courtesy of FFVA.

The piping hot corn was a welcome sight for those who braved the chilly temperatures to see Florida’s 44th governor sworn in.

FFVA staffers Butch Calhoun, Alan Peirce, Danny Raulerson and Lisa Lochridge, along with several volunteers from FDACS, shucked, cooked and served up 20 crates of corn provided by Wilkinson-Cooper Produce of Belle Glade.

(Photo available at information@ffva.com.)

FLORIDA SWEET CORN TO BE FEATURED ON MR. FOOD IN APRIL

Popular TV chef Mr. Food spent the day in Belle Glade Jan 4. at R.C. Hatton Inc., growers of sweet corn and green beans, taping for two segments that will spotlight supersweet corn.

Mr. Food, whose real name is Art Ginsberg, and his crew toured the Hugh Branch Inc. value-added packinghouse, which produces tray-packed sweet corn in two- and four-packs that are microwavable.

The vignettes are set to air April 17 and 18. The chef, who was written more than 30 best-selling cookbooks, will offer preparation tips and recipes featuring the crisp, sweet ears. Ginsberg’s trademark “Ooh, it’s so good” is familiar to millions of fans in more than 150 television markets across the country who watch his syndicated 90-second food vignettes. His Web site, which features recipes, products and nutrition information, is www.mrfood.com.

MR. FOOD is syndicated by CBS/King World. Florida affiliates include: WPBS, West Palm Beach; WFOR, Miami; WFST, Tampa Bay; and WINK, Ft. Myers/Naples.

(Photo available at information@ffva.com.)

IRIS WALL OF INDIANTOWN NAMED "WOMAN OF THE YEAR IN AGRICULTURE"

Cattle rancher Iris Pollock Wall of Indiantown has been selected to receive the "Woman of the Year in Agriculture" award for 2006.

The award, now in its 22nd year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. It is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Fair Authority.

Florida Agriculture Secretary Charles Bronson is scheduled to present the award to Wall February 8 during the opening-day luncheon at the Florida State Fair in Tampa.

Tickets for the event are available by calling the fairgrounds at (800) 345-3247.
Past honorees include FFVA Executive Committee Member Teena Borek of Homestead.