STUDY: 100 PERCENT JUICES AS BENEFICIAL TO HEALTH AS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

A European research project recently completed says that 100 percent juice has benefits equal to fresh fruits and vegetables in reducing risk factors to certain diseases. The study was designed to question traditional thinking that 100 percent juices play a less significant role in reducing risk for both cancer and cardiovascular disease than whole fruits and vegetables.

Juices are comparable in their ability to reduce risk compared to their whole fruit/vegetable counterparts say several researchers in the United Kingdom who conducted a review of a variety of studies that looked at risk reduction attributed to the effects of both fiber and antioxidants. They determined that the positive impact fruits and vegetables offer come not from just the fiber but also from antioxidants present in both juice and the whole fruit and vegetables.

The review of the literature states, "When considering cancer and coronary heart disease prevention, there is no evidence that pure fruit and vegetable juices are less beneficial than whole fruit and vegetables." The researchers add that the positioning of juices as being nutritionally inferior to whole fruits and vegetables in relationship to chronic disease development is "unjustified" and that policies which suggest otherwise about fruit and vegetable juices should be re-examined.

The researchers who authored the paper "Can pure fruit and vegetable juices protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease, too? A review of the evidence" suggest that more studies in certain area are needed to bolster their findings. The study was published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition.

-Source: Medical News Today

HOUSE AG COMMITTEE BRINGS FARM BILL CONCERNS TO BUDGET COMMITTEE

The House Agriculture Committee shared farm bill funding concerns Feb. 14 with the House Budget Committee. Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Ranking Republican Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., urged Budget Committee members to keep in mind that farmers have been doing their part to reduce federal spending, and to consider raising the projected base line for commodities. Peterson and Goodlatte said that new proposals in the 2007 bill, especially those dealing with renewable energy, will require additional resources.

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns also weighed in, saying that funds are needed for conservation and nutrition programs as well as for biofuel research and development.

TACO BELL TO ADD MORE FOOD SAFETY TESTING AT FARM LEVEL

The head of Taco Bell said Feb. 13 that the chain plans to conduct on-the-farm testing of lettuce to help improve product safety.

After losing $20 million due to an E. coli outbreak last fall, the company said it would add another level of testing, but did not offer additional information.

David Novak, chairman and chief executive of Yum Brands Inc., announced the pending testing during a conference call with financial analysts.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM VOLUNTEER GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

The deadline for Florida Agriculture in the Classroom’s 2007 Volunteer Grant applications is March 16. Eligible applicants include representatives of non-profit organizations such as county Farm Bureaus, University of Florida/IFAS extension offices, statewide industry associations, governmental agencies and agri-science teachers who are involved in teaching Florida students the importance of agriculture.

The grant application, guidelines and a list of past recipients are available on Florida Ag in the Classroom’s web site at www.agtag.org or call (352) 846-1391 for more information.

CITRUS PRODUCERS HEADED TO BRAZIL

Jay Clark and Mike Sparks of Florida Citrus Mutual will join about 15 growers as they tour several commercial citrus groves in Brazil April 21-28. The group will study the ways in which Brazilian producers handle pests and diseases such as citrus greening.

Dr. Steve Futch of the University of Florida/IFAS organized the trip at the request of the industry. Dr. Futch specializes in citrus production and weed control at the Citrus Research and Education Center at Lake Alfred.