CALIFORNIA GROWER INITIATIVE GAINS TRACTION

In an effort closely watched by Florida vegetable growers, the California State Senate Agriculture Committee approved legislation March 28 that could result in that state’s leafy greens industry setting its own standards for growing practices.

The bill originally mandated the state Department of Health Services to set regulations. Its newer incarnation drops that requirement if the industry eventually adopts a mandatory standards plan. Sen. Dean Florez, who introduced the original bill, said he'd accept the industry approach if compliance eventually becomes mandatory.

Separately, a government-supervised industry board adopted new voluntary growing and handling practices for leafy green produce March 23 that would require participating handlers to accept produce only from growers who follow industry developed standards. The marketing agreement is supervised and enforced through inspection by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and became effective April 1.

"PRE-DISEASE" FINDINGS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO AVOID DIABETES AND OTHER CONDITIONS

More and more of us are being diagnosed with life-threatening diseases and conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and obesity. To address this trend, health experts have identified what they call "pre-diseases," the point at which blood sugar or blood pressure is a little high, bone is beginning to thin or the scale has crept up by several pounds. And they have issued recommendations for treatment, even labeling the conditions as diseases in their own right, as with pre-diabetes and pre-hypertension.

Identifying pre-diseases and tackling them before they become full-blown conditions is the best way to protect your long-term health.

Experts have found that although the specific advice varies from one condition to another, dietary changes and regular physical activity are the most effective strategies for treating all of these pre-diseases. That includes a nutritious diet that's moderate in fat, low in sugar and sodium and contains adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean protein and whole grains. If you are overweight, reduce the number of calories you take in every day.

(Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=66706)

REGULATORS LEARN ABOUT FLORIDA AG ON SPRING “REG TOUR”

Once again, FFVA’s Environmental & Pest Management Division hosted state and federal regulators on its Spring “Reg Tour” March 26-30.

The 20 participants asked thoughtful questions pertaining to topics such as how operations handle their water discharge and use of specific tools to control pests and disease. Stops included a citrus grove and processing plant; and sod, vegetable, ornamental plant and sugar operations. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to understand firsthand the challenges faced by Florida growers and their efforts to meet them.

(Photos available. Email information@ffva.com.)

SARASOTA COUNTY EXTENSION TO HOST SMALL FARM WORKSHOP

The second annual South Central Florida Small Farm and Alternative Enterprise Workshop will be held April 27-28 at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. The workshop is open to small and mid-size landowners who are considering growing crops and/or raising animals for profit or pleasure, and is hosted by the University of Florida-Sarasota County Extension and sponsored by the University of Florida IFAS Small Farm and Alternative Enterprise Program.

To learn more and to register for the workshop, call the Sarasota County Extension call center at (941) 861-5000 or visit http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm.

BRONSON HOSTS “FARM TO FUEL” SUMMIT

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is hosting a “Farm to Fuel” summit July 18-20 at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg. The meeting will cover current initiatives relating to ethanol and bio-diesel, as well as other opportunities for renewable energy production in Florida.

Reservations for the event should be made directly with the resort, which can be reached at (888) 303-4430.