Please see caption below story
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences thanks the many partners who are helping sponsor this year’s Flavors of Florida festivities, an annual event designed to showcase how top-notch science creates delectable, nutritious food and beverages.
Two of those partners for the May 9 event in Gainesville are Straughn Farms, which gave at the platinum level, and Florida Tomatoes, which gave at the gold level.
“The Flavors of Florida features the advances of modern plant breeding that is the foundation of the Tomato Industry,” said Reggie Brown, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee. “The search for the best flavors for Florida Tomatoes is an ongoing effort that provides the opportunity to expand demand. Florida Tomato growers have supported variety improvement for decades. The opportunity to feature the ‘flavor’ simply highlights the advancements of the science of plant genetics. Solutions through applied science is the path to the future of the Florida Tomato grower.”
Each year, Flavors of Florida lets UF/IFAS faculty showcase the tasty, aromatic, nutrient-packed foods they breed. Florida commodities, like tomatoes, citrus, corn, blueberries, strawberries and beef are featured, as well as emerging, alternative crops such as olives, avocados, pomegranates and peaches that will help shape the future of Florida agriculture.
By producing Flavors of Florida, UF/IFAS hopes to engage stakeholders, including friends and alumni, industry and corporate partners, as well as state, local and UF leadership in this showcase of the best food and drink science can produce.
In addition to Straughn Farms and Florida Tomatoes, other partners for the event are:
- Florida Foundation Seed Producers
- Florida Cattlemen’s Association
- Quincey Cattle Company
- Clear Creek Farm
- Blue Sky Farms
- Florida Olive Council
- Florida Olive Farms and Mill
- Dr. Wayne Smith & Ms. Mitzi Austin
- Florida Sea Grant
- HM Clause Co.
- Cedar Key Seafarms
- Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association
- Spring Valley Farms
- Florida Blueberry Growers Association
- Florida Peanut Producers Association
- Swamp Head Brewery
- First Magnitude Brewing Company
- St. Augustine Distillery
- Miracle Fruit Farm
- Barnes Farm
- Southern Craft Creamery
- UF Field & Fork Campus Food Program
- Dundee Citrus Growers Association
- Florida Strawberry Growers Association
- Datil Dave
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Media who want to attend Flavors of Florida can go to University House – formerly known as the UF President’s House on West University Avenue – 2151 W. University Ave. at 6 p.m. May 9.
Caption: UF/IFAS and many partners are sponsoring and producing this year’s Flavors of Florida. This photo from last year’s event, shows some of the tasty food developed by UF/IFAS scientists.
Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS photography
By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu
Source: Caylin Hilton, 352-392-5432, cnewbern@ufl.edu