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A Roadmap or a Rift? Examining Trump’s 28-Point Ukraine Peace Proposal
As negotiations around the war in Ukraine continue to dominate global headlines, a newly surfaced 28-point peace proposal associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered intense debate across NATO capitals, Kyiv, and Moscow. The document — described in reporting by Reuters, Axios, Sky News, Al Jazeera and other outlets — outlines a framework aimed at ending the conflict but includes provisions that many analysts say could significantly reshape Europe’s security landscape. A Plan Built Around Ceasefire, Guarantees, and Reconstruction At its core, the plan calls for a formal ceasefire, a non-aggression pact between Russia, Ukraine, and European states, and a set of “security guarantees” meant to deter future conflict. Reporting indicates that Ukraine would receive assurances that any renewed Russian offensive would trigger a coordinated international response. The plan also proposes the creation of a major reconstruction program — potentially financed in part with frozen Russian assets — to rebuild infrastructure and modernize Ukraine’s economy. The proposal references pathways for deeper Ukrainian integration with Europe, including support for progressing toward EU membership and providing enhanced access to European markets. A large “Ukraine Development Fund” is also mentioned in multiple summaries of the plan. Provisions Driving the Most Global Pushback The most controversial elements relate to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and long-term security posture. Outlets such as Sky News and Al Jazeera report that the draft would recognize Russian control over Crimea and large parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson — areas currently occupied by Russian forces. Ukraine would also be required to formally abandon NATO membership and cap its military at 600,000 personnel. Additional provisions include restrictions on the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine, phased lifting of sanctions on Russia, full amnesty for war-related actions, and the reintegration of Russia into global economic and political structures. These components have drawn sharp responses, particularly from European leaders who argue the plan could reward aggression and undermine international legal norms. Dr. Glen Duerr is a citizen of three countries. He was born in the United Kingdom, moved to Canada as a teenager, and then to the United States to obtain his Ph.D. His teaching and research interests include nationalism and secession, comparative politics, international relations theory, sports and politics, and Christianity and politics. View his profile. What Remains Unclear or Still Under Discussion Reporting from Reuters and AP notes that many sections of the plan remain undefined or are still in flux. The exact mechanism behind the proposed security guarantees is not detailed. Oversight of reconstruction funds, timelines for reintegration of Russia, and the legal handling of frozen assets also require further clarification. Some reporting suggests parts of the plan draw from a prior informal Russian “non-paper,” raising questions about the provenance and intent of specific provisions. Why the Proposal Matters With the war approaching four years of fighting, any formal proposal for ending hostilities carries significant geopolitical weight. Supporters of the plan frame it as a pragmatic attempt to halt loss of life and begin rebuilding. Critics argue it risks legitimizing territorial conquest and weakening the broader post-Cold-War security order. As governments evaluate the implications, journalists covering defense, diplomacy, and international law will find this evolving proposal central to understanding where U.S., European, Russian, and Ukrainian negotiators may — or may not — be willing to go next.
The Meaning Behind Hanukkah Meals
As families around the world prepare to celebrate Hanukkah, University of Rochester professor Nora Rubel can expound on the deeper stories behind the holiday’s foods, rituals, and evolving traditions. Rubel, a scholar of Jewish studies and chair of the Department of Religion and Classics, specializes in how Jewish identity is expressed through everyday practices and food. For instance, her work explores how dishes like latkes and sufganiyot (fried jelly donuts) carry meanings beyond the kitchen. “Food is one of the most powerful ways communities tell their stories,” Rubel says. “During Hanukkah, the foods we make and share help us remember the past, celebrate resilience, and connect with one another.” Hanukkah runs from Dec. 14 through Dec. 22 this year. Oil at the Heart of Hanukkah: Why Fried Foods Matter Many people recognize the holiday through its signature fried foods. But Rubel notes that these traditions developed over centuries and vary widely across cultures. • Ashkenazi Jews typically serve potato latkes. • Sephardic and Mizrahi communities prepare sufganiyot, bimuelos, zalabiya, and other fried sweets. • Some families incorporate dairy dishes, drawing on medieval interpretations of the Hanukkah story. What unites these foods, Rubel explains, is the symbolism of oil, which commemorates the miracle at the heart of the Hanukkah story. Many Ways to Celebrate Rubel emphasizes that Hanukkah is not a monolithic holiday. Its rituals, from lighting the menorah to singing blessings and exchanging gifts, vary across communities and generations. Some families add new traditions such as: • Hosting “latke tasting” gatherings • Experimenting with global Jewish recipes • Incorporating social justice themes into nightly candle-lighting • Sharing stories of family immigration and heritage “Hanukkah is a living tradition,” Rubel says. “It continues to evolve, and food is one of the ways people reinterpret what the holiday means for them today.” A Resource for Understanding Jewish Life Rubel’s broader scholarship focuses on American Jewish life, cultural memory, and how religious identities are shaped in the home as much as in the synagogue. She is a go-to resource for journalists covering holiday practices, regional Jewish cuisines, and the meaning behind rituals that shape the season, and is featured in “Family Recipe: Jewish American Style,” a new documentary now airing on PBS stations across the United States. Rubel is available for interviews throughout the Hanukkah period and beyond, and can speak to how traditions differ in Jewish communities around the world, the evolution of Hanukkah in American culture, and contemporary interpretations of rituals and identity. Click on Rubel's profile to connect with her.
Giving with Purpose This Holiday Season
As the season of giving draws near, many people are searching for meaningful ways to support the causes that matter most. From local food banks to global humanitarian organizations, charitable giving offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference – for the organization and for the donor. Two Baylor University experts in consumer behavior and philanthropy – James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in the Hankamer School of Business, and Andrew P. Hogue, Ph.D., associate dean in the Office of Engaged Learning and founder of Philanthropy and the Public Good program – share five practical strategies to help donors give with intention and impact. Five ways to give more thoughtfully and effectively 1. Choose a cause that resonates with you Begin by considering the issues that matter most –education, hunger, health care, the environment or another area close to your heart. Once you identify your passion, take time to research organizations working in that space. Look for transparency, measurable results and a strong record of directing funds to mission-focused programs. “A helpful shortcut is to see whether a nonprofit receives repeat grants from charitable foundations,” Hogue said. “Those grants typically follow a rigorous evaluation process.” 2. Decide what you can comfortably give Giving should feel fulfilling, not stressful. Roberts and Hogue recommend reviewing your household budget and determining an amount that fits comfortably. Even small donations can accumulate into meaningful support over time. 3. Consider how often you want to give Think about whether a single contribution or ongoing support works best for you. Regular giving helps nonprofits plan ahead and maintain steady programming. “Consistent donations allow charities to allocate resources more effectively throughout the year,” Hogue said. 4. Automate your contributions Setting up recurring gifts through your bank or directly with a nonprofit keeps your generosity on track with minimal effort. Automatic withdrawals ensure reliability for the organization and ease for the donor. “It’s a simple way to make sure you don’t forget to give,” Roberts said, “and it provides charities with predictable support.” 5. Offer your time and talent if money is tight Financial support is just one form of generosity. Time, skills and personal networks can be equally valuable. “Donating your time and skills can be just as impactful,” Roberts said. “Whether you’re mentoring, sorting donations or helping at events, your presence matters.” Hogue added that giving enriches both the recipient and the giver: “Charitable giving is about making a difference in others’ lives while adding purpose and connection to your own.” His advice: start small, stay consistent and simply take the first step. “Giving is deeply rewarding,” Hogue said. “And as you grow in your generosity, keep a beginner’s mindset – there is always room to improve how we steward the resources entrusted to us.” Looking to know more or arrange an interview? Simply click on the expert's icon below or contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin today.
Nandi A. Marshall, DrPH, professor and associate dean for Georgia Southern University’s Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, has been named president of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the nation’s oldest and largest organization of public health professionals. Marshall began her presidential term on Nov. 5, following a year as president-elect. She will serve a three-year term on APHA’s executive board, including her current presidential year and a subsequent year as immediate past president. With more than two decades of experience in community-engaged public health, Marshall is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing maternal and child health equity, and for her dedication to preparing the next generation of the public health workforce. She holds a bachelor’s in religious studies from Spelman College, a master’s in public health from East Stroudsburg University and a Doctor of Public Health from Georgia Southern. “Dr. Marshall’s appointment to lead APHA is a tremendous national recognition of her contribution to public health — and a reflection of Georgia Southern’s growing impact on the global public health landscape,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her commitment to community partnership, workforce development and health equity exemplifies the values we strive to instill in every graduate of our distinctive public health college.” Marshall’s work has centered on bridging lived experience and scientific research to drive equitable health outcomes. “I’m deeply honored to serve as APHA president,” Marshall said. “Public health calls us to listen to communities, honor their wisdom and work together to build the equitable systems that recognize health as a human right. Equity is not an outcome — it’s a commitment. And I’m grateful to continue this work with purpose, courage and love alongside partners across the country.” Founded in 1872, APHA represents more than 25,000 members nationwide, serving as a convener, catalyst and advocate for equitable health and well-being for all. The association connects practitioners, researchers, educators and policymakers to advance evidence-based public health initiatives. Looking to know more about Georgia Southern University or connect with Dr. Marshall — simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
One AI-based advancement at a time, UF leaders are transforming the sports industry
As emerging technologies like AI reshape sport industries and professional demands evolve, it is essential for students to graduate with the expertise to thrive in their future careers. To ensure that these students are set up for success, the UF College of Health & Human Performance has launched a new sports analytics program. Led by Scott Nestler, Ph.D., CAP, PStat, a professor of practice in the Department of Sport Management and a national analytics and data science expert, the program ties back to the UF & Sport Collaborative – a five-part project intended to elevate UF’s presence on the global stage in sports performance, healthcare and communication. “Tools and insights that previously were only available to professional sports teams are now coming to the college level, and it makes sense for universities to begin using these data, technologies and new analytic methods,” Nestler said. The sports analytics program fosters collaboration between academic units, such as the Warrington College of Business and the University Athletic Association, helping bridge the gap between sport research and innovation and empowering students to address real-world challenges through data and AI. For example, the program offers opportunities to leverage technology and analytics for strategic decision making in player acquisition, team formation and in-game decisions. Beyond performance metrics, the program also explores marketing strategies and revenue analytics, providing a well-rounded understanding of the field. “When you have enough data and a large enough sample of individuals, AI can help make predictions that otherwise would take prohibitively longer for a human to accomplish with traditional methods,” said Garrett Beatty, Ph.D., the assistant dean for innovation and entrepreneurship and an instructional associate professor in the College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. “Because those data volumes are getting so large, AI models, machine learning, deep learning and other strategies can be leveraged to make sense and glean insights from sport and human performance data in ways that have never been done before.” The program seeks to offer several educational opportunities, such as individual courses, certificate programs and potentially a full degree program. In the long term, Nestler envisions the program evolving into a center or institute, beginning with establishing a research lab in the spring. Additionally, the program will leverage the university’s supercomputer, HiPerGator, to analyze larger data sets and use newer predictive modeling machine learning algorithms. “As faculty and staff move from working with box score and play-by-play data to using tracking data, which contains coordinates of all players and the ball on the field or court tens of times per second, the size of data files in sports analytics has grown tremendously,” Nestler said. “HiPerGator, with its large storage capacity and multiple central processing units/graphic processing units, is ideal for using in sports analytics work in 2025.” Nestler also aims to increase student involvement by enhancing UF’s Sport Analytics Club and hiring research assistants to work on projects for the University Athletic Association. “We need to take a broader view of what AI is and realize that it incorporates a lot of what we’ve been calling data science and analytics in the form of machine learning models, which came more out of statistics and computer science. Those are types of AI and those that I think will largely continue to be used in the coming years within the sports space,” Nestler said. “Also, we’re continuing to see growth in the number of people interested in working in this space, and I don’t foresee that changing. Fortunately, we are also seeing the number of opportunities available to those with the appropriate skills increase as well.”
When it comes to transforming how organisations produce, consume, and reuse resources, Dr Luciano Batista, professor of operations management at Aston University, is a global pioneer. His research sits at the crossroads of innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability, tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: our overconsumption of the planet’s resources. Reimagining the economy around renewal Dr Batista’s work focuses on circular supply chains —a model he helped establish at a time when 'closed-loop' systems dominated sustainability thinking. His early research laid the foundation for how businesses could move beyond recycling and linear take-make-dispose models, instead designing systems that reuse, restore, and regenerate. View his profile here From theoretical frameworks to real-world applications, his studies—such as comparative analyses of circular systems implemented by Tetra Pak in China and Brazil—demonstrate the measurable economic and environmental benefits of circularity in action. His 2022 Emerald Literati Award-winning paper introduced a methodology for mapping sustainable alternatives in food supply chains, earning international recognition for its real-world impact. A global voice for industrial symbiosis and circular innovation The influence of Dr Batista’s work reaches far beyond academia. He has advised the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and contributed insights to policymakers through the UK All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group. His expertise continues to inform national and regional strategies for sustainable production and industrial symbiosis —where one company’s waste becomes another’s resource. Today, he extends that impact globally as a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), conducting research at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics on circular supply chain innovations, supported by Aston University’s study-leave programme. He also mentors future leaders in sustainability as part of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). Driving the next wave of sustainable transformation Looking ahead, Dr Batista is spearheading collaborations through Aston’s Centre for Circular Economy & Advanced Sustainability (CEAS), working with the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on projects developing biochar-based clean energy systems for urban districts. He is also advancing the social dimension of the circular economy—ensuring that the move toward sustainable production is inclusive and equitable. His Symposium on the Socially Inclusive Circular Economy, held at the 2025 Academy of Management Conference, has sparked new international research partnerships with Monash University (Australia) and the Vienna University of Economics and Business. A vision for a regenerative future At the heart of Dr Batista’s work is a simple but urgent truth: humanity is consuming resources at a rate our planet cannot sustain. Through his research and global collaborations, he is helping organisations, policymakers, and communities move toward a future where growth and sustainability coexist. “The transition to a circular economy is not optional—it is essential,” says Dr Batista. “Our goal must be to redesign systems that allow people, businesses, and ecosystems to thrive together.”
Life-changing study abroad experiences help students find themselves, UF research shows
Studying abroad is about more than just enrichment for college students; it’s often about personal transformation, UF researchers have found. Every year, UF sends nearly 2,600 students overseas to become immersed in diverse cultures, gain international perspectives, and create social bonds with fellow Gators – experiences so profound that UF researchers recently published a study about their long-term impact in Leisure Sciences. And this week, the UF International Center is hosting a Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 on the Reitz North Lawn to generate even more interest in these life-changing programs. “You’ve got to look at travel as not a frivolous thing because it’s part of your life story,” said Heather Gibson, Ph.D., a professor in the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, who co-authored the study. “The impact isn’t just for the semester when they return; it’s now shown to be over 20 years or more. Very few studies focus on this formative phase of adult development, and these emerging adults are very malleable to be shaped. They’re searching for different sources of identity and different directions.” Conducting this research with Gibson was Hongping (HP) Zhang, Ph.D., a UF graduate of 2020 and clinical assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management. Zhang said that, in 2019, tourism literature began focusing on memory theories, but research primarily looked at memorable tourism experiences and how to better attract tourists. Zhang wanted to dive deeper into how travel memories affect a person’s development and identity. This retrospective longitudinal study examined 115 alumni who traveled as part of the College of Health & Human Performance’s South Pacific program, or the Florida Down Under Program, from 2007 to 2019. The program, led by Gibson, brings students to Australia for four weeks, New Zealand for four weeks, and/or Fiji for 10 days to study sustainability, with trips including a snorkeling expedition to the Great Barrier Reef and to Mungalla Station (a land occupied by the Nywaigi Aboriginal Land Corporation). These students’ memories of studying abroad proved to be positive and an “important building block to enhance the existing feeling of self,” Zhang said. For example, one study participant shared that reflecting on her experience in Australia was a conversation starter that sparked an initial social connection with her now husband, who had also traveled to Australia on a separate trip. Other students said the program impacted their travel behaviors such as spending money, as well as their eco-conscious behaviors like using coral-reef-friendly sunscreen. Overall, Gibson believes that experiential learning like studying abroad plays a significant role in helping students find themselves at pivotal times in their lives. In fact, research from the Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education shows that students who participate in study abroad programs may earn higher grades, be more likely to graduate, and be better positioned for the global workforce. “Getting students out of the classroom and pushing them out of their comfort zone is where they learn,” Gibson said. “We need to think about the undergraduate experience as more than earning credits for a degree. Study abroad provides students with friends, experience, and direction, and that’s very crucial, especially at a large university. Study abroad allows students to find their tribe.”
How mitochondria shape brain health from childhood to old age
From the first spark of neural development to the challenges of ageing, Dr Lissette Sánchez Aranguren is uncovering how the cell’s powerhouses — mitochondria — hold the key to a healthy brain across the human lifespan. Her pioneering research at Aston University explores how these microscopic energy generators safeguard the brain’s communication network and how their dysfunction may underlie conditions such as dementia, stroke, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Mapping the brain’s energy defence system Dr Sánchez Aranguren’s work focuses on the partnership between brain cells and the blood vessels that nourish them — a relationship maintained by the blood–brain barrier. When mitochondria fail, that protective interface can weaken, allowing harmful molecules to penetrate and trigger inflammation or cell loss. Her team’s studies show that mitochondrial malfunction disrupts the dialogue between neurons and vascular cells, an imbalance seen both in the developing and ageing brain. To counter this, she and her collaborators have engineered a mitochondria-targeted liposome, a nanoscale “bubble” that delivers restorative molecules directly where they are needed most. By re-balancing cellular energy and communication, this innovation could one day reduce brain injury or slow neurodegenerative decline. From heart cells to the human mind Originally trained in cardiovascular science, Dr Sánchez Aranguren became fascinated by how mitochondria regulate energy and stress in blood-vessel cells — insights that ultimately led her toward neuroscience. View her profile here “Mitochondria do much more than produce energy. They send signals that determine how cells communicate and survive.” That realisation inspired her to trace mitochondrial signalling across the continuum of life — linking early brain development to later-life vulnerability. Her research now bridges traditionally separate fields of developmental biology, vascular physiology, and ageing neuroscience, helping identify shared molecular pathways that influence lifelong brain resilience. Global collaboration for a healthier brain Her work thrives on multidisciplinary and international partnerships. At Aston, she collaborates with scientists from Coventry University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Lincoln, alongside research partners in the Netherlands, Italy, Malaysia, and China. Together they integrate chemistry, biology, and computational modelling to understand mitochondrial function from molecule to organism — and translate discoveries into practical therapies. Towards mitochondria-targeted brain therapies The next frontier is refining these mitochondria-targeted nanocarriers to enhance precision and efficacy in preclinical models, while exploring how mitochondrial signals shape the brain’s vascular and neural architecture from infancy through adulthood. Dr Sánchez Aranguren envisions a future where protecting mitochondrial health becomes central to preventing brain disease, shifting medicine from managing symptoms to preserving the brain’s natural defence and repair systems. “If we can protect the cell’s own energy engines,” she says, “we can give the brain its best chance to stay healthy for life.”
UF expert answers questions about local risk of bird flu
Consumers may have noticed the rising price of eggs and even some shortages at grocery stores lately due to H5N1 avian influenza, but as cases of human and animal infections continue to rise, how concerned should you be about the virus? Benjamin Anderson, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions’ Department of Environmental and Global Health and lead for UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute bird flu response team answers some questions about the risk of infection to humans and animals from bird flu and how to protect yourself. Who is at risk? Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk to humans is low. “That is correct on an overall level,” Anderson said. There is no human-to-human transmission right now. Anderson said that while there have been an “alarming” number of human cases, the number of infections is still fewer than 100. Of those, most have resulted in mild illness and were in people who had direct exposure to infected animals. So far, there has been only one death attributed to the current outbreak of H5N1, known more commonly as bird flu – a man in Louisiana who was infected by a backyard flock. “We do have a lot of people who keep chickens,” Anderson said. “Because of the situation in Louisiana, this has, I think, piqued the concern even more so among folks who might have backyard poultry to recognize that is a potential pathway for transmission.” If you see a dead chicken, do not touch it or try to investigate yourself. Instead, report it to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Report dead wildlife, including migratory birds, to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Anderson said while the risk to the public is currently low, the future risk, including human-to-human transmission that could result in a pandemic, is still uncertain. Right now, he said, “Unless you’re handling poultry or working with or near dairy cattle, where bird flu outbreaks have been ongoing, your risk is relatively low.” Can I catch the virus from my backyard bird feeder? Gainesville is on a major flyway for migratory birds – a draw for birdwatching enthusiasts, particularly in the winter. This may be how bird flu has made its way into backyard flocks, since infected migratory birds shed the virus in their waste. So far, there is no data that suggests bird feeders could pose a significant transmission risk to people, and no reported human cases of bird flu have been traced to feeders. “However, when I say there’s no data, that means there’s no data. It hasn’t been investigated,” Anderson said. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese are more likely to carry the virus than songbirds. But if backyard birdwatchers are concerned, he said, take precautions such as wearing gloves and disinfecting bird feeders. And whether there’s an elevated risk of bird flu or not, always take care to avoid touching bird feces, which can contain salmonella. “Using some common sense, good hygiene practices, is going to be an effective way of protecting yourself,” he said. Are my outdoor cats in danger? Outdoor cats are susceptible to bird flu through exposure to dairy cattle, wild birds and contaminated raw milk. There is also new evidence of some sources of raw cat food being contaminated with H5N1. H5N1 causes severe infection in cats, with neurological symptoms that could mimic rabies. Infected cats may be disoriented, lethargic or disinterested in food. Florida residents can contact the Florida Health Department if they notice these symptoms in their pet. “If you see something unusual, seeking out professional care for that animal is an important thing to do,” Anderson said. As of now, it’s unclear whether cats can transmit the virus to humans, but as it adapts, transmission to other species could become easier and more widespread. What about eggs and poultry from the farmers market? Florida state statutes require sellers to register as a food supplier and meet certain criteria for food handling safety. But the regulations can be unclear to some small, local egg and poultry producers, and others operate under the radar. “I wouldn’t say that if you go to a farmers market, it’s a guarantee that the products you’re buying are produced under the proper regulations,” Anderson said, but the regulations themselves can be unclear. Some things you can do to keep yourself safe are asking the vendor if they’re registered and permitted with the state’s agriculture agency and checking that the products are labeled. Per the statutes, eggs must be refrigerated at all times between packaging and sale to the consumer. And definitely steer clear of raw milk, which has been tied to several human and animal H5N1 infections and always carries a risk of salmonella. “Don’t drink it, and don’t give it to your animals,” Anderson said. Is there a vaccine? How else can I protect myself? There is a vaccine for bird flu. While it isn’t currently being administered to humans in the U.S., Anderson said some agriculture workers in Europe have received it. “There is a potential justification for starting to release some of the stock of the H5N1-specific vaccine,” but it would come with tradeoffs, he said, such as maintaining stockpiles and keeping the vaccine matched well to an evolving virus. In his opinion, though, it makes sense to start the process now, both to protect workers who are already at higher risk of contracting the virus, and to begin collecting data on how well the vaccine is working. The idea that the U.S. should hold off on releasing a vaccine until bird flu becomes a pandemic is contrary to protecting public health, he said, adding that the tipping point for him was seeing the virus start to show up in backyard poultry. “That’s the rationale that I base my opinion off of,” Anderson said.
Breakthrough with first disease-resistant wine grapes shows hope for a Florida wine renaissance
In a milestone for Florida agriculture, researchers have grown and harvested wine grapes that are resistant to the main bacterial disease that has long prevented the state from establishing a large-scale wine industry. Researchers successfully grew five grape varieties in Citra, Florida, that are resistant to Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that kills the vines and shrivels the grapes. The effort, led by Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor in the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticultural sciences department, produced a harvest of grapes that resulted in 13 cases of wine. “This could be the start of a new chapter for Florida wine.” — Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor in the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences horticultural sciences department While Florida has a thriving muscadine grape industry, the global market for muscadine wine is small compared to wine made from Vitis vinifera, the species of grapes behind world-famous wines such as cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and merlot. Florida is already the nation’s second-highest wine-consuming state, behind only California, with an industry valued at $15 billion in 2022. Yet most of the wines served are produced elsewhere, primarily in California, Oregon and Washington. Sarkhosh said he hopes this research will offer a potential additional crop for muscadine grape farmers. As of 2017, there were 547 Florida vineyards, growing muscadine and hybrid grapes. “This could be an enormous opportunity for vineyards in Florida to expand into additional types of wine for a wider market,” he said. “This could be the start of a new chapter for Florida wine.” UF researchers worked with Château Le Coeur, a winery based in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, to make the wine from their harvest. The wine was crafted with 75% Florida-grown fruit and blended with 25% cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The grape used in the wine collaboration is a hybrid called “Erante Noir” and was developed at the University of California, Davis. It carries the genes of sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon. John Choquer, the owner of Château Le Coeur, emphasized the potential for this collaboration. “If we are successful in growing in the area and combating Pierce’s disease effectively, it will be a strong growth industry and emerging market for agri-tourism,” he said. Early tastings point to a dark, fruit-forward wine. Château Le Coeur named this debut wine “Genial,” a French expression for something new and innovative. He said he is also planting a variety of traditional wine grapes, red and white, at his vineyard. He said his winery is grateful for UF’s support and collaboration as he works to create a Florida-based traditional wine industry. “This is not a short-term experiment,” Choquer added. “We plan to test more Pierce’s disease-resistant and traditional vinifera varieties, refine vineyard practices and build a new type of wine industry here in Florida. There will be challenges, there will be setbacks, but the potential is also so great. There is such a strong market potential here in Florida.”
