The cover story of the August issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the ongoing concerns over foreign investments being made into farmland across the U.S. As of 2021, about 3.1% or 40.83 million acres of U.S. ag land is foreign owned.
Southeastern states like Florida, Alabama and Georgia have implemented action to address the issue. The Florida Legislature passed SB 264, which calls out countries that are considered hostile. Alabama passed HB 379, while Georgia passed its own version of the law during this year’s legislative session.
Pacific Tomato Growers recently received a grant to enhance its labor force. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection pilot grant program awarded Pacific Tomato Growers a $1.7 million grant. It will support the company’s efforts to have a “best-in-class” program for its workers through multiple upgrades, including to its housing.
The University of Georgia’s Value-Addition Institute for Business Expansion (VIBE) program will help producers extend their farming operations to include new products via process development. It will aid growers to be profitable year-round while reducing food waste.
Producers and industry experts should mark their calendars for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, slated for Aug. 21-22 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Highlights from this year’s seminar program are included.