The August issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the announcement that block grants will deliver disaster aid to Florida farmers. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Florida in July to make the announcement regarding disaster relief which will help growers recover from hurricanes that have impacted the state in recent years.
Farm labor remains a trendy topic throughout the specialty crop industry. Frank Giles, Editor-in-Chief, highlighted the farm labor needs in a divided political environment.
Watermelon farmers have their share of diseases to overcome. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Extension vegetable disease specialist, provides various ways that growers can successfully navigate diseases. This includes crop rotation, delaying planting dates and implementing grafted transplants.
Food safety is another timely topic that growers must be mindful of. It’s why Michelle Danyluk, professor of food biology and safety with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, emphasizes to producers to evaluate their food safety protocols and practices.
Also, readers are reminded that the annual Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is slated for Aug. 20-21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. The event schedule and session descriptions are included in the August issue.
Video Component
Don’t miss this month’s bonus video coverage in the interactive digital edition of Specialty Crop Grower magazine.
VIDEO: Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins holds press conference to announce block grants that will provide disaster relief for Florida growers. (page 4)
VIDEO: Michelle Danyluk, UF/IFAS professor provides valuable content about food safety. (page 13)
VIDEO: Find out more about CRISPR works for citrus production. (page 20)
VIDEO: Senator Ben Albritton is honored with this year’s Citrus Achievement Award. (page 23)
VIDEO: David Sumner discusses his new book highlighting Florida citrus. (page 27)