In this month’s sneak peek, the November issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on the fruit and vegetable industry moving forward after the cyclospora fallout. The cyclospora outbreak during the summer will be remembered as one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history.
The outbreak will serve as a reminder for growers to reaffirm that all food-safety protocols on farms and in packing facilities are being followed. Employees should take food safety seriously so nothing slips past them during daily farm activities.
In other news, whiteflies have returned with a vengeance this year. High populations in Georgia are impacting the vegetable and cotton crops this fall. It is the worse infestation the region has experienced in nearly a decade. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist, discusses the insect.
Whiteflies are not the only insect pests impacting the region. Newer pest threats have emerged, including Thrips (T.) parvispinus and the cotton jassid. T. parvispinus was confirmed in 2020 and has been problematic in pepper, cucumber, squash, zucchini, eggplant and green beans. The cotton jassid became a problem in 2025 and feeds on certain vegetables like okra and eggplant.
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) hosted its annual convention in September in Naples. The event provided multiple sessions that addressed issues facing growers. One of those topics centered on consumer trends that impact demand for fruits and vegetables.
Video Component
Don’t miss this month’s bonus video coverage in the interactive digital edition of Specialty Crop Grower magazine.
VIDEO: Dave Puglia, president and chief executive officer of Western Growers, addresses food safety and other issues. (page 4)
VIDEO: Christina Morton, director of communications for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, highlights ways to build a crisis management plan for a specialty crop farm. (page 10)
VIDEO: Christina Morton provide more recaps from this year’s FFVA annual convention. (page 16)
VIDEO: Jude Grosser presents a full webinar during a citrus field day. (page 22)