fdacs

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Highlights Legislative Achievements for Florida Agriculture

Dan CooperLegislative, Natural Resources, Specialty Crops

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumwer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida legislature for their work during the 2024 legislative session to provide significant victories for Florida agriculture, its related industries, and consumers. “When you look at agriculture’s $180 billion impact to the state of Florida, it’s clear that we rely upon agriculture as a major economic driver. …

Florida Tomato Assessment Rate Could Increase By One Cent

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Tomatoes

Florida tomato producers are facing a proposed assessment rate increase for tomatoes produced in the state, from $0.025 cents to $0.035 cents, per 25-pound carton. This comes as a recommendation from the Florida Tomato Committee and would increase the assessment rate for 2023-2024 and subsequent fiscal periods. The proposed rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless it is modified, suspended …

Too Much of a Good Thing: Excessive Water a Problem for Florida Strawberries

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson This year’s strawberry season has reminded Florida growers about the danger of too much water. “Any berry that gets wet, you’re going to start getting botrytis on it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a strawberry, blackberry, blueberry; whatever berry it is, it’s going to start to rot,” said Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant …

hlb

HLB Management Different for North Florida Citrus

Dan CooperCold Hardy, HLB Management

Living with huanglongbing (HLB) disease (citrus greening) is a much different process for citrus growers than protecting their crop from it. Growers in the cold-hardy citrus region are currently trying to keep the devastating disease out of their area. Industry experts like Michael Rogers, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center director, are …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Pepper Weevil Populations Increasing

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Vegetable farmers in South Florida should be wary that pepper weevil populations are increasing across the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestations are increasing overall in Southwest Florida. They have reached moderate levels in older fields, while adults are migrating from mowed fall fields into spring fields that are in production. Population levels vary along …

Whitefly Populations Increasing Across South Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Vegetable farmers should be aware that whitefly populations are increasing across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are reporting medium to high levels in watermelon, eggplant, tomatoes and brassicas across Southeast Florida. All life stages of the insect are present. Following the late fall tomato crop, scouts noticed an increase in younger plantings as …

El Niño Effect: North Florida Melon Producers Be Wary of Potential Disease Buildup

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Persistent rains in the North Florida region amid the current El Niño weather pattern is a potential concern for the region’s watermelon producers. But as long as growers stay on top of their fungicide applications, any disease inoculum should be controlled, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension …

Speaking of Specialty Crops: Florida Citrus Show to Feature Vegetable Seminar Session

Clint ThompsonFlorida Grower Citrus Show

By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show is no longer an event catered just to the citrus industry. This year’s show, scheduled for April 3 in Fort Pierce, Florida, will feature a seminar session specific to specialty crops. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, talked about what specialty crop producers can expect when attending this year’s event, which will …

Strawberry Volume Expected to Increase This Week in Sunny Central Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson A week of expected sunshine should boost strawberry volume in central Florida, according to one grower. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, said multiple days of sunshine are needed to help boost what has been a stagnant crop. “This weather this week should help dry everything out, get some berries off the …

Planting Season for North Florida Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson The calendar may say Feb. 20 but for some watermelon growers in North Florida, it says it is planting time. “I believe that there are some that intend on starting around (Feb. 20) if the weather looks good during that period of time,” said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional …