By Clint Thompson Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers have an outlet to market their produce statewide. Thanks to Sweet Grown Alabama, a non-profit foundation that connects farmers in the state to retailers and consumers, growers can market their produce anywhere in the state. “This database launch is the culmination of many months of work,” said Ellie Watson, Sweet Grown Alabama …
Researchers Identify Romaine Lettuces That Last Longer
ARS News Service SALINAS, CALIFORNIA, May 13, 2020—Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have identified five Romaine lettuce varieties that both brown less quickly after fresh-cut processing and are slower to deteriorate postharvest. They also are determining the genetic basis for deterioration. The researchers have identified the location of genes associated with postharvest deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce, and are in the …
Specialty Crop Industry Protocols Keep Workers Safe During COVID-19
A national coalition of 64 organizations representing specialty crop producers sent a letter to Congressional leadership this week on safety protocols within the industry during COVID-19. They want Congress to know the steps agricultural employers are taking to protect their workers. “Farmers and ranchers across the country moved quickly to implement new employee safety protocols early in the crisis,” says …
Florida Farmer: People Are Buying and Supporting Us
By Clint Thompson Paul Allen’s point of emphasis has been clear recently: Support the American farmer. He believes the message has been received loud and clear. “We’re thinking all of the local and national attention we’ve gotten about us destroying our crops has brought the American public to the forefront to supporting the American farmer. I really believe that,” said …
Sweet Results for Florida Peach Farmer
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach season has come and gone. David Wheeler, peach farmer in Lake Placid, Florida, said his season started early and finished earlier. From a marketing standpoint, that was as good as he could have hoped for. “The marketing window, that was very good this year, yes,” Wheeler said. Wheeler produces 120 acres of peach trees and …
Pepper Weevils Out of Control in Florida Vegetable Fields
By Clint Thompson Florida produce growers need to be wary of the pepper weevil, which is running rampant in the state’s vegetable fields. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils are out of control on the East Coast in Florida vegetable fields. Growers are also seeing damage increasing in eggplant. Damage is so extreme in …
Watermelon Shortage by Memorial Day?
By Clint Thompson Watermelons are already in short supply. There soon could be a watermelon shortage, said Carr Hussey, a watermelon farmer in Florida and Alabama and chairman of the board of the Florida Watermelon Association. “It’s drying up by the minute. There’s going to be shortage for Memorial Day, I do believe,” Hussey said. “The kicker is, how fast …
Watermelon Supply Down; Prices Stay High for Farmers
By Clint Thompson The watermelon supply chain is currently down. As a result, prices are up. It’s a pleasant surprise for Florida growers who are currently harvesting this year’s crop, according to Gene McAvoy, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent emeritus. “(The farmers) were a little bit apprehensive that with all of this COVID-related decline in …
Sanitation Key Following Harvest for Pest, Disease Control
By Clint Thompson Vegetable farmers are reminded they need to practice proper sanitation once harvest season ends. Doing so will protect against future pests and diseases. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, one of the best tactics that growers can do for themselves and their neighbors is to clean up crop residues promptly after harvest. Sanitation …
Presence of Powdery Mildew a Concern for Southeast Vegetable Growers
By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew disease is present on older squash in various vegetable fields across South Florida. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, respondents report that the disease has also started to show up on watermelon crops across the region as well. It’s also reported that powdery mildew is showing up on squash and cantaloupe …