By Clint Thompson Labor remains a contentious issue for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. It will be highlighted during the upcoming Florida Blueberry Growers Association Conference and Trade Show. “It’s a topic with some really high interest among growers,” said Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. It has been widely …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference Taking Place Oct. 25
By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …
Southeast Regional Scheduled for Jan. 11-14, 2024
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about and planning for next year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 11-14, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. The event attracts specialty crop growers and industry leaders from Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas. Educational sessions focus on various fruit and vegetable commodities, including blueberries, peaches, watermelons …
Deadline for Florida Ag Hall of Fame Nominations Sept. 1
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association reminds its members that the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its next class of inductees. Nominations must be received by Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized 173 inductees since 1980. Their contributions have helped advance the industry moving forward. Inductees are chosen from …
Aug. 24 Marks Citrus Packinghouse Day
Topics of interest to Florida’s fresh citrus industry will be addressed at Citrus Packinghouse Day on Aug. 24 in Lake Alfred. The event will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center. The free event in Ben Hill Griffin Hall will include an educational program, exhibitors and networking opportunities. …
Grower Wins Gun Safe at Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo
Although the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is at a new location this year at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, many of the event’s traditions are alive and well. One of those traditions is the annual gun safe giveaway, sponsored by Everglades Equipment Group. Growers who preregister for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo are eligible to win the prize. Miss Florida …
UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim …
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market to Host Watermelon Day on Aug. 11
CHARLOTTE – You know summer has fully arrived when fresh North Carolina (N.C.) watermelons are on the market. To celebrate these seasonal favorites, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day Friday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be treated to free watermelon samples, giveaways and recipes. They can also enjoy scavenger hunts, take their …
Pre-registration Deadline for Expo is Aug. 11
The Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo is a little more than a week away for those growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama planning to attend. The pre-registration deadline is just days away, however. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, discussed why interested attendees should go ahead and register ahead of the event. “We’re super excited for this year’s show. Registration will …
Japanese Agency Tours Florida Citrus Industry
Yamano & Associates, Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) partner agency in Japan for over 40 years, recently concluded an educational tour in Florida, continuing its efforts to explore and engage with key individuals in the Florida citrus industry. The two-day tour provided the agency with a unique opportunity to closely observe the operations and processes involved in the Florida citrus …