By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill The cyclospora outbreak linked to imported iceberg lettuce and sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states could have lingering repercussions long after the CDC and FDA declared it over on Sept. 11. That’s the fear shared by Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner. “Our growers will tell you that they feel …
First-Hand Account: Florida Strawberry Farmers Aim for Better Production, Improved Prices
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry farmers are on the cusp of planting this year’s crop. Producers like Dustin Grooms, with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, could use a better season than the one experienced last year. Grooms talked about the challenges that strawberry growers encountered last year in an interview with AgNet Media. It started with the colder temperatures …
Specialty Crops Encouraged by Farm Bill’s Advance
WASHINGTON — The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on Wednesday.  “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is grateful to Chairman Boozman and his staff for convening today’s markup and favorably reporting the Agricultural Act of 2026. We continue to …
Tomato Leader Among 2027 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced Jeffrey Dewey Gargiulo, Lynetta and Ken Griner, and Ron St. John as 2027 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees. Since 1980, the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has honored men and women who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in this state and …
IFPA Chief Global Policy Officer Discusses Specialty Crop Transportation During House Hearing
By Clint Thompson Specialty crops were a focus of the House Committee on Agriculture’s special hearing on Wednesday that centered on increasing demand and opportunities for homegrown products. One of the witnesses was Alexis Taylor, Chief Global Policy Officer with the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) in Washington, D.C. She was asked about shipment of fresh produce and how Congress …
Uphill Battle: FFVA President Discusses Ag Labor Bill
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill Mike Joyner is an optimistic ag leader as president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). But his optimism is tested when discussing reform in the H-2A program. “I will tell you this has got an uphill battle. It hurts for me to say that. It’s painful for me to say it out …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Makes Triumphant Return to Fort Myers
By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …
Average Diesel Prices Top $6 Per Gallon For First Time
By Clint Thompson Diesel prices have hit a new all-time high which makes it a new low for fruit and vegetable farmers. The national average price of a gallon of diesel surpassed $6 for the first time, a sobering statistic for producers already coping with high input costs. According to AAA, diesel costs on Friday in Alabama were recorded at …
FFVA President Optimistic Farm Bill Can Get Done
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill The lack of farm bill progression is enough to dampen the optimism that industry experts might have that one gets passed this year. But according to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner, he believes the eagerness to get a farm bill passed will be enough to push it over the finish …
El Niño Should Lead to Increased Rains This Winter
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions continue to persist across areas of the Southeast. They’re likely to continue in the near term, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. But that won’t always be the case amid a strong El Niño. “The signal for El Niño this winter is very strong, which means that sooner or later we’re …



















