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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Clint Thompson The U.S. is importing more agricultural crops into the country than it is exporting. That’s resulted in an agricultural trade deficit. It’s also further evidence that the U.S. is becoming increasingly dependent on other countries for its food supply, says University of Florida (UF) associate professor Zhengfei Guan. “We can survive without an iphone, but we can’t …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers must avoid applying copper with chlorothalonil when protecting against disease buildup. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasized this stance early in the season and continues to stress its importance as it could lead to plant burning. “If they’re …
By Clint Thompson The first week of April is usually reserved for Florida sweet corn production to spike. This year is no different, says Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). She discussed this year’s crop and the top-notch quality that is expected. “March is when we kick off spring, …
The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government released its proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and it includes funding that will address food insecurity and support Florida’s farmers. The proposal will be included in Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, the Senate’s balanced budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. “Florida’s farmers, growers and …
The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Florida Citrus Show, which was held on March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The event offered various educational talks, including research updates for citrus growers, and pepper management for vegetable growers. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show was held Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson recently announced the completion of major updates to nine existing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals, which provide specific, research-based practices to producers to improve water quality, along with the introduction of a new BMP manual for small farms and specialty livestock. These updates mark the first comprehensive revisions in nearly …
By Clint Thompson Automated harvesters are the future for Florida blueberry growers. Some would argue they are also the present, as producers must deviate from the status quo in hopes of remaining sustainable. Still, producers who have not yet embraced the technology, need to remember there are certain caveats that accompany machine harvesters. One of the main components to remember …
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt was observed last week in North Florida watermelon fields. Weather conditions were ripe for development, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Most of the fields are not far enough long to start showing it yet. However, in some of those …
By Frank Giles The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in 2011. It was the biggest overhaul of food-safety regulations in the United States in more than 70 years. Since FSMA was passed, there has been a steady list of regulations related to it over the years. In 2024, the latest regulation was announced with the final …
By Frank Giles Specialty crop growers have a great story to tell and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to offer consumers. From roadside stands to popular retail outlets, there’s many ways to market and sell produce. Most states provide growers with an opportunity to join their special marketing programs. This year, Specialty Crop Grower will be featuring these …
