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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Frank Giles Every so often, we’ll see another data point that confirms an argument we’ve been making for years in the Southeastern specialty crop industry: Imports of fresh fruits and vegetables are putting our growers at a disadvantage. In this instance, the data comes from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) recently published report, “Competing Across the Calendar: The …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops. As farmers apply for this key program, farmers who experienced quality-related discounts …
By Clint Thompson Strawberry plantings will soon begin across the Southeast. Plant sourcing remains the best line of defense against Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “We tell people to make sure you’re talking to your nurseries and getting from a nursery that does not have a history of having it, …
By Clint Thompson The calendar turns to October this week. While the Southeast has dodged a major hurricane so far this year, specialty crop growers and homeowners must remember they are not out of the woods yet. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the potential for storms this time of year. “We’re passed the peak of …
By Clint Thompson Plenty is on the minds of North Florida and South Georgia watermelon growers ahead of this year’s Suwannee Valley Watermelon Institute, scheduled for Dec. 3. Multiple concerns are expected to be addressed at the meeting, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I …
By Clint Thompson North Florida and South Georgia watermelon growers should mark their calendars for Thursday, Dec. 3 for the annual Suwannee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Suwannee River Fair Facility in Fanning Springs, Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill Ag labor reform is necessary for long-term sustainability for fruit and vegetable farmers, especially those located in the Southeast region. But change is also needed for growers to have certainty as to what they are paying for workers in the H-2A program. Right now, that does not exist, says Mike Joyner, president of the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
