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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are ready to turn the page following last year’s season. Hurricane Milton’s impact in the region in early October 2024 led to a challenging production year, says Nick Wishnatzki, public relations director at Wish Farms in Plant City, Florida. “All the growers in Florida are ready to turn the page from last year. It …
With the fall and winter crop season underway, many growers have workers in the fields. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations have caused concerns about agents coming to farms and how to prepare in the event that a visit occurs. The Department of Labor (DOL) released a report that linked ICE enforcement to higher food costs and supply risks. This …
The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force. Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and …
By Frank Giles The Florida Agricultural Financial Management Conference returned in late September after several years of hiatus. The event was held at the Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee. Ed Seifried, professor emeritus of economics and business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, was a featured speaker. The well-known economist provided several macroeconomic observations about the current financial standing of the …
By Clint Thompson One month remains in this year’s tropical season. The Southeast is one month away from not having a tropical system impact the region this year. It would be an unusual development, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “Certainly, in most years we get some impact from tropical storms. It’s not unprecedented. We’ve had …
Choanephora is being reported in medium and high levels across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. In central Florida, an outbreak of choanephora was first reported in both pepper and tomatillo. Scout reports indicate that the wet rot symptoms have slowed. In southwest Florida, scouts are reporting moderate levels of choanephora in bell peppers, though …
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers management tips for blueberry growers in November. Growers should monitor and manage leaf diseases, especially in evergreen systems. As far as insect pests, producers should begin monitoring for blueberry gall midge and spray recommended insecticides when adults are seen. If traps are not being implemented, spray right before floral …
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) has named Bryn Fussell director of membership as well as executive director of the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation. She succeeds Sonia Tighe, who retired in September. Fussell will manage FFVA’s membership recruitment, retention and administration efforts. The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, which she will direct, oversees several scholarship initiatives and the Emerging Leader …
PLANT CITY, FL — Wish Farms is entering the 2025–2026 Florida strawberry season with renewed optimism, following a season marked by Hurricane Milton’s impacts and rising input and labor costs. The season, which runs through April, promises exceptional quality and flavor. “Last year was a challenge,” said Nick Wishnatzki, Wish Farms Public Relations Director. “But our team’s strategy, resilience and …
By Clint Thompson The impact of the termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement will not be fully realized for another couple of months, according to one industry leader. Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, said that when the calendar turns to 2026 is when the tomato industry should see the full effect of the agreement’s termination …
