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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Clint Thompson Florida’s congressional delegation joined other legislative leaders in urging the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to address challenges facing the specialty crop industry as part of this year’s review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Congressional members issued a letter to the USTR on May 12, highlighting challenges facing U.S. fruit and vegetable growers from increased imports, …
By Clint Thompson The recent rainfall experienced across the Southeast has done little to alleviate the drought-like conditions being observed in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Florida According to the May 21 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor, exceptional drought conditions still persist across much of North Florida and Southeast Georgia. The driest conditions in North Florida start in Bay, Gulf …
By Clint Thompson Florida’s increased reliance on the H-2A program has the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) appealing to legislators that necessary modifications be made. “Our two big policy asks are improved access to the H-2A program and wage stability,” said FFVA Director of Labor Relations Jamie Fussell during the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences …
Thrips Update in South Florida Thrips populations are building across the South Florida region, according to the most recent release of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. In Southwest Florida, scout reports indicate that thrips population levels are increasing. There is moderate pressure overall with localized hotspots. Along the …
By Clint Thompson An extended dry period this year led to little disease buildup in North Florida watermelons this production season. One disease has been noticeably absent this year, and that’s downy mildew. “The past few years, we have had downy mildew a lot earlier than this. So, we’re pleasantly surprised that we have not had any reports of it …
The Last WordBy Marcinda Kester If you’ve farmed in Florida for more than a season or two, you know that extreme weather isn’t an if, it’s a when. A freeze, a flood or hurricane can change your entire operation in a matter of hours. And as many growers learned after the freeze this year, the damage isn’t limited to just …
By Clint Thompson The specialty crop industry scored a recent victory when the House of Representatives approved H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) is now putting the full-court press on the Senate to pass the farm bill as well. Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests have started across the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, pointed out in his weekly email that harvesting has begun across multiple farms. “I think by the time we get to the end of the …
By Clint Thompson The Georgia/Florida Irrigation Expo is slated for Wednesday, June 10 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. The UGA and University of Florida (UF) Extension Services are partnering with local RC&D councils and Soil & Water Conservation Districts to host the expo with a focus on irrigation. Cale Cloud, …
Watermelon growers in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida must be mindful of potential pathogens that could spark devastating diseases and prematurely end production seasons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, noted several disease pathogens in his weekly email. It is important to monitor your …
