Florida growers yielded 606 million pounds of fresh-market tomatoes and $463 million of revenue last year. That is tremendous success, though competition from Mexico continues to put pressure on the state’s producers. That’s why University of Florida scientist Tong Geon Lee spends most of his research time in the lab and fields looking for the right combination of genes. He …
Tomato Industry Leader Optimistic Despite Recent Challenges
By Clint Thompson Southeast tomato producers have encountered various challenges recently. Between rising imports and competition with Mexico, increasing labor concerns and the impact of COVID-19 on the food service sector, the tomato industry struggles to stay afloat. But industry leaders remain optimistic that the industry has a brighter future. Just ask Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee …
Flooding Impact Contaminated Produce Should be Discarded
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ida’s recent devastation in parts of Louisiana and the Southeast should remind vegetable and specialty crop producers about the danger of flood waters. Especially as growers produce their fall crops, the produce is in danger of becoming contaminated during a major storm or even hurricane, like Ida, says Kristin Woods, Alabama Regional Extension agent, who specializes …
USDA RMA Has Specialty Crop Producers Covered
By Richard Flournoy, Risk Management Agency Whether you grow almonds or apples, peppers or prunes, crop insurance options are available. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) administers Federal crop insurance that protects 76 specialty crops, and we’re continuing to improve and expand insurance options for specialty crop producers. New in 2021 First, for young citrus trees, the biggest threats are freeze, …
So Far So Good: Grapefruit Yielding Well in UF/IFAS CUPS Research
By Clint Thompson An innovative way to manage huanglongbing (HLB) disease is producing impressive results in University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research. According to Arnold Schumann, UF/IFAS professor at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), citrus under protective screen (CUPS) production systems have increased yields with zero effect from HLB. He shared research results …
Update on Hop Variety Trials, Breeding
By Zhanao Deng, Shinsuke Agehara, Hugh Smith, Gary Vallad, Johan Desaeger, Zhengfei Guan, Jack Rechcigl and Simon Bollin In 2015, the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) began field trials to grow hops in Central Florida. A research and Extension team consisting of approximately 20 faculty and staff members (Figure …
Commissioner Fried Encourages Producers to Apply for Pandemic Assistance
Tallahassee, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced updates to a pandemic assistance program for agriculture producers. The updates to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP2) include expanded eligibility and increased flexibility. USDA has set a deadline of Oct. 12, 2021 for eligible producers to apply or modify CFAP2 applications. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and …
Numbers Don’t Lie: Imports Impacting Florida Blueberry Production
The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in February that imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries were not a serious injury to the domestic industry. But looking at the recent research report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it’s difficult to see the commission’s rationale. Mexico’s market share in the U.S. increased dramatically from 2016 to 2020. …
UF/IFAS Studying Phosphorous in Tomatoes, Potatoes
By Clint Thompson A renewed focus on phosphorous recommendations by University of Florida/IFAS researchers should help producers be more efficient with their fertilizer applications and reduce its impact on the environment. That’s the goal, says Kelly Morgan, professor and center director at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Florida. “Phosphorous is becoming the largest issue as far …
New UF/IFAS Dean of Extension: Andra Johnson Named to Position
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Andra Johnson, associate director of Penn State Extension, will be the next dean of UF/IFAS Extension and director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Johnson will assume the role on Nov. 1. Johnson will lead UF/IFAS’ statewide network of more than 650 faculty educators and scientists, whose programs and expertise support economic, environmental and community health. These …