Another vegetable season means another chance for Mexican imports to deflate market prices. For one Florida producer, the consistent supply of imported cucumbers and squash could lead to an unexpected early retirement. “We cannot make a move without checking to see what Mexico’s doing first. It’s very disheartening for a man that was charged by God to feed the world,” …
Cup of Joe in the Sunshine State? UF Researchers Using AI to Study Coffee’s Potential
A changing climate could lead to a new crop for Florida producers. University of Florida (UF) scientists are already growing coffee plants at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This could lead to coffee being produced in the Sunshine State one day. The project, which is a collaboration between the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and UF/IFAS, …
H-2A Reform: Is Farm Workforce Modernization Act the Answer?
If it’s not at the top of the list of concerns for vegetable and specialty crop producers, it’s near the top – immigration reform, specifically H-2A reform. One potential remedy could be on the way. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced last week by two members of the House of Representatives, is the latest attempt to help farmers who are …
Uphill Battle: Florida Strawberry Producers Challenged This Year
One of Florida’s most challenging strawberry seasons is nearing the homestretch of its 2020-21 season. Between insects, Neopestalotiopsis disease and rising imports from Mexico, strawberry farmers have faced an uphill battle all season, says Dustin Grooms, strawberry producer with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida. “Things have been challenging this year. It’s been a tough year. The volume was off …
Lights Out: UV System Helpful Against Strawberry Pathogen
When the light goes on, it’s lights out for a ruinous strawberry pathogen. Just imagine this: Pulling an ultraviolet lamp behind a tractor out into your farm in the middle of the night, pointing the UV light at the strawberries and zapping powdery mildew right out of the leaves and fruit. That’s the idea behind new research led by UF/IFAS …
Industry in Decline: Citrus Greening, Irma Impacting Florida Citrus Production
Florida citrus production has decreased for almost two decades. According to Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research at the Florida Department of Citrus, the two main factors for the state’s steady decline are citrus greening (huanglongbing, known as HLB) and Hurricane Irma. Staggering Statistics Zansler presented staggering statistics during the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference on Feb. 26 …
Immigration Reform: Ag Leaders Sound Off on Timely Topic
The USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum recently highlighted various topics surrounding the future of the industry. Two agricultural leaders discussed one issue that has been at the industry’s forefront in the Southeast – immigration reform. National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner said immigration reform has long been a hot issue discussed in Washington D.C. but has failed …
Mighty Mites: UF Scientists Provide Information for Hemp Producers
University of Florida researchers have released information about mites that could impact the state’s hemp producers. The mites can cause devastation to hemp produced in fields and greenhouses. These include hemp russet mites, broad mites and spider mites. “These pests can attack hemp by distorting growth, causing defoliation and even killing plants,” said Lance Osborne, a professor of entomology at …
Increasing Infestations: Asian Bean Thrips Remain a Problem for Florida Farmers
Asian bean thrips (ABT) continue to be problematic for vegetable producers in South Florida. According to the University of Florida/IFAS, populations are increasing consistently across the region. Reports from the Homestead region indicate Asian bean thrips are the predominate species, though have decreased from 100% ABT to 70% ABT and 30% F. palmi. Other thrips species are increasing north of …
COVID Impact: Financial Sting Comparable to Hurricane Irma
COVID-19 adversely affected Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers in 2020. The financial impact was staggering, comparable to hurricanes that ravage the region almost every year. Christa Court, an assistant professor of regional economics at the University of Florida/IFAS, compares the pandemic’s impact to Hurricane Irma, which impacted the state in 2017. “The one that I typically compare it to …