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 …
What’s Next? Georgia Producer Concerned About Future of American Farmer
Georgia vegetable producer Sam Watson may not be a blueberry farmer, but he had a vested interest in the International Trade Commission’s recent decision regarding the impact of blueberry imports. Watson, like his farming brethren, was disappointed that the ITC did not find that imports do have a significant injury to the domestic industry. “It’s just really frustrating and disheartening. …
$15 Minimum Wage? Potential Increase Would Impact Southeast Producers
The Biden Administration’s push for a $15 minimum wage would have significant ramifications for farmers who utilize the H-2A program. Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau, discusses the financial impact a higher minimum wage would have on Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers. “The H-2A program stipulates you have to pay the highest wage of (either) the state minimum …
Asian Bean Thrips: Insect Infestations Increasing in South Florida
South Florida continues to be a hot spot for Asian bean thrips (ABT). According to UF/IFAS, the insect that feeds on wild cowpea is increasing across the region. Charlotte County is the latest county in which the ABT has been identified. Populations have also been observed in West Palm Beach. Other species of thrips have increased as well. Multiple farms …
Wage Increase: H-2A Workers Receiving Bump in Hourly Rate
Southeast producers who utilize the H-2A program finally know what the minimum wage is they must pay in 2021. The USDA Farm Labor Survey revealed that wage rates for H-2A labor are increasing at an average rate of 4.5% or $0.63 per hour across the country. For the Southeast, though, those levels are much lower. Florida’s wages will increase by …
Supersweet Success: UF Scientists Sequence Genome of Sweet Corn
By Brad Buck/UF University of Florida (UF)/IFAS research has yielded supersweet results that should lead to better sweet corn varieties for producers. Now, a University of Florida scientist is laying the genetic groundwork for better sweet corn varieties. Marcio Resende, a UF/IFAS sweet corn breeder, led a research team that sequenced the genome of a type of supersweet corn. Resende …
Defeating Disease: What Can be Done About Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot?
Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot has emerged as a significant disease of Florida strawberry production. Instances have increased over the last three years, to the point this year the disease was discovered in fields that had it the prior season. But what can producers do to manage this destructive disease? Natalia Peres, a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS …
Competitive Disadvantage: Why are Mexican Imports Increasing?
Statistics show that fruit and vegetable imports have increased dramatically from Mexico in recent years. But why? University of Florida Associate Professor Zhengfei Guan explains why imports have gone up significantly over the last decade. Mexico and Florida are in the same market window. They are direct competitors for such commodities as tomatoes, peppers, berries, cucumbers and squash. Reasons Why …
Long Wait: Solution for Citrus Greening Will Take Years
It may not be the news Florida citrus growers want to hear but it’s the reality of citrus greening. It is likely to be several years before a remedy is found and put in place to combat this destructive disease. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida Professor in Horticultural Sciences, shared his assessment during a recent American Seed Trade Association …
Additional Despair: USITC Blueberry Verdict a Sign for Vegetable Producers?
The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (USITC) decision regarding blueberry imports dealt a disheartening and devastating blow to Southeast producers claiming serious injury to the domestic industry. But does the verdict foreshadow additional despair for vegetable farmers who are also claiming imports have hurt their respective commodities; namely, squash, peppers and cucumbers? “There is concern. Each case is kind of held …