Lack of Fumigation a Concern for Growers This Production Season? Excessive winter rains threw a monkey wrench into the plans of some Southeast vegetable producers. Farmers were sidelined at a time when they needed to be in the fields applying fumigation and laying plastic. Now, in a race against time to get their plants in the ground and meet their …
Vegetable Farmer: We’re Going to Start Dropping Like Flies Eventually
What would it look and feel like for the United States to be totally dependent on foreign countries for food? While it’s a scenario that might seem unfathomable for some, it’s a proposition that keeps inching closer to reality. “If things don’t change and they keep going the course they’re going, people are going to look up one day and …
Sweet Find: UF/IFAS Scientists Sequence DNA to Grow Domestic Mango Industry
Source: UF/IFAS HOMESTEAD, Fla. – One of the most important mango varieties across the world has been sequenced by scientists at the University of Florida. It’s an important breakthrough for the ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango – a variety that originated from Florida and is valued for its long shelf life, pest resilience and other key beneficial traits. The scientists at UF’s …
Another Challenging Season for Florida’s Blueberry Producers
A late crop, a topsy-turvy market and a consistent influx of produce coming in from Mexico – just another challenging year for Florida’s blueberry growers. Chuck Allison, blueberry farmer and owner of Wild Goose Farms in Umatilla, Florida, said the cooler winter has delayed harvests this year. “We’re getting started. We picked last week a couple of times. We’re getting …
Expanding Production: U.S. Sugar to Better Serve Customers
Acquisition of Imperial Sugar provides U.S. Sugar’s and Imperial Sugar’s customers with increased production and distribution, a full suite of sugar products, and a more secure sugar supply CLEWISTON, FLORIDA — An acquisition on Wednesday by U.S. Sugar returns Imperial Sugar to All-American owernship. U.S. Sugar announced on Wednesday it has reached an agreement with Louis Dreyfus Company to acquire …
USDA Applauded: Commissioner Fried Speaks on USDA’s Pandemic Assistance
Tallahassee, FL — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $6 billion in expanded pandemic assistance on Wednesday. This will aid specialty crop and seasonal produce growers who did not benefit sufficiently from last year’s USDA assistance. “Florida’s proud farmers, ranchers, and growers have had a tough year, working to overcome half a billion dollars …
Blueberry Decline: Imports, USITC Contribute to Florida’s Dwindling Industry
What was once a booming industry in Florida is now running on fumes. Mexican imports and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) have made it almost impossible for Florida blueberry producers to compete like they used to. “Florida went through an increase from 2000 to 2015 or so. Now, I don’t know of anybody that’s putting blueberry acreage in because …
War of Deception: Consumer Awareness Key in Support of American Farmers
In the ongoing war between supporting local farmers against the influx of imports, American farmers need consumers to fight back. The significance of where food originates may never be more important than it is right now. With imports continuing to flood markets for various commodities, the end result is farmers contemplating selling their land. Others are wondering what else can …
Extending Enzymes: UF Hopes to Get More Mileage out of Essential Component
Enzymes are an essential element in the cells of all living plants. University of Florida research is tailored towards getting more mileage out of this essential component. Longer lasting enzymes could lead to increased yields in plants that are produced for food, fuel and fiber. That’s the thought process of Andrew Hanson, and eminent scholar and professor in the UF/IFAS …
Warmer Temps Mean Increased Pest Pressure in South Florida
Temperatures are starting to warm considerably in South Florida. Vegetable farmers need to be mindful of various insects that thrive in hot conditions. “It’s been warming up so you kind of expect to see a flush of pests in the near future. It’s kind of hit and miss in some places with whiteflies and things,” said Craig Frey, University of …