Two issues facing University of Florida (UF)/IFAS scientists regarding the future of blueberry production are machine harvesters and blueberry flavor. Patricio Munoz, UF blueberry breeder, spoke about both issues during the recent American Seed Trade Association webinar last week. “The major issue that I see for us is the machines that we are using nowadays, they are not to the …
Cautionary Tale: UF/IFAS Scientists Provide Insight Regarding Dragon Fruit
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Scientists at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are providing valuable insect management information to farmers interested in producing dragon fruit. The fact sheet Pitaya (Dragon Fruit) (Hylocereus undatus) Pests and Beneficial Insects provides insight on insects and pests that can limit production by this vine-like cactus. As is the case for any …
Victorious Verdict: Blueberry Coalition Applauds ITC Decision
While blueberry farmers and industry leaders were disappointed and disheartened with Thursday’s vote by the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Blueberry Coalition for Progress and Health responded with applause for the ITC. The group issued a statement following the ITC’s unanimous vote in which it deemed that imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries are not a serious injury to …
Decreased Results: Vegetable Production Down Slightly in 2020
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, vegetable production throughout the country decreased in 2020 from 2019. Production for the 26 estimated vegetable and melon crops totaled 720 million cwt, down slightly from 2019. Area harvested last year was 2.33 million acres, down 1% from 2019. The top three vegetables, relating to harvested areas, were sweet corn, tomatoes and …
ITC Blueberry Vote Unanimous
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined on Thursday that fresh, chilled, or frozen blueberries are not being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or the threat of serious injury, to the domestic industry producing an article like or directly competitive with the imported article. The Commission’s determination …
American Blueberry Growers Alliance Statement on ITC Decision
WASHINGTON, February 11, 2021 – The American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) released the following statement regarding the outcome of Thursday’s International Trade Commission (ITC) verdict regarding the global safeguard investigation into imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries: “The American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) is disappointed with the decision today by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to find that …
Very Disheartening: GFVGA Executive Director Reacts to ITC Blueberry Imports Verdict
It wasn’t the verdict Charles Hall envisioned. “Very surprised and very, very disappointed,” he said following Thursday’s International Trade Commission (ITC) vote on the Section 201 investigation into serious injury surrounding blueberry imports. The ITC deemed that imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries are not a serious injury to the domestic industry. It goes against what members of the …
Case Closed: ITC Finds No Serious Injury Regarding Blueberry Imports
Southeast blueberry producers were dealt a blow today regarding the 201 Investigation into serious injury that imports have had on the domestic industry. The U.S. International Trade Commission determined on Thursday via vote that, “fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries are not being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, …
Managing Medallion: New Strawberry Variety Requires Different Management Tactics
The new Florida Medallion strawberry requires a different management strategy than the other varieties currently on the market. But the rewards are potentially great for Florida growers who choose to produce the latest variety release from the University of Florida/IFAS. Vance Whitaker, strawberry breeder at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, has a couple of recommendations …
Hemp Approval Program Now Available From UF/IFAS
By Tory Moore, University of Florida/IFAS APOPKA, Fla. — Owners of industrial hemp genetics can now submit their varieties for approval by the University of Florida for legal sale within the state. UF/IFAS, in partnership with Roseville Farms, has established a program that provides a science-based evaluation of industrial hemp varieties. As a crop new to Florida, all industrial hemp …










