One agricultural lobbyist believes next Tuesday’s hearing with the International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding blueberry imports is a “story of David and Goliath.” Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., believes the American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) has a strong case to make to the ITC against the …
SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Concludes Today
This year’s virtual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference ends today with hopes of returning to an in-person format in 2022. Charles Hall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, believes the educational sessions that were offered over the course of the three-day event are invaluable for producers this year and moving forward in upcoming growing seasons. …
Blueberry Meeting with ITC Set for Jan. 12
Blueberry growers will soon have a chance to make their case against unfair trade practices from Mexico and other countries. Jerome Crosby, Georgia blueberry grower and chairman of the American Blueberry Growers Alliance, confirmed on Tuesday during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference that the group will present their case to the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Tuesday, Jan. …
Beware of Fungicide Resistance When Managing Downy Mildew Disease
Fungicide resistance remains a concern for Florida vegetable farmers trying to manage downy mildew disease. Scientists like Gary Vallad, a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, implore producers not to be too reliant on one specific fungicide. It can lead to resistance issues. “Orondis is one that is kind of the …
Know What Sanitizers to Use and How to Apply Them
In the age of COVID-19, sanitizer applications are essential for producers to keep their workforce healthy. Laurel Dunn, Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Georgia, offers several guidelines for using sanitizers and other cleaning products in facilities where vegetable and specialty crops are cleaned and packaged. Not All Sanitizers are Appropriate The …
UF Blueberry Breeder on Sentinel Variety: It Can Make You Money
The University of Florida’s (UF) newest blueberry variety possesses the quality all growers want in the Sunshine State. “It can make you money,” said Patricio Munoz, UF blueberry breeder. Munoz emphasized the attributes that make the Sentinel variety highly sought after from Florida farmers. “We can go around to yield, quality and everything but, yes, this one can make you …
New BMP Record-Keeping Requirements for Florida Growers
By Ajia Paolillo On July 1, 2020, new record-keeping requirements went into effect for nitrogen and phosphorus amounts applied by growers enrolled in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management Practices (BMP) program. These records are required due to the passage of Senate Bill 712, the Clean Waterways Act. Growers have been asking many questions about …
Florida Farmer Looking Forward to 2021
Florida farmers are used to adversity. Between occasional hurricanes, unpredictable market prices and challenging international trade from competitors like Mexico, no season is stress free in the Sunshine State. “It’s not an easy profession. It seems like more paperwork, more everything all the time; more disease, more pests, more regulations,” said Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood. “You throw the (coronavirus) …
After Holiday Meal, It’s Time to Make Some Yummy Nutritious Leftovers
By: Brad Buck, bradbuck@ufl.edu, 352-875-2641 (cell) You’ve finished your holiday meal, including perhaps, seconds. The aroma of traditional foods still wafts from the kitchen. Lots of people will make leftovers, whether it’s turkey sandwiches or a veggie dish. But some UF/IFAS Extension agents suggest wise alternatives to prepare. From stuffed bell peppers to shepherd’s pie, here are some thoughts from …
Risks Come With Hemp Production
Risks come with any crop farmers attempt to produce in the Southeast. Between diseases, pests, input costs, unpredictable weather and instability in the marketplace, producing a crop and making a profit is not a guarantee. Hemp production is no different. Producers need to do the appropriate research before planting their crop next spring. This is especially important since hemp is …