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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government released its proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and it includes funding that will address food insecurity and support Florida’s farmers. The proposal will be included in Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, the Senate’s balanced budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. “Florida’s farmers, growers and …
The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Florida Citrus Show, which was held on March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The event offered various educational talks, including research updates for citrus growers, and pepper management for vegetable growers. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show was held Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson recently announced the completion of major updates to nine existing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals, which provide specific, research-based practices to producers to improve water quality, along with the introduction of a new BMP manual for small farms and specialty livestock. These updates mark the first comprehensive revisions in nearly …
By Clint Thompson Automated harvesters are the future for Florida blueberry growers. Some would argue they are also the present, as producers must deviate from the status quo in hopes of remaining sustainable. Still, producers who have not yet embraced the technology, need to remember there are certain caveats that accompany machine harvesters. One of the main components to remember …
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt was observed last week in North Florida watermelon fields. Weather conditions were ripe for development, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Most of the fields are not far enough long to start showing it yet. However, in some of those …
By Frank Giles The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in 2011. It was the biggest overhaul of food-safety regulations in the United States in more than 70 years. Since FSMA was passed, there has been a steady list of regulations related to it over the years. In 2024, the latest regulation was announced with the final …
By Frank Giles Specialty crop growers have a great story to tell and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to offer consumers. From roadside stands to popular retail outlets, there’s many ways to market and sell produce. Most states provide growers with an opportunity to join their special marketing programs. This year, Specialty Crop Grower will be featuring these …
Members of the highbush blueberry industry are seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) state member and alternate positions for the 2026 to 2028 term. The nomination period is now open. Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for the term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Eligible producer nominees are those who produced …
By Clint Thompson A common theme so far this spring for North Florida watermelon producers has been damage to plants from wind and sandblasting. It might force some growers to consider their replanting options, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “If you keep on getting sandblasted, the first thing that happens is those outer …
Whitefly populations are low in some areas across southern Florida and high in others, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Reports show low levels of whiteflies in tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Moderate levels are reported in watermelon and bean fields. Scouts are reporting low population levels of whitefly in tomatoes along the …
