By Clint Thompson A severe drought in Mobile County, Alabama and Baldwin County, Alabama is not negatively influencing fruit and vegetable production, says Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. “Most of the veggies down there are irrigated,” Kemble said. “I don’t know anyone that doesn’t irrigate, frankly, in that area.” Irrigation is important in that area right now. In the …
Produce Industry Responds to Accusations
Several produce organizations, including the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Florida Tomato Exchange, issued a letter to legislative leaders in defense of accusations regarding the treatment of farm workers, amid COVID-19. The letter was sent to Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader; Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House; Charles Schumer, Senate Minority Leader; …
USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans
(Washington, D.C., May 4, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide. These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support …
Clemson Extension, SCDA Schedule Two Remote Grower Trainings
Clemson Extension and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) have scheduled two Produce Safety Rule Grower Trainings. They will be provided remotely for growers in May. They will be held over two days; May 19 and 20, and during May 27 and 28. The in-person training in Sumter on June 23 has been canceled. If these trainings are successful, …
Florida Produce Farmer Concerned Over Lack of Fair Trade
By Clint Thompson A Florida produce farmer is the latest to voice his concern over the impact Mexican imports are having on American farmers. Will Hyatt, who farms bell peppers and cantaloupes in Lake Wales, Florida, said there are multiple reasons consumers should buy domestic. He also believes the idea of fair trade is a fantasy and not reality. “I …
Still Time to Get Boxed Produce
By Clint Thompson There’s still time for fruit and vegetable lovers in South Georgia to order their boxed produce from Lewis Taylor Farms. There are still boxes available for purchase, according to the Lewis Taylor Farms Facebook page, The boxes are $20 each and include sweet potatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, cantaloupe, green beans and collards. Boxes can be picked …
Boxed Produce Leads to Sweet Results
By Clint Thompson Thinking inside the box helped Brill Brim sell fruit and vegetables while providing an outlet for consumers to buy local produce. Brim, a Tifton, Georgia farmer, was overwhelmed with the positive response his produce boxes generated in the South Georgia area this week. The co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms said they sold between 1,300 and 1,400 produce …
Freezing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Extends Shelf Life
By Clint Thompson Not all freshly picked fruits and vegetables are meant to be eaten right away. Freezing them will extend their shelf life. If fresh produce is properly frozen, much of the flavor that consumers savor and nutritional value that is constantly promoted will be retained. Elizabeth Andress, a faculty member in the University of Georgia College of Family …
Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on USDA’s Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement
Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently announced it would temporarily suspend enforcement of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for fresh fruit and vegetables in response to COVID-19, allowing products sold to foodservice businesses to be redistributed to grocery stores, markets, and other retail businesses. COOL food package labeling clearly identifies in what country …
Georgia Peanut Commission Adding Own Flavor to Farmer’s Produce Boxes
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is adding its own flavor to produce boxes being sold this week by Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. For the second straight week, Lewis Taylor Farms is selling boxed produce to consumers in South Georgia. The orders of self-quarantine amid the current coronavirus pandemic means there’s a lack of a foodservice …