Export Markets Essential for Pecan Producers Amid Era of Low Prices

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The current deflated pecan market prices emphasizes the need for additional export markets for Georgia and Alabama producers. Growers are relying on regional and national pecan organizations to open up pathways for the Southeast pecan crop to find an international home, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “It certainly creates even more of …

Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund Accepting Applications from Farmers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Macon, Ga – The Weathered But Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund partners announced that applications are open for farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. This fund aims to provide financial assistance to those in need. Farmers across the affected areas are urged to apply. “Far too many of our Georgia farm families have faced extraordinary challenges this year. The incredible generosity …

Ag Leaders Disappointed with Increased AEWR

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop producers are once again facing a substantial increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2025. Georgia and Alabama are experiencing a 9% increase to $16.08, an increase of $1.40 per hour from the previous rate of $14.68 in 2024. Florida’s new AEWR is estimated to be $16.23, a 10% increase from the …

Sen. Ossoff Testimony: Disaster Assistance Needed by End of Year

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff pressed both political parties on Wednesday on the urgency of passing agricultural disaster assistance for Georgia before the end of the year. Ossoff testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations on the urgent need to support Georgia agriculture after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. “The numbers are staggering, but this isn’t about …

GFVGA Eager to Tell Its Story to New Administration

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is eager to work with the President-Elect Donald Trump and his administration. Though this will mark Trump’s second term as president, his administration will look much differently. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed his organization’s mindset when working with newly appointed leaders …

Georgia Ag Commissioner Sounds Alarm on Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Detection

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

ATLANTA, GA â€” The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has received confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the first detection of Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or SLF) was made in Fulton County, Georgia on Oct. 22, 2024, and confirmed by USDA APHIS on Nov. 14, 2024. The first confirmed detection of the Spotted Lanternfly was made in Pennsylvania …

GT Thompson Leads Bipartisan Tour of Hurricane Damage in Florida, Georgia

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson was part of a recent bipartisan tour of hurricane damage sustained in Florida and Georgia. He released the following statement: “Traveling to the Southeast, I was able to see firsthand the devastating impact of the recent hurricanes. Hurricanes Milton and Helene hit our agricultural sector especially hard, highlighting the urgent need for disaster …

To Sell or Store: Pecan Producers Face Dilemma

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson To sell or not to sell. That is the current predicament facing pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. With prices devastatingly low for growers, despite increased demand and diminished supply, farmers are facing a dilemma of whether to sell their crop right away or store it until the market improves. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …

Helene Impact: Whiteflies Non-Factor in Georgia’s Fall Vegetables

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Whitefly pressure was a non-factor in South Georgia’s fall vegetable crop this year. Hurricane Helene was a big reason why. While the storm brought high winds and excessive rains that devastated multiple agricultural commodities, its one bright spot was its impact on the whitefly populations, says University of Georgia vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks. “The hurricane knocked them …

Stats Don’t Lie: GFVGA Executive Director Explains Need for Assistance with Imports

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Labor

By Clint Thompson Statistics support claims by industry experts that imports are negatively impacting fresh fruits and vegetables being produced across the Southeast. It’s why Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), has been adamant that legislative help is needed and why the Protecting Our Produce Act would be a good first step for …