By Clint Thompson One of the most vocal critics of Mexican imports into the U.S. is adamant that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will not help or protect vegetable or specialty crop producers. “No, that’s not a good deal for specialty crops. They didn’t really address our issues at all. That was not a good deal for us,” said Ryan Atwood, …
NOFA Deadline for CFAP is Today
By Clint Thompson Today, June 22, is the last day for growers and industry leaders to submit information and data to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) about crops to be considered for inclusion in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). There is a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) where stakeholders and producers of other commodities can submit information and …
Sweet Market for Melon Farmers
By Clint Thompson Watermelon prices are holding strong for Southeast farmers, according to one South Georgia producer. Terrell Rutland believes extenuating circumstances could help extend the strong market, currently at 20 cents per pound, for growers an extra few weeks. “Anything north got frost bit about the first of May. Florida is through so that kind of puts us in …
USDA Trade Mitigation Purchases to Feed People in Need and Aid American Farmers Surpass $2B
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it has purchased more than $2.2 billion of meat, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops and dairy products in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 in its ongoing efforts to feed people in need and assist American farmers and ranchers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. …
N.C. State Specialist: Best Strawberry Season Ever
By Clint Thompson Mark Hoffmann, North Carolina State small fruits Extension specialist, had high praise for this year’s strawberry crop. “This is the best strawberry season ever in North Carolina. I’ve only been here for three years but that’s what all people are telling me; they’ve never had such a good strawberry season,” Hoffmann said. It appears a relatively mild …
Blueberry Farmer: It Was Really Like Salt in the Wound
Florida Producer Sounds Off on Lack of Category 1 Status in CFAP By Clint Thompson While the blueberry industry was surprised as to how it was not eligible for Category 1 status in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), one Florida grower remains equally as dumbfounded. “I was shocked when it came out. I was literally like, jaw on the …
Was Your Crop Not Eligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program?
United States Department of Agriculture Was your crop not eligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or COVID-19? There is still a chance to try to get that crop on the list of eligible commodities. (Stephanie Ho and Latrice Hill, FSA Director of Outreach) Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE …
N.C. Peach Season Kicks off Summer Season
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services RALEIGH – The first day of summer may be right around the corner, but fresh North Carolina peaches are already available at farmers markets and roadside stands across the state. While not a bumper crop, local growers do expect to have plenty of peaches through Labor Day. “North Carolina grows more than …
Farmers Need CFAP Funds as Quickly as Possible
By Clint Thompson U.S. Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue understands the quick turnaround needed for farmers looking to benefit from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Especially for those producers in Florida. Some are already thinking about next season and need CFAP funds in place to proceed accordingly. “Cash flow’s critical. When this food service industry stopped, it just stopped. …
Are Tiny Bugs Hiding Inside Your Strawberries?
By Ashley Robinson A few weeks ago, a viral TikTok video took the internet by storm, showing what appeared to be little worm-like bugs crawling out of fresh strawberries soaked in salt water. Since that video surfaced, many consumers have recreated the video showing similar results. Now, some consumers are panicking. Is this safe? Have we unknowingly been enjoying bugs …