Ag Commissioner Gary Black Announces Georgia Grown To-Go Program

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Produce, Top Posts, Vegetables

As part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) “Buy Georgia Grown, Now More Than Ever” campaign, Georgia Grown is partnering with local governments to connect produce farmers directly to consumers in highly populated areas. Georgia Grown To-Go is a series of pop-up markets, primarily in metro Atlanta, that will give customers an opportunity to purchase fresh produce directly from farmers with …

Clemson Extension Agent: South Carolina Produce Farmers Enjoying Good Spring

Web AdminBerries, Produce, Strawberry, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson South Carolina’s produce season is producing sweet results with its farmers. Clemson Extension Commercial Horticulture agent Justin Ballew said fruit and vegetable farmers in the Palmetto State are enjoying a strong spring season so far. “For the most part, we’re having a good spring. We’re in the last month of strawberry season and we’ve had a decent …

More Questions Than Answers With Respect to CFAP

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By Clint Thompson The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) has brought more questions than answers with respect to financial aid for growers in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The $19 billion program includes $16 billion in direct payments for farmers and ranchers. CFAP has payment restrictions of $125,000 per commodity and a total of $250,000 per applicant for all …

Produce Market Ripening With Success for Some Vegetables

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By Clint Thompson The produce market is ripening with success for some commodities. Prices are incredibly high for some vegetables, while others are still struggling to compete with imports from Mexico, says Tift County farmer Bill Brim. The co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms said watermelons, round tomatoes and cabbage are three commodities really doing well for farmers right now. “I …

Sweet Grown Alabama Connects Growers to Consumers

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By Clint Thompson Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers have an outlet to market their produce statewide. Thanks to Sweet Grown Alabama, a non-profit foundation that connects farmers in the state to retailers and consumers, growers can market their produce anywhere in the state. “This database launch is the culmination of many months of work,” said Ellie Watson, Sweet Grown Alabama …

Florida Farmer: People Are Buying and Supporting Us

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By Clint Thompson Paul Allen’s point of emphasis has been clear recently: Support the American farmer. He believes the message has been received loud and clear. “We’re thinking all of the local and national attention we’ve gotten about us destroying our crops has brought the American public to the forefront to supporting the American farmer. I really believe that,” said …

USDA Report Yields Results for 2019 noncitrus/nuts season

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By Clint Thompson The United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service released its findings for noncitrus fruits and nuts in the Southern Region for the 2019 crop year. These estimates were based on grower surveys. Avocados: Florida’s production of avocados was up 88% from 2018. Its value of production was up 54%. Yields rebounded in 2019. Utilized production …

Severe Drought in Alabama Having Little Impact on Produce

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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

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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; …

Clemson Extension, SCDA Schedule Two Remote Grower Trainings

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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, …