By Clint Thompson Were your agricultural sales impacted by COVID-19? Why not take advantage of a United States Department of Agriculture program designed to provide aid to growers who struggled during the global pandemic. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP 2, provides financial assistance to producers whose markets were disrupted by COVID-19. This is part of a larger initiative …
FFVA Supports Reintroduction of The Defending Domestic Produce Production Act
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) applauded The Defending Domestic Produce Production Act, which was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday as S. 2080 by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL). The bill was reintroduced in the U.S. House as H.R. 3926 by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Al Lawson (D-FL). The bill includes 32 co-sponsors …
Alabama Growers Be Mindful of Blueberry Rust
Blueberry rust has been identified in rabbiteye blueberries in Alabama, according to Alabama Extension. It has the potential to be very damaging to yields and is most prevalent in the Southeast. Rabbiteye cultivars suffer from premature defoliation, while highbush blueberries are subject to occasional localized outbreaks. It is important to scout blueberries to see if symptoms are present. Yellow leaf …
GFVGA Celebrating 25 Years
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is celebrating 25 years of service. The organization will recognize this milestone with a special event on Aug. 21 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. There will be a reception, dinner, awards program and dance. The event will recognize the individuals, organizations and industry leaders who …
Limiting Nematodes: Cover Crops Effective Management Option
By Clint Thompson The time in between production seasons provides Florida vegetable producers a chance to manage nematodes. While cover crops improve the soil quality and health in preparation for the upcoming growing season, they can also help reduce nematode reproduction; if growers implement cover crops that are poor hosts. “It’s basically got to be a decision a grower makes …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Abnormally Dry Conditions Throughout Florida
Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that much of South Georgia remains abnormally dry. As far west as Decatur County had partial abnormally dry conditions stretching all the way to Camden County along the Atlantic Coast. As far north as Atkinson County, Berrien County and Cook County were abnormally dry. North Florida remains abnormally dry, stretching from Wakulla …
Georgia Grapes Benefiting from Dry Weather
By Clint Thompson What’s left of Georgia’s wine grape production is benefiting from the hot and dry weather conditions. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, said the lack of rainfall has prevented grape diseases from being an issue so far this season. “Right now, the grapes in general, and I’m talking about the wine grapes that …
Cover Crops Beneficial for Vegetable Producers in South Florida
By Clint Thompson A break in between vegetable production seasons means fallow land for much of South Florida. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. University of Florida/IFAS continues to advocate the use of cover crops, though it’s not a management tactic practiced by many South Florida producers. “Those that do it seem to swear by it and continue …
Pecan Interest Slows Amid Rising Input Costs, Deflated Market Prices
By Clint Thompson Pecan interest has finally slowed amid rising input costs and a deflated market. Need proof? Just look at the attendance at Tuesday’s Pecan Beginner’s School at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. “The planting of nursery trees over the past year did drop. The number of trees planted, people are still planting, but I think …
Commissioner Fried Commends $6 Billion in USDA Aid for Producers
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried applauded the agricultural aid of $6 billion by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative. “With so many agricultural businesses and producers lacking equitable access to earlier assistance under the previous administration, this aid will be incredibly helpful to Florida’s farmers, ranchers, specialty crop growers, …