commissioner

Nikki Fried: Our Growers Cannot Compete

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Fruit, Produce, Top Posts, Vegetables

Florida Ag Commissioner Makes Comments on USMCA By Clint Thompson Not every leader in the agricultural community believes the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was the right move for American farmers. Even after the USMCA entered into force on Wednesday, Nikki Fried, Florida Ag Commissioner, remained vocal to her opposition to the agreement, mainly due to its impact on specialty crop …

Expos Canceled Due to Changing COVID-19 Conditions

Web AdminCitrus, Florida, Top Posts, Vegetables

Although grower and exhibitor interest remains high, AgNet Media has canceled the 2020 Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo in the interest of public safety. For nearly three decades, Citrus Expo has been a tradition that growers look forward to each year. Unfortunately, that tradition will be on hiatus this year, due to the recent rapid escalation of …

Watermelon Prices High, Supply Low

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Produce, South Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Watermelon prices remain high for farmers in the Southeast. Unfortunately, there’s not enough crop ready for producers to take advantage, according to Bill Brim, co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. “Prices are still good. They’re around $155 to $160 a bin. There’s not many melons out there that’s ready right now. It’s unfortunate,” said Brim, …

Sneak Peek: July 2020 VSCNews Magazine

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

By: Ashley Robinson The July issue of VSCNews magazine focuses on a variety of topics, including machine harvesting of blueberries, strawberry pests and diseases and technology for vegetable production. Blueberry growers and packers are adopting the latest innovations and technology to reduce harvesting costs and put less reliance on contract laborers. Fumiomi Takeda, a research horticulturalist with the United States …

FFVA Accepting Applications for ELDP Class 10

Web AdminFlorida, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association is accepting applications for Class 10 of its Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP). The deadline for submission is Sept. 1. The program, which launched in 2011, develops leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture. Since then nearly 100 participants have graduated from the program. Sessions and production trips provide a wealth of information …

Florida Farmer Accursio Reflects on Challenging Season

Web AdminCoronavirus, Florida, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson With the majority of his spring and summer crop harvested and sold, Florida vegetable farmer Sam Accursio reflects on the challenges and struggles he faced this year amid the coronavirus pandemic and Mexico’s daily exports of produce into the U.S. “With our vegetable season, way back to February when things started shutting down and then in March …

Florida Blueberry Farmer: USMCA Not a Good Deal For Vegetable, Specialty Crop Producers

Web AdminAlabama, Berries, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, North Carolina, Produce, South Carolina, Top Posts, USMCA, Vegetables

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, …

Georgia Vegetable Growers Should Prepare Now for Harvesting

Web AdminGeorgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva for UGA CAES News As we approach the harvest season for watermelon, bell pepper, tomato, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, sweet corn and other crops, Georgia vegetable growers can move ahead and prepare seasonal workers to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during harvest time. According to the National Watermelon Association, there was an increase …

Downy Mildew Found on Watermelon in South Carolina

Web AdminCucurbits, Disease, South Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables, Watermelon

According to the The South Carolina Grower, downy mildew disease was found Wednesday in one watermelon field in Bamberg County, South Carolina. Justin Ballew, Clemson Extension commercial horticulture agent, said all growers should immediately spray watermelon with Ranman, Revus, or Gavel to protect their crops from the disease. In addition to direct yield loss, loss of vine cover can expose …

Extension’s Mobile Farmers Markets Rolling Again in Metro Atlanta

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Produce, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Josh Paine for UGA CAES News Mobile farmers markets are rolling again in metro Atlanta to continue serving fresh produce and delivering nutrition education to communities through curbside pickups and digital content. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agents and staff have modified the markets to reduce contact, loading mixed bags of produce like corn, onions, squash, potatoes, tomatoes and …