The July issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts Paul Orsenigo, founder of Grower’s Management Inc. in the spotlight. Unlike multigenerational farm families, Orsenigo is a first-generation farmer in the Everglades Agricultural Area in Florida. He produces a variety of leafy greens, sweet corn, sugar cane and rice. He discusses his humble beginnings, and they evolved into a 40-year journey of growing the business and diversifying the farm.
In other news, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center hosted a tomato field day that showcased research being conducted at the facility. Various topics were addressed, including nematodes, tomato breeding, fertilizer recommendations, disease management and weed control.
Sweet corn season in the Southeast provided good weather but weak prices for Florida farmers. Karla Thompson, vice president with J.E.T. Farms in Camilla, Georgia, recapped the season. Weather conditions allowed for strong production that was high in quality and quantity. However, it led to excess supply and a drop in demand.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides a state program to help producers brand their locally grown produce. The program’s mission is to expand markets in North Carolina and beyond. Got to Be NC is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
And just a reminder, this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is slated for Aug. 21-22 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. A power panel featuring Matt Joyner, of Florida Citrus Mutual, Chris Butts of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Mike Joyner of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association will discuss topics pertinent to specialty crop producers. Special sessions will also be held to provide insight in two of the biggest pests in specialty crops – whiteflies and chilli thrips.
Video Component
Don’t miss this month’s bonus video coverage in the interactive digital edition of Specialty Crop Grower magazine.
VIDEO: Florida vegetable grower Adam Lytch discusses a recent trip to Washington to advocate for the farm bill. (page 4)
VIDEO: The Orsenigo family highlights farming in the Everglades Agricultural Area. (page 11)
VIDEO: Sweet corn grower Karla Thompson speaks about market trends impacting the industry. (page 14)
VIDEO: Learn more about the Got to Be NC Festival. (page 16)
VIDEO: Dig deeper into the updated citrus best management practices. (page 25)