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Watermelon growers in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida must be mindful of potential pathogens that could spark devastating diseases and prematurely end production seasons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, noted several disease pathogens in his weekly email. It is important to monitor your …
Washington, D.C— U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) led a bipartisan group of 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer this week to emphasize the importance of fair trade measures for the U.S. specialty crop industry. “America’s growers and producers are the best in the world. Current …
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry production thrived this year, mostly because weather conditions were ripe for a successful crop. Strawberry producer and Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association President Taylor Hatchett talked about her crop which flourished amid prolonged dry conditions. “For the most part it’s been fairly dry, and the strawberries really do great with drier conditions,” Hatchett said. …
While still early in the production season, growers in the cold-hardy citrus region are optimistic for a bumper crop this year. That optimism comes despite a mid-March freeze and prolonged drought that impacted all of the Southeast but was especially dire in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, discussed the …
By Clint Thompson A joint review of the USMCA is a little more than two months away. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is hopeful that timely assistance be provided for its specialty crop growers. FFVA President Mike Joyner spoke during the recent University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference. He highlighted how …
By Clint Thompson and Dale Sandlin The U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam was more than $178 billion in 2025. That’s “unacceptable” for President Trump and his administration. More American goods need to be exported to Vietnam, and that includes agricultural crops. In an interview with AgNet Media, Luke Lindberg, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. …
By Clint Thompson Florida tomato farmers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for this month’s Tomato Field Day, scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma, Florida. Multiple University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) scientists will present research pertinent to the tomato industry. Tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown …
The 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo makes its return to Fort Myers on Aug. 12–13 at the waterfront Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The Luminary Hotel, the event’s host hotel, is conveniently connected to the convention center. Enjoy Your Stay The new venue offers several opportunities to refresh and improve the Expo. The convention center will allow educational seminars to …
By Clint Thompson Pecans are a staple during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. One industry expert believes they can be an important part of Americans’ diets year-round. That will be key in ensuring pecans remain a sustainable crop for growers in the Southeast region, according to Serena Schaffner, chief marketing officer for American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board. …
By Clint Thompson Watermelon growers should be on high alert for potential disease buildup in fields in the Suwanee Valley region of North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed what diseases his producers must be wary of, with the first harvests just days away. …
