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By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging specialty crop producers and nursery operators to participate in the Nursery Value Select Program; a program that has existed for decades in a limited number of states and counties. Marcia Bunger, administrator for the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), discussed the program’s expansion to include many more states and …
Florida specialty crop producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Aug. 28-30 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bennet Creek. The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation is presenting the 50th annual forum, which will educate agricultural employers, including producers, shippers, farm labor contractors, and other employers about compliance with agricultural …
By Clint Thompson Without an official heat standard from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fruit and vegetable producers must consider OSHA recommendations for a heat plan as requirements. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), conveyed that belief following a webinar the association presented in March. The webinar shined a light …
KENNEWICK, WASH – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Basil Gooden announced in April that the USDA is accepting applications for financing to build new housing, aiding local farms and businesses to remain competitive while enhancing the lives of working families. This initiative aims to ensure year-round and seasonal domestic farmworkers have safe, modern and affordable living …
Atlanta, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced in April that Georgia blueberry growers voted to extend the $5 per ton assessment on marketed blueberries for an additional three years. The balloting was conducted from March 1 to March 30, 2024, and the extension passed with 71% voting in favor. Georgia Growers marketing 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries …
By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producer Will Mastin utilizes an alternative approach to growing lettuce. Instead of producing the vegetable in a field setting, Mastin, in Baldwin County, grows lettuce hydroponically; a unique, sustainable approach he has implemented for 12 years. “Hydroponic lettuce is just growing lettuce without any soil. There’s a couple of different methods of doing that. The …
By Clint Thompson Insect populations are down across the Southeast. The deluge of recent rainfall has stalled the whitefly numbers, while other insects have also not been able to find footing so far this spring, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “This is the time of year where squash bugs will come out after overwintering, …
By Clint Thompson Sweet Corn Picks Up After Slow Start Florida sweet corn volume was expected to ramp up during the first couple of weeks in April. The increased production was needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. The record rainfall kept growers from being able to access the field for …
Fort Valley, GA — Georgia Peaches are poised to kick off an unprecedented run through produce departments and farmer’s markets across North America. The signature sweet taste of Georgia’s legendary fruit was missed last season, and the Georgia Peach Council is excited to be back with a record-breaking crop of sweet Georgia peaches. Industry optimism is based on a full winter …
The BeSure! Campaign from the Growing Matters coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife. Today we’re talking with Shine Taylor, Field Development Representative with Gowan Company, who gives some quick tips for applicators.
