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By Clint Thompson A fungal pathogen that was isolated to South Florida blueberries not too long ago is now on the radar of growers in North Florida and South Georgia. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida, cautions farmers about algal stem blotch and believes it is a serious threat if not managed properly. “It’s …
By Clint Thompson Chill hours in Florida have been extremely low in recent years. It makes producing peaches, even those requiring minimal chill hours, challenging, if not impossible. Ali Sarkhosh, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor in horticultural sciences, spoke about peach production in Florida at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference …
Fort Worth, TX – In an effort to grow the pecan industry’s global relationships and increase exports, the American Pecan Council (APC) conducted its first reverse trade mission with Indian nut importers in key growing regions. The mission provided importers an up-close, educational look at the U.S. pecan industry and how the full value chain can offer a high-value, nutritious …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King
The University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning Provides Agriculture 2040/2070 Report is another strong signal of the importance of preserving agriculture and green spaces. Roughly a third of Florida’s land is currently in agriculture, but urban development and, on a much smaller scale, sea level rise are projected to result in the loss of about 120 acres of agricultural land a …
By Clint Thompson What started out as good intentions with the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) has evolved into a system disadvantageous to specialty crop producers. That is the mindset shared by Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). AEWR was intended to protect domestic workers and their potential opportunities for employment. But since …
By Clint Thompson One Florida blueberry producer expects full bloom by the end of this week. The timing is comparable to previous years, says Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries and manages another 350 acres. “I’m expecting to be in full bloom maybe by Saturday. There’s no such thing as a typical …
By Clint Thompson Persistent rainy days and cloudy weather in recent weeks have impacted strawberry production in South Florida. Producers like Matt Parke are behind with their volume due to the lack of sunshine in the region. “I’d say 70% of the days have been overcast with no sun since the season started. Production is off, and we’re throwing fruit …
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that the USDA is investing $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. producers. The announcement was made by Secretary Vilsack at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation …
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is March 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by USDA …
