hlb

HLB Could End Georgia’s Citrus Industry

Dan CooperGeorgia, HLB Management

One California citrus leader believes Georgia should respond more aggressively to huanglongbing (HLB, also known as citrus greening) for the sake of the industry’s future in the state. Roger Smith, fourth-generation citrus producer and executive of AC Foods, spoke during the recent Georgia Citrus Association meeting in Tifton. He discussed the disease that devastated citrus production in Florida and could …

pests

Freeze Does Not Have the Same Effect on All Pests

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Freeze, Pests

The Christmas freeze event in 2022 affected some insect pests in the cold-hardy citrus region more so than others, according to Xavier Martini. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor spoke about his findings during the recent Citrus Health Forum held at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. Martini addressed …

fdacs

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Highlights Legislative Achievements for Florida Agriculture

Dan CooperLegislative, Natural Resources, Specialty Crops

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumwer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida legislature for their work during the 2024 legislative session to provide significant victories for Florida agriculture, its related industries, and consumers. “When you look at agriculture’s $180 billion impact to the state of Florida, it’s clear that we rely upon agriculture as a major economic driver. …

Florida Tomato Assessment Rate Could Increase By One Cent

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Tomatoes

Florida tomato producers are facing a proposed assessment rate increase for tomatoes produced in the state, from $0.025 cents to $0.035 cents, per 25-pound carton. This comes as a recommendation from the Florida Tomato Committee and would increase the assessment rate for 2023-2024 and subsequent fiscal periods. The proposed rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless it is modified, suspended …

Blueberry Field Day: Helping Growers Remain Sustainable Now, Into the Future

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producers hope to remain sustainable now and into the future. That is why Thursday’s Florida Blueberry Growers Association spring meeting and field day at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Plant Science Research and Education Center in Citra, Florida, was so important. UF/IFAS researchers and graduate students provided vital information …

USDA Announces March 24 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for March 2024, which became effective March 1, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.     “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with …

UF/IFAS Scientists Hope to Lengthen Shelf Life of Artichokes

Clint ThompsonArtichoke, Florida

It is the heart of Florida’s artichoke season. When consumers go to the grocery store, they want this favorite to be ripe and fresh. But the vegetable has a short shelf life – about two days at 62 degrees, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts say. UF/IFAS researchers are using genetics to preserve artichokes an …

New Agricultural Technology for the Blackberry Industry

Dan CooperAgri-business, Berries, Blackberries, Specialty Crops

By Maegan Beatty Last week, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted an online program to discuss new technologies in commercial crop production. Gilad Freund is an Extension faculty member located in Mop Hahar, Israel. Freund discussed new innovative technologies that are being utilized in the blackberry industry throughout Israel. These new technologies are meant …

Pecan Scab Update: Tighter Spray Intervals, Disease-Resistant Varieties Needed

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Fungicide applications for pecan scab disease are more effective when implemented on a regular schedule. However, that is easier said than done for pecan producers, believes Tim Brenneman, a plant pathologist with the University of Georgia. “The bottom line is the best way to save money on sprays would be to not spray in the dry periods …