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A Georgia citrus industry leader believes the juice market can be a viable alternative for satsuma mandarins. But first, Georgia will need the infrastructure in place to make that a reality, says Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Georgia needs an extractor, because hauling a semi-load of oranges to Florida to be juiced is risky and problematic,” …
By Clint Thompson Flash flooding in central and southern Florida this week led to a state of emergency being declared by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. It’s also led to concerns for the region’s citrus producers who have started harvest season. Steven Callaham, executive vice president and CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, talked about the flooding’s impact on trees …
By Clint Thompson Flooding issues in South Florida are impacting farming operations across the region. “For sure, planting schedules will be a little bit delayed, because it’s just too hard to go into the fields right now,” said Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida. High …
By Clint Thompson Strawberry plantings have concluded across Georgia. With much of the state still observing some level of drought-like conditions, growers could use the rainfall they are expected to receive this week. That’s according to Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources (ANR) agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “It’d be nice to get some …
By Clint Thompson A generational freeze wreaked havoc on Florida’s blueberry crop this past season. “I have never seen temperatures like we experienced. I had several growers calling my phone and asking what to do. My honest reply was that this is something I dont have any experience with because it is quite an unusual event,” said Gerardo Nunez, assistant …
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is urging U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to secure protections for Florida specialty crop growers amid trade negotiations with Mexico. Steube sent a letter on Oct. 22, highlighting the impact that seasonal Mexican produce imports have had on his state’s growers. He called for product-specific tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) that are enforceable and implemented in …
Drought conditions continue to be observed in areas across the Southeast, though some areas have sufficient moisture. These non-drought areas are located in the Florida Panhandle, most of South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. This is according to the Oct. 29 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama Drought-like conditions expand from Southwest Alabama to the northern part of the state. …
In this month’s sneak peek, the November issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on the fruit and vegetable industry moving forward after the cyclospora fallout. The cyclospora outbreak during the summer will be remembered as one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history. The outbreak will serve as a reminder for growers to reaffirm that all food-safety …
It is almost time for Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers to make plans for the 2027 Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference & Trade Show, scheduled for Feb. 3-5, 2027, at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The theme of next year’s event is “Built for the Challenge.” AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton …
By Frank Giles The Florida Blueberry Growers Association hosted its annual fall meeting and trade show in mid-October in Lakeland. The event was well attended by growers preparing for the coming season. One of the highlights of the meeting was Doug Phillip’s presentation of his annual survey data. Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension blueberry …
