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Florida specialty crop producers are reminded that an in-person Best Management Practices (BMP) Training will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle, Glade, Florida on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The workshop, which will include lunch, will last from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. BMP trainings are intended for …
Citrus canker disease is an isolated threat in the cold-hardy citrus region that growers should remain aware of. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, recently discussed the disease and its potential impact in cold-hardy citrus. “Canker has been found in Georgia, as reported several years ago. It seems to be very isolated in a …
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene block grant relief is on its way, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. Harper made the announcement at the Joint Ag Issues Summit on Aug. 20 in Perry, Georgia. He said the goal is to have the block grant funding start to roll out this fall. “We’re working on that timeline as we speak. …
By Clint Thompson Pop-up thunderstorms this summer have made it feel rainier than it really has been across the Southeast. While some areas have experienced timely rains, the Aug. 27 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of the region is still experiencing drought-like conditions. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the current weather pattern. “It’s …
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. But they can ill-afford to let their guards down with regard to the crop’s current needs, which right now, centers on water demands. This is according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells talked about pecans and their water …
By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama has grown leaps and bounds since its inception just seven years ago. Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson talked about the program and her vision for it moving forward. “We’re incredibly proud of how much growth Sweet Grown Alabama has had since 2019. We went from a concept to a program with over 600 …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill An interview with AgNet Media allowed Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner to discuss multiple issues impacting his farmers. One of those topics was the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. declined to extend the USMCA amid the governments’ scheduled review on July 1, 2026. Needed Changes Joyner outlined some of …
By Clint Thompson There is a lot to like about U.S. Representative GT Thompson’s (PA-15) Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026; legislation that would improve accessibility and labor costs with the H-2A program. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), highlighted those positives, as his organization hosted this year’s Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum …
In this month’s sneak peek, the September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo and its triumphant return to Fort Myers, Florida. The two-day event was held on Aug. 12-13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Luminary Hotel. The new venue offered farmers and industry leaders convenience and amenities. Citrus and specialty crop …
The most devasting disease to impact Florida citrus production is a threat to trees in the cold-hardy citrus region. Citrus greening disease has impacted Florida groves for more than 20 years and looms as a danger to trees in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. While the best management strategy is prompt removal of trees, a longer-term solution is …
