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Consumer demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables outweighs the availability of organic farms growing the food. In fact, while certified organic U.S. land for growing crops or livestock is increasing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic acreage is still less than 1% of American farmland. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts and stakeholders …
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions are worsening and expanding in Alabama. Abnormally dry conditions are observed in various parts of Georgia, while drought remains prevalent in South Florida. This is according to the Sept. 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Southwest Alabama is covered with drought, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought. The dry conditions start in the …
By Clint Thompson The discontinuation of the Farm Labor Survey was an important victory for fruit and vegetable growers hoping for relief from the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Now growers and industry leaders are waiting for what happens next, says Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “From our perspective, we’re hopeful that …
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers are on the cusp of harvest season. But that doesn’t mean management of this year’s crop has finished. For some it may be ensuring the trees have their water needs fulfilled. For others, it may be controlling insect pests like the black pecan aphid. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, provided an …
By Clint Thompson Peach season has come and gone for Alabama producers. For those growers located in the central part of the state, it was an average year, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. He alluded to multiple external factors that could have impacted the region’s fruit this year. “It was okay. It was average; to some …
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is advising blueberry growers on management steps they need to implement during September. Producers should scout for algal stem blotch disease, while also monitoring and managing leaf diseases. For those farming operations, continue monthly through-irrigation or banded bed applications of a phosphorous acid product. Insect control is also important. Growers …
Minimal satsumas this harvest season will impact cold-hardy producers far beyond the loss of production in the region. MAINTENANCE MANDATORY Growers are now tasked with maintaining their groves when there is little to no fruit on the trees. It is a chore that producers should still follow through on, however, says Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) area citrus agent. …
The September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo held on Aug. 20-21 in Tampa, Florida. Attendees learned from various researchers and industry specialists about information pertinent to the citrus and fruit and vegetable industries. Land-grant universities are gearing up for a technological revolution. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable growers must be wary of a relatively new disease that is mostly impacting pepper production. University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Bhabesh Dutta cautioned producers about Choanephora rot, which has been very aggressive and concerning for pepper producers. “It is a problem now in this season,” Dutta said. “We have seen very little before, …
By Clint Thompson Tomato breeding research remains vital to the long-term sustainability of the industry in Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown provided an update for growers during the Florida Tomato Conference on Sept. 4. She emphasized the importance of grower interaction and learning what qualities are needed, such as fusarium …
