Alabama to Host Pair of Meetings for Specialty Crop Producers By Clint Thompson The H-2A program is a complicated process for the most experienced agricultural employer. It can be intimidating for those beginning users just learning how to use the program. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, is helping lead a pair of meetings on Nov. 2 at Jefferson State Community …
FFVA Requests Moratorium on BMP Site Visits
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is requesting a moratorium on Best Management Practices (BMP) site visits which would alleviate additional burdens placed on farmers impacted by Hurricane Ian. The FFVA sent a letter to Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried on Thursday, requesting a six-month moratorium. “In an attempt to alleviate any additional burdens on …
FDACS Suspends BMP Site Visits to Counties Heavily Impacted by Hurricane Ian
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) suspended Best Management Practice (BMP) site visits to the counties most impacted by Hurricane Ian. The emergency order was declared on Monday and will be in place through Dec. 30, 2022. The counties include Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, …
Next UF/IFAS Hurricane Ian Assessment Expected in Mid-November
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s impact on seasonal crops, livestock, nursery and aquaculture will cost Florida farmers between $787 and $1.5 billion. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences economists hope to narrow that financial impact as additional data is obtained from farmers. Christa Court, UF/IFAS assistant professor of regional economics and director of the economic impact analysis …
Inaugural Global Produce and Floral Show Hosted in Orlando
By Frank Giles The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) hosted the first Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando this weekend. Formerly known as the Fresh Summit, the new name and event was launched after the merger of the Produce Marketing Association and Untied Fresh created IFPA. Thousands of attendees from approximately 40 countries gathered at the Orange County Convention …
Alabama H-2A Meeting Scheduled for Nov. 7
Alabama specialty crop growers are reminded that the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Department of Labor and Alabama Cooperative Extension will educate growers on the H-2A guest worker program during an in-person educational session on Nov. 7. It will be held from 8 a.m. to noon in the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries auditorium at 1445 Federal …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Continue to Linger Throughout Southeast
The lingering drought over much of the Southeast is intensifying in the Florida Panhandle, South Alabama and North Georgia areas, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Severe dry conditions are observed in Escambia County in the Florida Panhandle and stretch to Jackson County. Moderate dry conditions are seen from Bay County to Jefferson and Taylor counties. Abnormally …
UF/IFAS Research: Phosphorous Rate Change for Potato Producers
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Plant Nutrient Oversight Committee has implemented a provisional change to the UF/IFAS phosphorous fertilizer recommendation rate for the upcoming potato season. The change was based on recent research and states that regardless of soil test phosphorous value, commercial producers may apply phosphorous fertilizer to a maximum recommended rate of …
Sneak Peek: November 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The November issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine provides a look at Hurricane Ian and its impact on Florida’s blueberry and strawberry crops. The storm passed through Florida in late September. It brought rains and heavy winds that flooded blueberry bushes and delayed strawberry plantings. Denise Attaway, a writer/editor for the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson …
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Customer Service
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances. “USDA recognizes more …