By Clint Thompson Citrus producers in South Georgia, North Florida and East Alabama are on “pins and needles” this week, according to grower Kim Jones. While the crop is about a month away from harvest, it is extremely vulnerable to Hurricane Ian. Citrus production in all three states is susceptible to the high winds and excessive rainfall the storm is …
Latest Update from Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson The center of Hurricane Ian is expected to impact the west coast of Florida either Wednesday night or early Thursday morning as a Category 3 before losing some of its steam prior to arriving in Georgia. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, provides the latest update on what specialty crop producers should expect in both …
Legislative Visits Valuable for GFVGA
By Clint Thompson Legislative visits can serve as a valuable message from agricultural organizations to their representatives in Washington D.C. For the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), its message to Senator Jon Ossoff earlier this month emphasized the need for legislative help pertaining to various challenges that farmers like Aries Haygood and Bill Brim face in Georgia. “In …
Florida Tomato Specialist: Promotions, Marketing Need to Improve
By Clint Thompson Florida’s tomato industry needs to improve its promotional efforts in educating consumers about the benefits of supporting locally grown produce. That is the stance shared by Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executivevice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. He stressed during the Florida Tomato Conference in Labelle, Florida earlier this month that Florida …
Commissioner Fried Shares USDA Hurricane Preparation, Recovery Reminders for Florida Farmers
Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried shared important reminders with Florida producers to prepare for and as they recover from any potential impact from Hurricane Ian. Take precautions to prepare and protect your family and agricultural operation. Develop an Emergency Plan – Ensure your household and employees know your hurricane plan, including meeting points, emergency contact lists, and alternate evacuation routes in case infrastructure …
NCDA&CS Offers Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance
RALEIGH (N.C.) – Organic growers in North Carolina (N.C.) can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022, can apply for assistance through the program. “Applicants can be …
Biden-Harris Administration Makes $500 Million Available to Increase American-Made Fertilizer Production
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Tuesday that the Biden-Harris Administration is making $500 million in grants available to increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers caused by the war in Ukraine. “USDA believes in the growth of innovative, local businesses owned and shared …
Florida Agriculture Braces for Hurricane Ian
As Hurricane Ian approaches landfall this week, state agriculture associations and agencies are springing into action to prepare for the storm. Several events schedule for the week have been cancelled or postponed, including Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s Labor Relations Forum planned for Sept. 28-30 in Orlando. The association will provide further information on new dates for the event. Matt …
Small U-Pick Farm Expands by Adding New Products for Customers
By Frank Giles Beginning farmers face obstacles when there is no land, equipment and expertise being handed down from one generation to the next. But many multigenerational farms face similar challenges when family transitions take place. The Casey family in Hernando County has dealt with those issues as the younger generation sought to keep the farming tradition alive. Jeff Casey, …
Florida Blueberry Growers Support 301 Investigation
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) added its voice to other agriculture producer groups in support of the Florida delegation’s Section 301 petition to protect the state’s fresh fruit and vegetable farmers from the rapidly rising onslaught of heavily subsidized Mexican produce. “Now is the time to deliver relief to domestic producers under assault from foreign imports, including blueberry growers,” …