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By Frank Giles Southeastern tomato growers largely rely on plasticulture to produce commercial-scale crops. Production practices are well established, but some growers are considering new bed designs based upon recent research. Sanjay Shukla, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of water quality, initiated research several years ago to examine potential benefits of a new bed …
By Clint Thompson Tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration last week did not include products covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). That’s a missed opportunity to help Southeast specialty crop growers impacted by seasonal imports, says Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Our greater concern is just disappointment that we felt like the …
(Washington, D.C., March 28, 2025) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will visit six international markets in her first six months as Secretary to expand markets and boost American agricultural exports. At a time when the agricultural trade deficit is at nearly $50 billion following the previous administration’s little to no action in the international marketplace, the U.S. Department …
RALEIGH – North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced last week that the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program is open and accepting online applications through May 4 from farmers who suffered crop losses from Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, drought and other weather-related conditions in 2024. The North Carolina (N.C.) Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is administering the statewide …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session concluded last week, and the state’s agricultural sector should be pleased with how the last couple of months transpired. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley discussed the session. “I think as far as ag goes, there wasn’t a priority issue or bill that was brought forth that hasn’t passed,” Bentley said. “That’s unusual. …
Expansion into the juice market may unlock a profitable marketing opportunity for Georgia citrus growers. But questions remain before growers can start planning this new course of action, says Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Hamlins and perhaps some early-season Valencias would work here in Georgia,” Savelle said. One question Georgia growers have about entering the juice …
By Clint Thompson The U.S. is importing more agricultural crops into the country than it is exporting. That’s resulted in an agricultural trade deficit. It’s also further evidence that the U.S. is becoming increasingly dependent on other countries for its food supply, says University of Florida (UF) associate professor Zhengfei Guan. “We can survive without an iphone, but we can’t …
Abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions still persist across certain areas of the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions in Alabama are seen in the southern counties like Escambia, Covington, Coffee, Dale and Houston. Dry conditions are also observed as far north as Saint Clair, Blount, Etowah, Marshall, Cherokee and Dekalb …
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama farmers planning to sell fresh products directly to consumers this year should apply for their annual growers permits through their local Alabama Cooperative Extension System county office. “If you sell fresh fruits or vegetables, table eggs or ornamental plants, you need a growers permit,” said Brandy Childress, Chilton County Extension office administrative support associate. “It …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers must avoid applying copper with chlorothalonil when protecting against disease buildup. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasized this stance early in the season and continues to stress its importance as it could lead to plant burning. “If they’re …
