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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senator Keith Truenow, and Representative Kaylee Tuck announced legislation to support Florida agriculture and Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers; prohibit ESG lending practices targeting agricultural producers; increase emergency preparedness; support FFA and 4-H programs; expand consumer protections and transparency across a number of regulated industries, and more. Commissioner Simpson “This legislation …
By Maegan Beatty Florida’s blueberry growers are embracing excellent crop conditions and a strong market with peak harvest expected in late February or early March, according to Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Blueberry Extension Coordinator. Producers must still be mindful, though, of the presence of flower thrips and anthracnose fruit rot impacting this …
By Clint Thompson Interest in blackberry production is on the rise in Florida. Zhanao Deng, professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is tasked with helping grow the industry throughout the state. He is doing it in two ways. “We are trying to find the (existing) varieties that we can grow here …
By Frank Giles Inflation has hit everyone’s pocketbook in recent years, but the agriculture sector has felt the squeeze more acutely than most. Increasing costs have impacted the H-2A visa program, which many specialty crop growers now rely on to source labor. For the past few years, significant increases in the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) have been imposed on …
Parts of the Southeast are still experiencing dry conditions. They’re mostly concentrated in the northern areas of Alabama and Georgia, along with southern Florida. This is according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida’s abnormally dry conditions are observed as far north as Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Saint Johns counties. Moderate drought stretches from …
By Clint Thompson Alabama farmers are on the cusp of another spring planting season. However, the same challenges that have existed the past several years could once again challenge profit margins this season, says Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist. “The big concerns going into 2025 are certainly on inputs of production that still remains pretty high and a lot of …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Lacy Barnette, Climate-Smart Grown in South Carolina Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins
The changing of administrations could have significant ramifications on workforce availability for specialty crop producers. President Donald Trump emphasized deportation of undocumented immigrants as part of his election strategy. If this happens, fruit and vegetable farmers could feel the sting of a shrinking labor pool since the specialty crop sector is reliant on an international workforce. Fewer workers for ag …
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate unveiled the state’s “Thank a Farmer” initiative during a recent press conference held at Ravello Ristorante in Montgomery. The new campaign aims to increase public appreciation for farmers and raise awareness about where food originates. “Through the ‘Thank a Farmer’ initiative, we’re encouraging Alabamians to show more gratitude for the food they enjoy and the people who grow it.” said …
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s specialty crop farmers and industry leaders are meeting in Gulf Shores, Alabama, this week to celebrate the state’s fruit and vegetable crops while learning how to remain sustainable for the future. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) is holding its annual conference and trade show on Feb. 5-7 with nearly 300 in attendance. Blake …
