The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will mail its first Hemp Acreage and Production Survey this October. The survey will collect information on the total planted and harvested area, yield, production and value of hemp in the United States. The Domestic Hemp Production Program established in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) allows for the cultivation of …
Excessive Rain a Potential Food Safety Concern for Fresh Produce Growers
By Clint Thompson Rains from storms and other tropical events help replenish the soil moisture. However, they also provide food safety concerns for fresh produce growers. Camila Rodrigues, assistant professor and Alabama Extension specialist in Horticulture at Auburn University, says the biggest concern is with runoff. “What is around the field that could be carried around by runoff and also …
FFVA Statement on New FDACS Report
Aug. 30, 2021 On Monday, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released its latest report on the impacts of Mexican imports on Florida’s seasonal producers. The report “demonstrates that Florida producers continue to suffer a disproportionate economic injury.” The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association issued the following statement on the report: “Today’s economic impact report from FDACS …
Commissioner Fried: Mexico Not Fighting Fair with Imports
By Clint Thompson One of Florida farmers’ most vocal advocates provided additional evidence on Monday of how Mexican imports of fresh fruit and vegetables are negatively impacting her state’s producers. Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried, outlined statistical data that shows the disparity of market shares between Mexico and Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop farmers. “The findings continue to be shocking …
On the Rise: Georgia Citrus Acreage Continues to Increase
Citrus acreage in Georgia continues to increase. While it didn’t double like it did in 2020, it still increased by 50%, says Jake Price, University of Georgia Lowndes County Extension coordinator. During a citrus growers’ summer update meeting on Aug. 25 in Lowndes County, Price said that Georgia’s citrus acreage has ballooned to 2,700 acres in 46 counties. The state …
Sanitation Remains Key in Whitefly Control
By Clint Thompson Sanitation of vegetable crops susceptible to whiteflies remains a key management strategy for Florida producers. Hugh Smith, an associate professor of entomology and nematology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, encourages growers to clean up their fields properly following harvest to reduce the risk of feeding damage and potential viruses. “If you don’t make …
Check Closely: Strawberry Growers Need to Monitor Transplants
By Clint Thompson Strawberry producers need to inspect their plants closely before planting this fall, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist. Many disease instances can be avoided if proper inspection is done before plants are put in the ground. “As growers are getting in their transplants, they need to be inspecting all of the transplants. …
Chlorpyrifos Impact: Peach Producers to Feel Sting of EPA Decision
By Clint Thompson The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to stop the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on all food will impact Southeast peach producers. Brett Blaauw, University of Georgia assistant professor in the Department of Entomology, discusses the significance for what the decision means moving forward. “It’s been something that’s been expected for a while. Chlorpyrifos has been on …
Reports: Interest in Crop Insurance Grows for Specialty, Organic Crops
WASHINGTON, August 26, 2021 – The number of agricultural producers who purchase crop insurance for their specialty and organic crops continues to climb, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) attributes to its work with producers and agricultural groups in recent years to create new crop insurance options, to expand and improve current options and to support local food efforts. …
Weather Impact: Crops Flooded by Fred Cannot Be Used for Human Food
RALEIGH, N.C. – Farmers whose crops were flooded by Tropical Storm Fred face not only the prospect of lower yields and loss of quality, but also the reality that those crops cannot be used for human food. “Floodwater may contain sewage, harmful organisms, pesticides, chemical wastes or other substances,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Also, wet foods may grow mold, …