There will be a tomato and Food Safety Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The workshop and T-GAP Renewal will be held at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The Florida Tomato Institute will present industry and research updates during the morning session from 9 a.m. to noon. The afternoon will consist of new product presentations by select sponsors and …
4Rs Key to Nutrient Management
By Clint Thompson Nutrient management in Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop fields is a process. In fact, if growers don’t implement the 4Rs strategy – right rate, right source, right placement and right timing – they risk not applying the right amount and losing essential nutrients to the environment. “By just having a seasonal number, let’s say the fertilizer recommendation …
Wet Summer? July Through September Could Receive More Rain Than Normal
According to the University of Georgia Extension Climate and Agriculture Blog and National Weather Service, July through September is expected to better wetter than normal due to the active tropical season. It has already been a wet June for parts of Georgia. According to the University of Georgia Weather Network, Tifton, Georgia received 4.88 inches from June 1 to June …
Japanese Beetles: Insects a Concern for Grape Producers
Grape producers in Georgia and Alabama need to be on alert: Japanese beetles are starting to show up in vineyards. According to the University of Georgia Extension Viticulture Blog, if there is a severe infestation, the Japanese beetles can be severe pests of grapes this summer, feeding mostly on the foliage. What’s of most concern is their impact on young …
2021 Pecan Season: Same Low Price, Diminished Yields?
By Clint Thompson One of Georgia’s biggest pecan crops in recent years is expected to drop significantly in 2021. Georgia’s crop that netted 147.5 million pounds is only expected to produce about half of that this fall, due to pecan’s alternate bearing cycle, believes University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. That’s not good news for producers who …
Mechanization, AI Key to Producers’ Future
By Clint Thompson Southeast vegetable and specialty crops are engaged in a long-term struggle against seasonal imports. While imports from countries like Mexico don’t appear to be dissipating anytime soon, growers must find ways to cut costs to remain sustainable. One tool in the production toolbox is mechanization. If machines can be developed that can perform required tasks like harvesting, …
CFAP 2 Key Benefit for Vegetable, Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Were your agricultural sales impacted by COVID-19? Why not take advantage of a United States Department of Agriculture program designed to provide aid to growers who struggled during the global pandemic. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP 2, provides financial assistance to producers whose markets were disrupted by COVID-19. This is part of a larger initiative …
FFVA Supports Reintroduction of The Defending Domestic Produce Production Act
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) applauded The Defending Domestic Produce Production Act, which was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday as S. 2080 by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL). The bill was reintroduced in the U.S. House as H.R. 3926 by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Al Lawson (D-FL). The bill includes 32 co-sponsors …
Alabama Growers Be Mindful of Blueberry Rust
Blueberry rust has been identified in rabbiteye blueberries in Alabama, according to Alabama Extension. It has the potential to be very damaging to yields and is most prevalent in the Southeast. Rabbiteye cultivars suffer from premature defoliation, while highbush blueberries are subject to occasional localized outbreaks. It is important to scout blueberries to see if symptoms are present. Yellow leaf …
GFVGA Celebrating 25 Years
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is celebrating 25 years of service. The organization will recognize this milestone with a special event on Aug. 21 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. There will be a reception, dinner, awards program and dance. The event will recognize the individuals, organizations and industry leaders who …