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By Clint Thompson Fall is the time of year that pecans are harvested in the Southeast. It also prime hurricane season for growers in Alabama and Georgia. As pecan production season transitions into harvest season, producers are praying for zero impact from a pending storm. As growers saw from storms like Hurricane Helene last year, Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and …
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) honored BJ’s Wholesale Club with its 2025 Customer of the Year Award. The award was presented during FFVA’s annual convention in Orlando. The annual award recognizes the important role that food service and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce. It is given to a valued partner that …
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) presented Dr. Vance Whitaker with its 2025 Researcher of the Year Award. The award was presented in September during FFVA’s annual convention in Orlando. The Researcher of the Year Award is given to deserving individuals who have dedicated themselves and their work to improving Florida agriculture. Whitaker, a professor of horticulture and …
Vulnerability of citrus trees to phytophthora root rot is a concern for cold-hardy growers. But there are precautions that producers can implement that will guard against infection buildup. One of those precautions includes site selection and not planting trees in poorly drained locations, according to Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “Site prep is really …
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation (CRAFT) hopes to plant nearly 2 million trees this year, thanks to a record amount of funding from the Florida Legislature. Steven Hall, CRAFT executive director, was part of a road show in September that included stops in Fort Pierce, Lake Placid and Lake Alfred. Hall discusses …
By Frank Giles Matt Palmer’s career in agriculture has spanned 30 years. It was a rewarding path that exposed him to the men and women who grow our food and fiber. But over the course of those years, he has witnessed the disturbing trend of declining farm numbers and the aging of the American farmer. Currently, only about 1.2% of …
By Clint Thompson Cold-hardy citrus producers are reporting increased cases of bird damage to their young fruit. Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) area citrus agent, discussed the ongoing situation in the UGA Citrus Blog. While this is not a major concern for growers, it is an issue that they need to be aware of when surveying their citrus groves. …
By Clint Thompson Increased drought across Alabama means fruit and vegetable producers are more likely to treat for insects than for any potential disease buildup. The lack of rain, as evidenced by the Sept. 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, means diseases lack the necessary moisture to build up. However, it poses increased risk for insect pressure, says Jacob …
By Clint Thompson Foliar insecticide applications are essential for pecan producers hoping to control pecan phylloxera, an insect pest in the Southeast. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed the insect during the recent Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day at the UGA Ponder Farm in Tifton, Georgia. He stressed that foliar applications are most effective …
By Clint Thompson Labor remains a top priority for Georgia fruit and vegetable growers. Whether it’s staying in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration or learning more about the H-2A and H-2B programs, specialty crop producers need events like this week’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum to stay updated on a topic that evolves regularly. Georgia Agribusiness Council …
