The time is now to control insects in brassica crops like cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, kale and turnips. According to Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, they are still going to be a problem in the spring. “The emphasis should be on preventing buildup of these insects on your farm because it only gets …
Potential Frost in Forecast for Areas in Florida
In an email, Gary England, UF/IFAS Extension Agent IV Emeritus, cautions Floridians about potential frost that could linger in some areas throughout the week. Lows in South Georgia and along the I-10 Corridor are expected to bottom out in the low-to-mid 30s tonight and mid-to-upper 30s in the Hastings area and further south. “NWS/JAX is including patchy frost as Tuesday …
Congressional Support Helps Lead to Potential Investigations of Imports of Cucumbers, Squash
Congressional support of Georgia’s vegetable and specialty crop sector has helped lead to potential investigative action regarding imports of cucumbers and squash. Letters from both Georgia U.S. Senators; David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler; as well from four Georgia Congressmen; Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Austin Scott (R-GA-08), Buddy Carter (R-GA-01) and Rick Allen (R-GA-12), were sent to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert …
Four to Join Citrus Hall of Fame
The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame will induct four new members in 2021. They are John L. Jackson of Sorrento, Florida; the late Lew J. Prosser of Plant City, Florida; Adam H. Putnam of Memphis, Tennessee; and Steven D. “Steve” Sorrells of Arcadia, Florida. They will be inducted during a luncheon tentatively scheduled for Nov. 5 at Florida Southern College …
Low Pecan Prices Remain Stable for Georgia Growers
Pecan prices have been depressingly low all harvest season. But they have not dropped much more in the last month or so, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “What I’ve been hearing, they’ve been fairly stable for the last two or three weeks. Good nuts have been selling in the range of a $1.15 to …
USTR Calls for Investigation of Imported Squash, Cucumbers
On Friday, December 4, 2020, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting investigations into the import of cucumbers and squash and the effect on the domestic seasonal markets. The request is to investigate the monthly price trends, including an analysis and comparison of the prices of domestically produced products …
New Alert System Gives Heads Up on Citrus Postbloom Fruit Drop
Software platform monitors and sounds the alarm when conditions are ripe for malady.
Commissioner Nikki Fried on U.S. House Passage of MORE Act
(FDACS) — The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, by a vote of 228-164. This comprehensive, bipartisan cannabis reform package would decriminalize marijuana and take much-needed steps to address the racial injustices of prohibition. As of November 2020, a record-high 68 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a noted cannabis advocate, offered the …
CFAP 2 Deadline is Dec. 11
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds vegetable and specialty crop producers who wish to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 2 that the deadline is Friday, Dec. 11. This program provides relief to farmers facing market disruptions and associated costs due to COVID-19. It is a program that Adam Rabinowitz, Assistant Professor and Extension Economist at Auburn University, …
FFVA Urges DeSantis to Prioritize Vaccines for Agricultural Workforce
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) Chair Aaron Troyer, on behalf of FFVA members, sent a letter to Gov. DeSantis this week urging for priority distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine for Florida’s agricultural workforce. While FFVA strongly supports that healthcare workers and long-term care facilities receive first priority, Troyer urged for prioritizing Florida agriculture after those groups to ensure a …