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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to protect Georgia farms from pests and diseases. Sen. Ossoff has launched a push to pass the bipartisan Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, legislation he co-sponsored to make permanent the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Detector Dog Training Center in Newnan, Georgia. The center trains the Beagle Brigade, dogs trained by …
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) issued a statement following Tuesday morning’s fatal bus crash involving Florida farmworkers in west Marion County. “We were devastated to learn of Tuesday morning’s fatal crash involving a bus transporting farmworkers, and all of us at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) are lifting these individuals and their families in our prayers,” …
Central Alabama peach and strawberry producers have been challenged with rain events that are impacting this year’s crops. Disease pressure has been widespread in both crops, according to David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “We’ve seen a lot of disease this year. The diseases that we normally see more in the mid-summer, we’re seeing those this time of …
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s watermelon crop is on pace for a normal, average year, according to one producer. Jeremy Sessions, who farms 50 acres in Grand Bay, Alabama, said he should be ready to harvest by June 10. This comes despite challenging weather conditions throughout the growing season. “Everything looks pretty good. Early, we had some tough growing conditions. They …
By Clint Thompson Disease management in Georgia watermelons is currently a challenge considering how saturated fields are amid excessive rains this spring. The crop is susceptible to multiple diseases, and many farmers are unable to access the fields to apply much needed fungicides. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, discussed the …
By Maegan Beatty In the last 25 years, the number of whitefly-transmitted viruses affecting vegetable production in Florida and the southeastern United States has steadily increased. The rise in average winter temperatures, the development of widespread resistance to broad-spectrum insecticides and the absence of new varieties with resistance to the multitude of new viruses have collectively contributed to this increase. …
By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging specialty crop producers and nursery operators to participate in the Nursery Value Select Program; a program that has existed for decades in a limited number of states and counties. Marcia Bunger, administrator for the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), discussed the program’s expansion to include many more states and …
Florida specialty crop producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Aug. 28-30 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bennet Creek. The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation is presenting the 50th annual forum, which will educate agricultural employers, including producers, shippers, farm labor contractors, and other employers about compliance with agricultural …
By Clint Thompson Without an official heat standard from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fruit and vegetable producers must consider OSHA recommendations for a heat plan as requirements. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), conveyed that belief following a webinar the association presented in March. The webinar shined a light …
KENNEWICK, WASH – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Basil Gooden announced in April that the USDA is accepting applications for financing to build new housing, aiding local farms and businesses to remain competitive while enhancing the lives of working families. This initiative aims to ensure year-round and seasonal domestic farmworkers have safe, modern and affordable living …
