By Clint Thompson Georgia farmers can begin growing industrial hemp this year. Many Georgia growers are enthusiastic about the new opportunity. But most varieties have not been selected for Georgia’s climate. There is little information about which ones will do well. University of Georgia scientists are hoping their research will help hemp producers profit for many years to come. UGA …
Florida Farm to You Commodities Page Adds Interactive Map, Transportation Options
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has added several exciting new features to the Florida Farm To You commodities exchange that the Department launched on April 9. Designed to connect farmers with buyers, consumers, and food banks during COVID-19, the page has been visited more than 334,000 times, with more than 310 listings of …
North Carolina Growers Await Decision on Hemp Licensing
By Ashley Robinson North Carolina is still operating under the state’s pilot program, just as it has since 2017 when the program started. If you want to grow hemp, you will need to apply for a license from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). However, that will all change soon. “Something is going to have to …
Florida Blueberry Farmer: I’m a Fan of Having Our Own Domestic Supply of Food
By Clint Thompson Blueberry prices have not improved much, and Mexican imports may be a reason why, says Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “I don’t think (prices have) move the needle much. Part of it is this Mexico deal. Mexico brought another 5 million pounds in last week. Mexico just keeps putting more and more fruit on our window, even Georgia’s …
Freezing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Extends Shelf Life
By Clint Thompson Not all freshly picked fruits and vegetables are meant to be eaten right away. Freezing them will extend their shelf life. If fresh produce is properly frozen, much of the flavor that consumers savor and nutritional value that is constantly promoted will be retained. Elizabeth Andress, a faculty member in the University of Georgia College of Family …
Recent Rains Helping Alleviate Parts of Florida’s Drought
By Clint Thompson This week’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor is expected to show improvement to Florida’s current drought conditions. That’s the belief of David Zierden, a state climatologist at Florida State University’s Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies. “I anticipate the drought monitor will show improvement, especially in north Florida. Right now, it seems the driest part of the …
What if Someone Has COVID-19 on the Farm?
Article written by Mark Hoffmann (mark.hoffmann@ncsu.edu) and Chip Simmons (odsimmon@ncsu.edu); NC State University The following describes actions a grower should take if there is a positive COVID-19 case is on the farm: Preparation and Prevention: Have an emergency plan for how you will (1) care and (2) isolate COVID-19 infected workers. Identify the nearest healthcare facility that provides free or …
Coronavirus Pandemic affects UF/IFAS Research Programs
By Clint Thompson The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on agricultural research programs at the University of Florida/IFAS. Some research has been halted since quarantine and social distancing rules were put in place in early March. “It is definitely having an impact on our research. We are slowing down many of the projects because there’s not a safe …
Deadline to Apply for Farmers to Families Food Box Program is Friday
As part of the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program is accepting requests for proposals to contract American-grown products to fill food boxes and distribute them to those in need. Include all parts of the proposal in one single email. Deadline to apply is this Friday, May 1 by 1 p.m. To apply and …
Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on USDA’s Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement
Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently announced it would temporarily suspend enforcement of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for fresh fruit and vegetables in response to COVID-19, allowing products sold to foodservice businesses to be redistributed to grocery stores, markets, and other retail businesses. COOL food package labeling clearly identifies in what country …