Deadline to Apply for Farmers to Families Food Box Program is Friday

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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 …

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Statement by Commissioner Nikki Fried on USDA’s Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement

Web AdminFlorida, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

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 …

Georgia Peanut Commission Adding Own Flavor to Farmer’s Produce Boxes

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is adding its own flavor to produce boxes being sold this week by Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. For the second straight week, Lewis Taylor Farms is selling boxed produce to consumers in South Georgia. The orders of self-quarantine amid the current coronavirus pandemic means there’s a lack of a foodservice …

Growing Matters: Protecting Pollinators as Applications Increase

Web AdminGrowing Matters, News From Our Sponsors, Top Posts

Pesticide applications are picking up as seasons progress across the country. The BeSure campaign, brought to you by the Growing Matters Coalition, is pointing out the communication that needs to be taking place to protect pollinators. University of Florida Entomologist Dr. Jamie Ellis said there are several things growers can do to help prevent any undue harm. Listen to Ellis’ …

Alabama Farmer: I Think Everybody’s Eyes Have Been Opened

Web AdminAlabama, Berries, Fruit, Peaches, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Alabama fruit and vegetable farmer John Aplin has experienced a 500% increase in his strawberry customers this year. He believes it’s due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its effect on people’s buying habits. “I know that we all didn’t get a 300, 400 or 500% increase in people who buy fresh fruits and vegetables this year,” …

Fusarium Wilt: A Quick Review

Web AdminTop Posts, VSCNews magazine, Watermelon

By Nicholas S. Dufault It has been more than 120 years since an unknown watermelon wilt disease was observed to cause heavy losses in the southern United States. The re-emergence of this disease, identified as fusarium wilt (FW) caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), has led to a need for alternative control practices. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Numerous …

N.C. Strawberry Association President: Overall, the Crop Looks Good

Web AdminNorth Carolina, Strawberry, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson The president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association is excited about this year’s crop. Jim Warenda, who is also the sales representative for Fresh Pick Produce in Kenly, North Carolina, exuded optimism when discussing the prospects of this year’s crop. “Everything’s great. We are a hair behind, just due to, it’s been a little bit cooler spring …

Farm Recovery Block Grant Deadline for Georgia Farmers is April 30

Web AdminGeorgia, Top Posts, Weather

By Clint Thompson The Farm Recovery Block Grant deadline for Georgia farmers who were dealt financial losses by Hurricane Michael is Thursday, April 30. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is accepting online applications. The block grant funds include $347 million. This block grant program is designed to compensate producers for losses and expenses in seven categories of assistance, according to …

FDACS Launches Hemp Permit Application Portal

Web AdminFlorida, Hemp, Top Posts

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the state’s online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal, allowing interested growers to apply for licenses. The portal’s user-friendly interface provides applicants with a checklist of recommended steps to allow for a quick and easy application process. “As we continue building our state hemp program into a national …

Sneak Peek: May 2020 VSCNews Magazine

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By Ashley Robinson The May issue of VSCNews Magazine targets the best pest management practices for growers. Researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are already looking ahead and making plans to see what more can be learned about growing hemp in Florida, as they reach the midpoint of their pilot project. Lourdes Rodriguez, …