By Clint Thompson Produce farmers in the Southeast are struggling with markets that have disappeared because of the loss of restaurants and closure of schools amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But Max Runge, Extension specialist in agricultural economics and rural sociology at Auburn University, believes farmers markets remain a viable option for fruit and vegetable growers, especially those who operate …
In Search of the Florida Sour Orange Lineage
Take an interesting glimpse into the past of the Sunshine State’s citrus industry.
South Carolina Peaches Ripe for Productive Season
By Clint Thompson The country’s No. 2 state in peach production appears ripe for a productive season, pending how the market spirals over the next few months, according to Andy Rollins, Clemson Extension agent in Spartanburg, South Carolina. “It’s looking really good overall as far as the amount of crop and how clean the crop actually is right now,” Rollins …
UF/IFAS Participates in Farm Share Event
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida/IFAS participated in a Farm Share event on Wednesday that led to more than 40,000 pounds of food being distributed to 802 households in Alachua County, Florida. UF Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources Jeanna Mastrodicasa said UF deployed 19 vehicles, including Elaine Turner, dean of the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and …
New Partnerships Emerge for COVID-19 Relief
Florida Farmers Team with State Leaders to Launch Farm to Inmate Program Harvested produce crops feed Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) more than 87,000 inmates; action saves food costs while reducing COVID-19 related supply chain impacts. (FFA) — Florida farmers are uncovering new solutions to address supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Florida’s emergency order to shutter businesses …
Florida Interest in Hemp Production is High
By Clint Thompson When the hemp cultivation application process officially becomes available for farmers in Florida around April 25, expect a huge amount of interested applicants, according to Jeff Greene, director of business development at the Florida Hemp Council. “The (Florida Department of Agriculture) put out on their website, to put in your name and email address if you are …
COVID-19 and Food Safety: Fact and Fiction for Food Production
By: Ruth Borger, University of Florida LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — Consumers are being bombarded with tips for what to do with their groceries during the coronavirus crisis. Leave them in the garage for three days? Wash the produce with soapy water? Wipe all packaging down with disinfectant wipes? Listen to the science, say University of Florida Institute of Food and …
U.S. Sugar Makes Generous Donation
Contact: Judy Clayton Sanchez The People of U.S. Sugar Provide More than 120,000 Servings of Fresh, Locally-Grown Green Beans to Employees, South Florida Churches, Healthcare Providers and Food Banks Clewiston, FL – As part of its ongoing local response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Sugar announced on Wednesday it is contributing nearly 1,000 crates, or the equivalent of 120,000 …
List of Farms Selling Produce Directly to Consumers Found on FFVA Website
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is trying to help consumers who are still interested in buying fresh, nutritious produce. The FFVA has compiled information about farms in Florida that have opened to selling their produce directly to consumers. A list of farms can be found on the FFVA website. Support for farmers and farming operations is essential during …
Florida Producers Still Concerned with Foreign Produce in Stores
During the Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Town Hall last week concerning COVID-19 and its effects on Florida agriculture, one issued discussed was how fresh produce growers were having difficultly moving their products. But foreign produce continues to be prevalent in stores. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said this is something …