“When the grapes are out, we are out,” said Violeta Tsolova, professor and director of the Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). She was referring to the researchers and students at the center working to help grape growers be successful in the Southeast viticulture industry. NATIVE GRAPES Growers in the Southeast have …
Georgia Weighs In on Water War with Florida
The Florida-Georgia water war has made it to the nation’s highest court due to a dispute about water conservation. The water war involves the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. These rivers begin in Georgia, then join to form the Apalachicola River, which is near the Florida border and flows into the Apalachicola Bay. Florida began the war by requesting limitations on Georgia’s fresh water use. …
Bill Seeks Tighter Scrutiny of Organic Products
By Brian German Congress will be reviewing legislation that would establish greater oversight for organic products. The bill, known as the Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act, was introduced by Rep. John J. Faso (R-NY) and has 33 House cosponsors. The bill aims to update organic import documentation with new technology and create stricter enforcement of organic products coming into …
Studying Insect Behavior for Pest Control
Controlling insect behavior might lead to better pest management for growers in the Southeast. Xavier Martini, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, studies insect behavior to help growers control pests. One part of his research uses natural enemies to combat major pests in the field. …
Georgia Grown Reveals New Slogan
Georgia Grown was well represented at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference (SERFVC) in Savannah this past week. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black was excited to be representing Georgia Grown at the conference and to release its brand-new slogan. Georgia Grown is ready to begin 2018 with its new slogan: Nature’s Favorite State. The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s “Georgia …
Improving Grape Varieties for Southeastern Growers
Auburn University research has created new opportunities for growers who want to begin or increase grape production. Elina Coneva, Extension specialist for the Auburn University department of horticulture, said new research has increased interest in grape production in the Southeast. Muscadine grapes are currently the most popular type of grapes grown in Alabama. This is due to the resistance the …
North Florida Research and Education Center Expands
Due to a high level of research possibilities in the Suwannee Valley area, another location has been added to the North Florida Research and Education Center. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center will become the North Florida Research and Education Center at Suwannee Valley (NFREC-SV), said Bob Hochmuth, assistant director of …
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is Underway
The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference kicked off today with exhibitor set up and a few educational sessions. AgNet Media Founder and President Gary Cooper caught up with Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, to discuss this year’s event. Hear Hall’s comments below:
Whiteflies Cause Concerns for 2018
Southeastern growers continue to struggle with whiteflies and the diseases they leave behind in crops. Josh Freeman, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida, said he is trying to advise growers to help them manage the pests and diseases as effectively as possible. The large amount of adult whiteflies in crops had some very strong negative effects for …
Vidalia Onion Committee Steps Up Marketing Efforts
The Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC), located in Vidalia, Georgia, is looking forward to new marketing initiatives it has put in place for the upcoming season. Bob Stafford, VOC manager, said “Only Vidalia” is the new phrase for the committee. He spoke with AgNet Media’s Josh McGill at the Produce Marketing Association’s 2017 Fresh Summit. The Fresh Summit was held October …