By Clint Thompson The current coronavirus pandemic has impacted fruit and vegetable farmers across the Southeast. South Carolina producers may be better equipped to deal with the current crisis based off who their normal clientele is. “I think everyone here is looking at Florida and is not liking what we see down there but hoping that our situation is a …
Watermelon Board Boosts Efforts to Increase Consumer Demand
With U.S. watermelon production ramping up, now more than ever promotional positioning and marketing efforts matter Winter Springs, FL — April 21, 2020 — The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is realigning resources to adapt to the new climate, continuing to adjust marketing and promotional efforts to positively position watermelon as the go-to for health and happiness while making the …
UF Rootstock Research Key to Peach Production in Florida
By Clint Thompson Rootstock research could hold the key to the advancement of the peach industry in Florida. According to Lorenzo Rossi, University of Florida (UF) horticultural science root biologist, the research he’s teamed with UF colleague Jose Chaparro and Ph.D Student, Ricardo Lesmes, could be a game changer in the state’s peach production “In Florida, we have different type …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Highlights $522 Million in COVID-19 Crop Losses and Importance of Agriculture Aid
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released the Florida Seasonal Crop COVID-19 Impact Assessment, a new report providing data on crop losses facing Florida farmers. Based on figures reported by growers, total crop losses across the state through mid-April 2020 may exceed $522.5 million. Florida is the nation’s second-largest producer of seasonal specialty …
Georgia Pecan Growers to Vote on Assessment Renewal
Georgia Department of Agriculture ATLANTA, GA – Georgia pecan growers of 30 acres or more will vote in May on the renewal of a one-cent per pound assessment on pecans for the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Pecans. Pursuant Georgia law, producers are required to vote every three years to renew the assessment. Voting takes place May 1 through May …
Promoting Health Benefits of Blueberries Could Boost Sales
By Clint Thompson Produce industry experts believe consumers are, and will continue to be more health conscious, which is good news for blueberry producers. “It’s very apparent to me that consumers are getting the message because when you look at things like the blueberry category, the strawberry category, the citrus category, we’re seeing great movement in those types of items,” …
Deadline Nearing for Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is Monday, April 27, 5 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and …
Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertility Rate Strategies to Reduce Leaching
By Ashley Robinson Excessive nutrients in waterbodies, such as nitrate-nitrogen (N), have been one of the major issues in unconfined regions underneath the Upper Florida aquifer. This can be attributed to farmers applying excessive N fertilizer with the hope of obtaining higher yields. Therefore, the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as proper irrigation and N management is required …
UF/IFAS Hemp Program On-Farm Trial Partner Application Due Today
Zack Brym/University of Florida The University of Florida/IFAS Hemp Program is seeking qualified partners across the state to permit 20 farms for on-farm trials. The application link has been extended with late submissions due tonight by 11:59 p.m. Partner farms will conduct a coordinated field planting on two acres with variations in land preparation. Partners will also have the opportunity …
N.C. State Economist: Second Quarter Should Be Horrible Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
By Clint Thompson The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. economy and especially the American farmer. North Carolina State Extension Economist Mike Walden believes the country needs to do what it can to help those farmers rebound from the current recession. “We do need to worry about keeping our farmers afloat. Fortunately, in the stimulus …