Irrigation Influences Pest Management

Web AdminPests, Top Posts, Water

Water is one of the most critical issues in the modern agricultural world. “We need to conserve water,” says Ayanava Majumdar, an Extension entomologist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Majumdar has been looking at how irrigation can impact pest management. “Irrigation is related to plant health, which is related to … pests and how well your plants resist those …

On Tour in the Everglades Agricultural Area

Web AdminSugar, Top Posts, Vegetables

The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is a unique region with a long, rich history. Last week, members of the AgNet Media team had the privilege to visit the EAA and surrounding farm areas to meet with some of the area’s key players. During the three-day tour, the team explored agricultural production systems, ranging from sugar to citrus.   ROTH FARMS …

USDA Seeks Nominees for Reestablished Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Web AdminFruit, Industry News Release, Produce, Top Posts, Vegetables

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for the newly reestablished Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). Eligible nominees include anyone actively working in the fruit and vegetable industry as growers, shippers, wholesalers, distributors, brokers, retailers, restaurant representatives, processors, fresh cut processors, foodservice suppliers, representatives of state departments of agriculture and members of trade associations. Written nominations must …

Debunking the Dirty Dozen

Web AdminProduce, Top Posts

By Brian German The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its annual Dirty Dozen list, which according to its methodology, names the produce that has the highest levels of pesticide residue. The analysis that is performed is not designed to provide specifics about residue levels or provide the significance of that type of exposure. “For 23 years, the Environmental Working …

Florida Tomatoes and Strawberries Feel the Heat from Mexican Imports

Web AdminBerries, Legislative, NAFTA, Top Posts

Florida tomatoes and strawberries have been facing heavy competition from Mexican imports for the past 10 to 15 years. Zhengfei Guan, an agricultural economist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, says the imports of strawberries from Mexico have increased fourfold, and it is a similar story for fresh tomato …

specialty crop farm bill

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Announces Farm Bill Priorities

Web AdminIndustry News Release

More than 120 organizations urge Congress to support key nutrition, block grant and research programs. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations, has announced its 2018 farm bill priorities focusing on programs for a healthier America heading into Wednesday’s U.S. House Agriculture Committee meeting on the farm bill. The SCFBA …

Vegetable Pest Problems

Web AdminPests, Research, Top Posts, Vegetables

David Riley, a professor of entomology at the University of Georgia, says that two pests have been big issues for Southeastern vegetable growers: diamondback moth (DBM) and whitefly. DIAMONDBACK MOTH DBM continues to be a struggle for Southeastern vegetable growers, mostly due to insecticide resistance. Riley says that DBM resistance in cabbage and collards is a long-standing problem. “Diamondback moth …

Georgia Department of Ag Promotes Signage Program

Web AdminTop Posts

Georgia is hoping to spread the word about a piece of legislation that was passed almost 10 years ago. Cindy Norton, agritourism director for the Georgia Department of Agriculture, says farm signage legislation was enacted in 2009. The department makes the public more aware of the farms around the state by placing signs on busy roadways that point toward the …

Chairman Conaway Introduces the Agriculture and Nutrition Act

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Legislative, Top Posts

Three years, 114 hearings, six listening sessions and countless industry meetings have laid the groundwork for the 2018 farm bill. The House Agriculture Committee delivered what it calls a strong farm bill for producers, consumers and all of rural America. After introducing the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2) during a teleconference, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway …

A Fair Fight for Florida Farmers

Web AdminProduce, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine

By Jack Payne New plant varieties give Florida farmers a fighting chance in an increasingly competitive global market. University of Florida (UF) public scientists give Florida growers first shot at fruit that stands up to the latest disease, survives harsh weather and catches the eye of shoppers in the produce aisle. Those plant varieties are intellectual property — inventions in …