Farmers Feeding Florida Budget Proposal to Aid Specialty Crop Producers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government released its proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and it includes funding that will address food insecurity and support Florida’s farmers. The proposal will be included in Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, the Senate’s balanced budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. “Florida’s farmers, growers and …

Diversified Export Market Important for Pecan Industry

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Pecan exports need to continue to be diversified and spread out in as many countries as possible. It benefits Southeast growers not to have all of their exports in one place, says Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board. Warden spoke about pecan marketing at last week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association …

Timing Critical for Pecan Producers Managing Phylloxera

Clint ThompsonUncategorized

By Clint Thompson Phylloxera was in high populations in pecan orchards across the Southeast last year. If growers hope to avoid a similar outbreak this year, they’ll need to be more timely with their insecticide sprays, says Apurba Barman, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. “Imidacloprid is regularly used in pecan production, but timing …

IFPA Expresses Concerns About Tariffs in Letter to Ag Secretary, U.S. Trade Rep

Clint ThompsonTrade

The United States’ ongoing trade war with some of its top trading partners has sparked concern and comment from specialty crop leaders. Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), issued a letter to Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce; Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture; and Jamison Greer, U.S. Trade Representative. She voiced her concerns about the impact that …

Sneak Peek: April 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Florida, Sneak peek

The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Florida Citrus Show, which was held on March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The event offered various educational talks, including research updates for citrus growers, and pepper management for vegetable growers. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show was held Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. …

Commissioner Simpson Announces Completion of Major Updates to BMP Manuals

Clint ThompsonFlorida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson recently announced the completion of major updates to nine existing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals, which provide specific, research-based practices to producers to improve water quality, along with the introduction of a new BMP manual for small farms and specialty livestock. These updates mark the first comprehensive revisions in nearly …

What to Know for Blueberry Production: When to Use Automated Harvesters

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Automated harvesters are the future for Florida blueberry growers. Some would argue they are also the present, as producers must deviate from the status quo in hopes of remaining sustainable. Still, producers who have not yet embraced the technology, need to remember there are certain caveats that accompany machine harvesters. One of the main components to remember …

Mark Your Calendars: April 15 Pack Date For Georgia Vidalia Onions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Vidalia onion enthusiasts can mark their calendars for April 15. That is when the Vidalia onion season is set to begin, as the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and the Vidalia Onion Committee officially announced the 2025 pack date. The Vidalia onions will start shipping to grocery stores on April 15, bringing a taste of Georgia’s unique agricultural …

Fusarium Wilt Observed in North Florida Melons

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt was observed last week in North Florida watermelon fields. Weather conditions were ripe for development, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Most of the fields are not far enough long to start showing it yet. However, in some of those …