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By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon acreage does not figure to decrease in 2025; not after the successful seasons farmers have experienced the last two seasons, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think if we settle that there were 1,000 more acres last year, …
By Clint Thompson The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) remains committed to “fighting for fresh.” IFPA serves as a strong advocate for farmers and strives to increase consumption of specialty crops around the world. Cathy Burns, chief executive officer of IFPA, shared her organization’s message during the Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta in mid-October. “We’re going to fight …
By Clint Thompson According to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, almost all of the Southeast is experiencing some level of dry conditions. All of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The worst conditions are observed in the Florida Panhandle and Northeast Florida. Moderate conditions start in Escambia County and stretch eastward to Gadsden, Liberty and …
By Clint Thompson Next year’s increases of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is further evidence transparency is needed from the Department of Labor about how it justifies substantial pay increases for H-2A workers. Georgia and Alabama are experiencing 9% increases to $16.08, while Florida’s new AEWR is estimated to be $16.23, a 10% increase from the $14.77 rate in …
Specialty crop producers should be mindful that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program. Sign-up started on Dec. 10. Applications are due to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency through Jan. 8, 2025. MASC provides financial assistance to specialty crop growers to help them expand domestic markets or develop …
By Frank Giles Life can come at you fast in farming. Growers in it for the long term learn to adapt with the times and overcome the many challenges that come their way. That is the case with the Hill family, who has been farming in Central Florida for generations. The family operation has its roots in Lake County. But …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion industry was not immune to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene when it moved through the region in late September. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, said plant stands were impacted; especially those planted right before the storm’s arrival on …
By Clint Thompson Hurricanes delivered devastating impact on fruits and vegetables this year in the Southeast. Whether it was Debby, Helene or Milton, each storm wreaked havoc on the region’s specialty crop production. But how long it takes to recover differs from storm to storm and on the commodities that were impacted, says Christa Court, University of Florida Institute of …
The success of citrus under protective screen (CUPS) in protecting Florida citrus from citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing or HLB, was not surprising to Arnold Schumann. The professor of soil fertility and water quality at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center is thankful research had yielded a temporary solution …
Florida’s 10% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) prompted some of the state’s agricultural organizations to send a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation imploring the need for labor reform. Florida’s AEWR increase is the largest in the country and will rise to $16.23. “While we have long advocated for significant reforms to the H-2A program, to include stabilizing …
