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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service has awarded more than $33.5 million for 113 grant projects in 43 states and territories to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems, while increasing the availability of locally grown agricultural products. The funding will be distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program’s (LAMP) Farmers Market and Local …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott
By Clint Thompson Pecan prices are historically low across the country. Growers are losing money if they sell their crop at the current marketed price. “I heard (Monday) from a grower that was offered $1.50 for Desirables. You’re losing money big time at a $1.50 on Desirables,” said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells may have an …
By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers are risking this year’s crop by growing plug plants impacted by Neopestalotiopsis disease. One industry expert applauds the communication between the nurseries and potential buyers about the risk to this year’s crop. “For one thing I really appreciate the nurseries for being up front and transparent as they’re being. I don’t think we used to …
WASHINGTON – There were 212,714 farms with 53.1 million irrigated acres, which included 81 million acre-feet of water applied in the United States, according to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey results. The statistics were published last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). In 2018, the irrigation survey results showed that there …
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for November, which became effective Nov. 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with …
By Clint Thompson More than three years after the pineberry started gaining traction as popular Florida-produced berry, interest in the specialty crop continues to grow, according to Wish Farms Director of Marketing Amber Maloney. “We love growing the pineberries. We see excitement on the retailer side, still,” Maloney said. “When we first introduced it, it was something brand new. It …
By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Labor’s recent regulations regarding “Worker Protection Rules” was the last straw for the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Along with nine co-plantiffs, which includes the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the IFPA filed a lawsuit against the DOL’s (DOL) unconstitutional regulatory overreach and limitations on the freedom of speech of farmers. IFPA CEO …
COLUMBIA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in August $603,000 in funding awarded to South Carolina through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Through this program, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture funds projects that strengthen South Carolina’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education and research. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops. “Each year, we …
By Clint Thompson The latest tropical system destined for the Gulf of Mexico is a sign that the storm season is not over and not scheduled to be for another month. Tropical Depression 18 developed in the Caribbean, will soon strengthen into Hurricane Rafael and is expected to make landfall somewhere along the Gulf. It’s normal for a hurricane this …
