Phil Stansly to Discuss Whiteflies at Citrus Expo

Web AdminPests, Research, Top Posts

Whiteflies vector diseases that can deteriorate crops and drastically reduce yield. Whiteflies have proven to be a major pest in Florida tomatoes and cucurbits. According to Stansly, whiteflies can cause severe problems in tomatoes. “You can have irregular ripening, so even if you’re using a variety that’s resistant to the viruses, you can still run into trouble if the populations …

From Farmer to Legislator

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine

Those with deep agricultural roots in Florida and Georgia discuss their journey into the world of politics. SONNY PERDUE U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue never wanted to enter the world of politics. As a child he grew up on a diversified row crop farm close to Perry, Georgia. After high school, he attended the University of Georgia (UGA) with …

Sneak Peek: June VSCNews Magazine

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine

Policies and regulations can impact a grower’s ability to make a living. The June issue of VSCNews magazine will be growers’ one-stop-shop for important governmental updates on the state and federal levels. Southeastern growers will get an overview of their state’s 2018 legislative session. Adam Basford, director of state legislative affairs for Florida Farm Bureau (FFB), gives a summary of …

Uncertainty Remains in NAFTA Renegotiation Talks

Web AdminLegislative, NAFTA, Top Posts, Trade

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been an ongoing issue since President Donald Trump took office. He has been clear about his distaste for NAFTA and the aspects of the agreement that allow for unfair trade practices. In 1994, NAFTA went into effect under the Clinton administration. The idea that came about in the 1980s under President Reagan …

Blueberry Variety Update

Web AdminBerries, Research, Top Posts

The University of Florida’s (UF) blueberry breeding program has been bringing growers new varieties for over 40 years. Patricio Munoz, assistant professor at UF and head of the blueberry breeding program, recently highlighted two varieties released in 2016, Keecrisp and Patrecia. According to Munoz, Keecrisp is a very crisp variety, hence the name. This variety creates a firm fruit. “It’s …

Post-Irma Root Rot Concerns in Georgia Peaches

Web AdminPeaches, Top Posts, Weather

Most of the nation is aware that the Florida citrus industry suffered greatly when Hurricane Irma made landfall in September 2017. The storm resulted in approximately $760 million in citrus damage. In addition, the Florida fruit and vegetable industry sustained about $180 million in loss. By the time Irma reached Georgia, it had weakened substantially, going from a hurricane to …

Cool Temperatures May Pose a Threat to Southeastern Ag

Web AdminTop Posts, Weather

Southeastern regions experienced some cold temperatures this past week, and it appears the cold is sticking around throughout next week. These temperatures pose a big threat to blooming fruit crops. After seeing high temperatures in February, some 10 degrees higher than the average, crops like blueberries and peaches may have some freeze damage as temperatures continue to drop next week. …

When Will NAFTA Renegotiations End?

Web AdminLegislative, NAFTA, Top Posts, Trade

Renegotiation talks for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) began in August 2017. Representatives from the United States, Canada and Mexico complete the seventh round of talks on March 6 in Mexico City. John VanSickle, a professor of food and resource economics at the University of Florida, recently gave a NAFTA update at the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference. …

court

U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear FL-GA Water Battle

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Water

As farmers throughout our region battle this week’s unusually long cold spell, we’re reminded the so-called water war between states here in the deep southeast is heating up again. The U.S. Supreme court is set to hear arguments Monday January 8th in the long-running water battle between Florida and Georgia. The crux of the issue: Florida contends that Georgia is …