By Clint Thompson Next month’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum is an opportunity for growers to receive timely information about various labor-related topics. Chris Butts, director of legislative affairs with the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said the two-day event is essential for producers who need to stay up to date on important labor-related issues. “There are so many …
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Returning to In-Person Format
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about the upcoming Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 6-9, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia; especially since it will be an in-person event next year. The annual meeting was held virtually this past January due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, Charles Hall, executive director of the …
Georgia Governor: Fruit, Vegetable Industry Continues to Diversity
By Clint Thompson Diversification is a key to Georgia’s success, especially to its fruit and vegetable industry, believes Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association recently celebrated its 25th anniversary where Kemp was in attendance. He spoke about the industry’s potential moving forward. “I think one of things that’s been encouraging to me, and I ran …
Tomato, Pepper Listening Sessions Scheduled with USDA RMA
Florida and Georgia tomato and pepper producers are invited to listening sessions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Feedback about potential production and revenue history policy is wanted for both commodities. The fresh market tomato sessions are for growers in South Florida, industry members and regional insurance representatives. The pepper sessions are for fresh market growers …
Mexican Imports Costing Georgia Veggies
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable producers are enjoying a productive season. It would be even better if not for imports from other countries, specifically Mexico. “Overall, all I’ve heard is that the product is good. It’s a high-quality product that we’ve got this year,” said Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “Unfortunately, in some …
Pallet Shortage: Farmers, Industry Leaders Express Concern About Potential Impact
Southeast vegetable growers didn’t need another obstacle to overcome this spring. This latest challenge might be their toughest yet. Growers and industry leaders have confirmed a major pallet shortage across the country. Pallets are instrumental in a grower’s ability to ship their product from the farm to the store. Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers …
Essential Workers: Response Requested for Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is actively working to be the voice of Georgia’s produce industry. Agricultural workers are essential. The Georgia Department of Public Health is working to create a plan to get your agricultural workers vaccinated. The GFVGA wants COVID-19 vaccines available to them at the earliest possible date and needs your help. Most of …
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Announces COVID-19 Handbook for Georgia Ag Laborers
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia Extension, has developed a practical and comprehensive COVID-19 handbook for growers and farm labor contractors in the specialty crop industry. Written specifically for Georgia growers, Protecting Yourself Against the Coronavirus, focuses on maintaining a safe and healthy …
Georgia Congressmen Request Section 332 Investigation on Squash and Cucumbers
Congressmen Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, Rick Allen and Buddy Carter continue to fight for Georgia produce farmers and against unfair trade practices with Mexico. In a letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the congressmen requested that the current Section 332 investigation for strawberries and bell pepper be broadened to include the impact seasonal cucumber and squash imports has …
GFGVA Conducting COVID-19 Expense Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFGVA) is conducting a survey with growers to gather data on expenses incurred in response to COVID-19 from Jan. 1 through June 30. The anonymous survey is designed for GFVGA to gather information to share with officials who will propose legislation aimed at protecting the growers who produce the crops that feed our …