Transparency Needed: Legislators, Industry Leaders Want Clarification with AEWR

Clint ThompsonLabor

By Clint Thompson What started out as good intentions with the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) has evolved into a system disadvantageous to specialty crop producers. That is the mindset shared by Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). AEWR was intended to protect domestic workers and their potential opportunities for employment. But since …

Sneak Peek: November 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine

Clint ThompsonSneak peek

By Will Jordan The November 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine will be hitting mailboxes and inboxes soon! Elias Eldayrie, University of Florida Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, shares how the hot technology of Artificial Intelligence is set to “supercharge” ag research, improve learning and benefit the specialty crop industry. Rebeckah Adcock, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) …

specialty crop

Imports Battering the U.S. Blueberry Industry

Web AdminBlueberries

By A. Malek Hammami and Zhengfei Guan The United States is a major blueberry producer. The value of production in 2021 reached $1.1 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA ERS). USDA statistics show that total U.S. blueberry production in 2022 was 622 million pounds. The Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington lead in …

Wait and See: Florida Tomato Industry Unsure How New Law Will Impact Labor Force

Web AdminLabor, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Florida’s controversial immigration law could affect the labor force available for the state’s specialty crop producers this year. That includes the tomato industry. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, spoke during Wednesday’s Tomato Conference in Labelle. He highlighted the law and how growers could be impacted. …

Wait and See: Florida Tomato Industry Unsure How New Law Will Impact Labor Force

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s controversial immigration law could affect the labor force available for the state’s specialty crop producers this year. That includes the tomato industry. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executivevice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, spoke during Wednesday’s Tomato Conference in Labelle. He highlighted the law and how growers could be impacted. “As …

Sneak Peek: September 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine

Web AdminSneak peek, Specialty Crop Industry Magazine

The September issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine recaps the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo that was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, for the first time. The two-day event was held on Aug. 16-17 and was a success according to event organizers and exhibitors that made the show a possibility. Florida farmers are always seeking alternatives …

UF/IFAS Research: On Verge of Developing Domestic Industry for Valuable Spice

Web AdminFlorida, Research

Vanilla takes the crown as the second most valuable spice (after saffron) and the world’s most popular flavor among consumers. University of Florida researchers in Homestead are on the verge of developing a domestic vanilla industry, poised to transform agriculture in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for interested small growers and investors. Thanks to nearly $400,000 in grants from …

Japanese Agency Tours Florida Citrus Industry

Web AdminCitrus, Events

Yamano & Associates, Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) partner agency in Japan for over 40 years, recently concluded an educational tour in Florida, continuing its efforts to explore and engage with key individuals in the Florida citrus industry. The two-day tour provided the agency with a unique opportunity to closely observe the operations and processes involved in the Florida citrus …

Sneak Peek: August 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine

Web AdminSpecialty Crop Industry Magazine

The August issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine focuses on irrigation management in blueberry production. Gerardo Nunez, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor in Gainesville, Florida, highlights the role that root and leaf age plays in how blueberry bushes consume water. Not enough water can hinder the growth and productivity of blueberries. Too much …

Sen. Ossoff Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Georgia’s Citrus Industry

Web AdminCitrus, Georgia

Washington D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is leading the charge to support Georgia’s farmers and strengthen the state’s growing citrus industry. Sen. Ossoff introduced the Georgia Citrus Development Act of 2023 to ensure Georgia citrus growers have a seat at the table when guiding key decisions for the industry. Sen. Ossoff’s bill would add a new Georgia member to …