By Clint Thompson The future leader of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) believes the current supply chain crisis is temporary. At least that is what economists are saying and what his hope is. “I think we’ll continue to see supply chain issues into next year for sure,” said Chris Butts, GFVGA director of legislative affairs who will …
Fresh Produce at Risk: Pallet Shortages Impacting Supply Chain
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 19, 2021) – Pallet shortages are a lingering concern that could impact the supply of fresh vegetables. According to the United Fresh Produce Association, there are various issues impacting pallet availability: Efforts of wholesalers, distributors and retailers to ensure sufficient inventory of non-perishables given previous pandemic-related impacts. The availability of lumber to repair and build new pallets. …
What’s the Impact? Florida’s Food Supply Chain Industries Asked to Respond to COVID Survey
By: Kirsten Romaguera, 352-294-3313, kromaguera@ufl.edu A survey aimed to gauge impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the food supply chain will close on April 11. A research team from various institutions, including the University of Florida aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on food and agricultural systems and to develop strategies for coping with future crises. The project …
USDA NIFA Offers Grants for Hemp Supply Chains & Rural Development
Written By Marne Coit According to N.C. State Extension, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), has announced a new round of grant funding that specifically includes support for hemp projects. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program is intended to fund projects related to research, extension and education. The purpose of AFRI’s Sustainable Agricultural …
OPINION: Shipping Law Under Scrutiny Amid Supply-Chain Struggles
In a time when the world is trying to emerge from a global pandemic and eyes the prospect of an energy and food crisis, policies should encourage increasing productivity and the flow of goods. But as the old saying goes, it takes time to turn around a ship. Speaking of ships, have you ever heard of the Jones Act? The …
Supply-Chain Issues Delay Some N.C. Strawberry Plantings
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) strawberries are in the ground, but not without a delayed start to the season. Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association, confirmed during the Southeast Strawberry Expo last week in Asheville, North Carolina, that supply chain issues contributed to some growers not receiving their plants until much later than normal. It could …
Supply-Chain Disruptions, Inflation and War Are Pushing Prices up on the Farm
By Frank Giles Just when the world took somewhat of a collective breath, hoping the COVID-19 pandemic might be easing, Russia invaded Ukraine. The conflict and the highest inflation rate in 40 years in the United States have focused attention on agriculture and food security. For farmers in Florida and around the world, the confluence of events has presented challenges …
Supply-Chain Woes Continue for Specialty Crop Growers
By Frank Giles One of the many ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant supply-chain disruptions that have impacted the global economy. Agriculture has not been immune to these delays in shipping and availability of key tools growers need to produce crops. At the same time, prices are going up nearly across the board on products and inputs …
Coalition Calls on Policymakers to Safeguard Produce Supply
The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce recently called on national and international policymakers to implement measures to safeguard the supply of affordable and safe fruits and vegetables worldwide. The coalition also sought to ensure the viability of the fruit and vegetable industry. The coalition made the requests in a report titled Global Value Chains for Fresh Produce: An Urgent Call for …
Watermelon Supply Down; Prices Stay High for Farmers
By Clint Thompson The watermelon supply chain is currently down. As a result, prices are up. It’s a pleasant surprise for Florida growers who are currently harvesting this year’s crop, according to Gene McAvoy, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent emeritus. “(The farmers) were a little bit apprehensive that with all of this COVID-related decline in …