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 …
Registration Ongoing for Labor Forum
By Clint Thompson Registration is still ongoing for the upcoming Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum on Nov. 9-10 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The two-day conference will feature talks specific to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, Department of Labor (DOL) wage and hour audits, being compliant with OSHA and DOL in the COVID-19 …
Ag Labor Reform: Important Issue Hopefully Resolved Before 2022
By Clint Thompson The final two and a half months of 2021 could be pivotal in Congress’ pursuit of Ag labor reform. John Walt Boatright, director of National Affairs at Florida Farm Bureau Federation, stresses the importance of a Senate Bill being in place before 2022. “Ag labor reform continues to be a major priority for Florida agriculture. Florida’s now …
Mechanical Harvesters: Secret to Florida Blueberry Growers’ Future Success
By Clint Thompson The secret to Florida blueberry growers’ future success may rest with the advancement of mechanical harvesters. Especially as producers try to compete with rising imports amid the disparity between labor wages, farmers need the advantage of not having to depend on H-2A workers to harvest their crops. Doug Phillips, University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and …
ITC Hearing a Story of David vs. Goliath
One agricultural lobbyist believes next Tuesday’s hearing with the International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding blueberry imports is a “story of David and Goliath.” Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., believes the American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) has a strong case to make to the ITC against the …
Four to Join Citrus Hall of Fame
The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame will induct four new members in 2021. They are John L. Jackson of Sorrento, Florida; the late Lew J. Prosser of Plant City, Florida; Adam H. Putnam of Memphis, Tennessee; and Steven D. “Steve” Sorrells of Arcadia, Florida. They will be inducted during a luncheon tentatively scheduled for Nov. 5 at Florida Southern College …
COVID-19 risk factors vary by farm workers’ legal status; shows need for tailored measures
University of Florida/IFAS As laborers return to the fields this fall in Florida, both unauthorized workers and those authorized to plant and pick crops through a guest worker visa are vulnerable to the coronavirus. In fact, an estimated 75% of Florida crop workers have at least one underlying health issue that puts them at risk of developing COVID-19 complications, new …
Collins Testifies on Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices During Virtual Hearing on Seasonal Produce
Raises concern over Mexico’s unfair trade practices and its effect on Georgia farmers ATLANTA, Ga. – Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) testified today on Mexico’s unfair trade practices that are severely and negatively impacting Georgia’s seasonal and perishable produce farmers during a virtual hearing hosted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and …
Produce Industry Responds to Accusations
Several produce organizations, including the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Florida Tomato Exchange, issued a letter to legislative leaders in defense of accusations regarding the treatment of farm workers, amid COVID-19. The letter was sent to Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader; Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House; Charles Schumer, Senate Minority Leader; …
FFBF and FDACS Host Town Hall on COVID-19 & Florida Agriculture
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick held a town hall meeting on Thursday with the state’s agriculture community on pressing issues. Some of the topics of discussion included: Ensuring agriculture and all related industries are essential at the federal, state and local levels. Promoting the continued and efficient processing of H-2A worker visas. Inter- and intra-state weight waivers for …