By Clint Thompson The Protecting Our Produce Act will help Southeast specialty crop producers impacted by imports from South America. That’s the message shared by Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) with Georgia growers on Friday in Camilla, Georgia. Each will introduce the bill in the Senate and the House. The bicameral bill would establish a …
Immediate Response Required When Managing HLB
The first chore for growers in the cold-hardy citrus region when managing citrus greening is scouting for the disease and its vector, the Asian citrus psyllid. The next step is prompt removal of any trees infected with the disease, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “At this point, we think greening is still …
Blueberry Disease Management Recommendations After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene left devastation in its wake following its trek through Georgia on Sept. 27. One of the main crops impacted were blueberries. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, noted in the UGA Blueberry Extension Blog that blueberry disease management should be a focus of blueberry producers moving forward. “In areas that got a …
Marketing Plan Essential for Growers
Crop production is only half the battle for citrus growers in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. The other half is knowing where that crop is headed once it is harvested. Bill Barber, Ag Services LLC and Certified Crop Adviser, stressed to growers during a recent citrus meeting that they should have a marketing …
Scouting Critical for Southeast Citrus Industry
Regular scouting for Asian citrus psyllids and citrus greening disease is critical for Georgia’s citrus industry to remain healthy. That advice applies to both commercial growers and homeowners, Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, said during the recent Citrus Grower’s Summer Update meeting in Valdosta. Oliver encouraged all growers to scout for the disease …
SCFBA Calls for Action on Farm Bill
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has issued the following statement in response to an Oct. 2 letter from the chairs [Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and David G. Valadao (R-Calif.)] of the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate: “The status quo for U.S. specialty crop growers is …
Mexican Ag Imports for FY ’25 Projected Up 4%
Mexican agricultural imports for fiscal year (FY) 2025 is projected up 4% over FY 2024 at $49.9 billion, according to USDA Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service Situation and Outlook Report. Strong domestic demand for fresh fruits and vegetables continue to drive the potential increase. Exchange rates, drought in Mexico’s key producing regions and supply chain logistic challenges may …
Hurricane Helene Impact: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Hurricane Helene cast tropical storm forced winds over most of South Carolina Friday as she tore through Florida and Georgia. The western part of the state took the brunt of the damage and large …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word
Top Policy Priority is Labor Reform By George F. Szczepanski I was fortunate enough to take on the role of executive director of the National Watermelon Association at the beginning of 2023. The board’s decision to hire me was primarily influenced by the public policy work I had done as a part of the International Fresh Produce Association staff. As …
GFVGA Executive Director: Imports Forecast Shows ‘Growing Dependency’ on Other Countries
By Clint Thompson Agricultural imports are so commonplace that a projected increase is not a surprise to Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA); disappointing but not surprising. Ag imports in fiscal year (FY) 2025 are forecast at $212 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural …