By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry crop is in good shape heading into the upcoming production season, all things considering. “I would say in general, folks are back on their feet,” says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. Phillips’ optimistic outlook comes on the heels of two named storms; Hurricane Ian in …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Updates on Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Andy Rollins reports, “Based on Dr. Jeremy Pattisons’ work on fall development in strawberries, we need to have between 600 growing degree days (GDD) (Chandler) and 800 GDD (Camarosa) from October to December. It is suspected that …
CRAFT Cycle Four Application Deadline Extended
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program is now accepting applications for the fourth cycle of trials. The deadline for applications has been extended to Dec. 31, 2022. This cycle will follow practices established in the first three cycles by partnering with growers to evaluate the effectiveness and economic feasibility of HLB mitigation strategies in commercial settings. The CRAFT …
UF/IFAS Research Gives Back Food Year-Round
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research and education centers (RECs) produce fruits and vegetables across Florida to develop production techniques and cultivars that benefit farmers. These centers are spread from Jay in the Panhandle to Homestead in Southeast Florida. So, what happens to all that fresh food? Much of it is donated to community food …
Putting Artificial Intelligence Within Reach
By J. Scott Angle, jangle@ufl.edu, @IFAS_VP It used to be that game-changing technology was out of the reach of all but the biggest producers. Artificial intelligence (AI), though, can fit the size of your phone and the size of your wallet if it’s done right. That’s why the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has put …
Expanding the Olive Footprint in Florida
By Michael Garcia Citrus growers have been fighting HLB for more than a decade. The disease has taken a large toll on the industry, reducing production and threatening infrastructure. The impacts of Hurricane Ian will certainly make production more difficult. Prudence suggests exploring alternative crops, particularly those that benefit from the use of existing citrus infrastructure, are compatible with Florida …
Florida Gulf Coast University Introduces Agricultural and Water Education
By Frank Giles While the land-grant universities come to mind first when it comes to agriculture, other schools are serving the farm sector as well. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers is one of those schools and is focused on the business side of agriculture. FGCU has its agricultural credentials based on a farming enterprise with deep roots …
Florida BMP Inspections Put on Hold
The requirement that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) conduct Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation verification visits has been temporarily suspended for several counties impacted by Hurricane Ian. The action was taken Oct. 31 by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. The 60-day suspension is effective for the counties of Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, …
FFVA Requests Moratorium on BMP Site Visits
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is requesting a moratorium on Best Management Practices (BMP) site visits which would alleviate additional burdens placed on farmers impacted by Hurricane Ian. The FFVA sent a letter to Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried on Thursday, requesting a six-month moratorium. “In an attempt to alleviate any additional burdens on …
Next UF/IFAS Hurricane Ian Assessment Expected in Mid-November
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s impact on seasonal crops, livestock, nursery and aquaculture will cost Florida farmers between $787 and $1.5 billion. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences economists hope to narrow that financial impact as additional data is obtained from farmers. Christa Court, UF/IFAS assistant professor of regional economics and director of the economic impact analysis …