By Clint Thompson Sweet corn production has shifted into Georgia. Following the peak season for Florida growers around Memorial Day, the harvest window has shifted northward for producers. Florida grower Eric Hopkins liked everything about this year’s crop, except the price. “We certainly could have gotten more money for the crop and probably sold the same amount of units. It’s …
Registration Ongoing for Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum
Registration is ongoing for the 50th annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Aug. 28-30 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. The forum is designed to educate agricultural employers, including growers, shippers, farm labor contractors and other employers, on compliance issues with labor laws and sound relations practices. Those interested in attending can click here …
Important Week for Sweet Corn Producers
By Clint Thompson The week prior to Memorial Day weekend is usually prime time for Florida’s sweet corn producers. This year is not any different, according to Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). “In terms of supply, we’ve got excellent supply in Florida for the holiday. I think you …
Save the Date: Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum Scheduled for Aug. 28-30
Florida specialty crop producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Aug. 28-30 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bennet Creek. The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation is presenting the 50th annual forum, which will educate agricultural employers, including producers, shippers, farm labor contractors, and other employers about compliance with agricultural …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: More Efforts to Reform H-2A Underway
By Frank Giles There’s never a shortage of news when it comes to the H-2A visa program, which Southeastern specialty crop growers have come to rely on for labor. It is the go-to program for farmers who need larger numbers of employees to grow and harvest crops. But in an environment where inflation has pushed up the prices of just …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Big Issues Addressed at Florida Citrus Show
By Frank Giles Last year, AgNet Media took over hosting responsibilities for the Florida Citrus Show in Fort Pierce. With that change, the event moved to the neighboring facilities of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research …
Sweet Corn Marketing Focuses on Cinco de Mayo
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn industry leaders are modifying their marketing efforts to better highlight this year’s crop. “Demand is what it is this time of year. We’ve talked about this before where up north, if it’s cooler up north, demand doesn’t jump up because people aren’t outside as much,” said Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Four Things to Watch in 2024
By Mike Joyner In agriculture, there is never a shortage of challenges, and 2024 will present its share. At the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), we work every day to effectively advocate for our members to assure their voice is heard and that outcomes reflect their input. Here is a look at how that work will come to life …
Tickets on Sale for the 2024 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet
Tickets are on sale for the annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, which will honor three inductees who have made invaluable contributions to Florida agriculture. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served in research, education and business. This year’s event will be …
Sustainability Starts with People
By Frank Giles Paul Allen developed an appreciation for hard work and farming at an early age. After school, he’d head to the South Bay Growers packing facility in South Bay, Florida, to work for a few hours cleaning celery boxes. There he observed the lifeblood of the Everglades Agriculture Area in action. Farming drives the economy of the region …