By Clint Thompson With the domestic workforce almost non-existent, Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers rely on the H-2A program now more than ever. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service outlines the growth the program has made over the past decade. Certified H-2A positions increased substantially from 2010 to 2019. The number more than tripled from …
Fried Pleas for Help from Fellow Floridians
By Clint Thompson Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried is hoping to enlist Florida residents in the ongoing fight against rising imports. Fried called on Florida residents this week to buy locally grown produce after revealing devastating data that outlines the negative impact Mexican imports are having on her state’s vegetable and specialty crop farmers. She highlighted eye-popping statistics from a …
Commissioner Fried: Mexico Not Fighting Fair with Imports
By Clint Thompson One of Florida farmers’ most vocal advocates provided additional evidence on Monday of how Mexican imports of fresh fruit and vegetables are negatively impacting her state’s producers. Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried, outlined statistical data that shows the disparity of market shares between Mexico and Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop farmers. “The findings continue to be shocking …
Georgia Governor: Fruit, Vegetable Industry Continues to Diversity
By Clint Thompson Diversification is a key to Georgia’s success, especially to its fruit and vegetable industry, believes Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association recently celebrated its 25th anniversary where Kemp was in attendance. He spoke about the industry’s potential moving forward. “I think one of things that’s been encouraging to me, and I ran …
Lingering Problem: Imports’ Impact Being Felt Across Country
By Clint Thompson Imports are no longer a Southeast issue. They are quickly becoming a national issue. Unfortunately, the rising tide of imports of fresh fruits and vegetables impacting other parts of the country may be a necessary step in resolving this growing problem. “Certainly, Georgia has been in this fight with us for a long time and have done …
Acreage Increase for White Strawberry
By Clint Thompson A new era of Florida strawberry production continues this season with the Florida Pearl. The white strawberry that provides a hint of pineapple aroma when it is bitten is expected to experience a substantial increase in production in acres. For Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, his farm is increasing to 15 …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates Across the State
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update-8/9/21 Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Generally speaking, we are in the change-over period from spring to fall crops, with some fumigants being applied to next year’s strawberry plantings. If fumigants are to be used, …
What’s Happening? Fruit, Vegetable Crop Updates in South Carolina
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide The SC Specialty Crop Association is offering a new grant opportunity, the Enhancing Crop Packaging Cost Share Program. With this new cost share program, growers can receive reimbursement up to $1,800 per grower for packaging …
Explain Yourself: Florida Blueberry Producers Part of Survey on Pollinator Use
A national group of scientists, including University of Florida researcher Rachel Mallinger, hope to learn more about how blueberry growers use pollinators to boost their yields for the state’s $60 million-a-year industry. Mallinger is surveying Florida blueberry farmers to see how they utilize pollinators. “Pollination is extremely important for blueberries as little to no fruit forms without it,” said Mallinger, …
Reps. Scott, Ruiz Introduce American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-08) joined Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA-36) in introducing the American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act (H.R. 4580), which would help level the playing field for specialty crop growers who compete against below-market foreign imports. The legislation was drafted in concert with American growers who have experienced drastic drops in production …