By Frank Giles Michael Schadler, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, discusses how the season has progressed and ongoing trade issues with Mexico. How has the tomato season gone thus far for Florida growers? Schadler: The start of the season was tremendously challenging for much of the industry due to Hurricane Ian. The fall crop in parts of Central …
USDA Announces July 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON – Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, …
AFVGA Executive Director: Crop Insurance Essential Following March Freeze Events
By Clint Thompson Crop insurance is a necessity that all growers need to utilize. Alabama’s specialty crop producers need only to look back at March to see how one weather event changed the outlook for an entire crop. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), said the sub-freezing temperatures over multiple days especially impacted …
Chilean Ag Trade Mission Application Deadline is July 5
The deadline is here for agribusinesses, commodity organizations and specialty crop groups interested in applying for an upcoming agricultural trade mission trip to Chile. Wednesday, July 5 is the final day for applications from anyone wanting to apply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to be a part of its agricultural trade mission to Chile scheduled for late September. …
Incorporating Grilled Vegetables in July 4 Cookouts
This July 4 should not just be about grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. Vegetables can work just fine on the outdoor grill, says Sandy Proctor, Extension food expert with Kansas State University. She discussed the idea of cooking fresh veggies this holiday season. “I think grilled vegetables are really an opportunity to show what you can do on the grill …
Grilled Vegetables: Another Option for July 4 Cookouts
This July 4 should not just be about grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. Vegetables can work just fine on the outdoor grill, says Sandy Proctor, Extension food expert with Kansas State University. She discussed the idea of cooking fresh veggies this holiday season. “I think grilled vegetables are really an opportunity to show what you can do on the grill …
Disaster Declaration Key for Georgia Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson A natural disaster declaration for 18 Georgia counties by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is vital assistance for peach producers impacted by the mid-March freeze. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed how important this declaration is for his growers who suffered near 100% loss. “What the declaration does …
USDA Provides Significant Support for American Producers, School Meal Providers and Emergency Food Operations
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is providing $2.7 billion to support American farmers, students who participate in school meal programs, and emergency food operations. Through the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation, the Department will provide nearly $1.3 billion for states to purchase foods to be distributed to schools for their meal programs and nearly $1 billion for …
CRAFT a Popular Program for GrowersÂ
During the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference earlier this month, Tamara Wood, executive director of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation, gave an update on a new phase of the CRAFT program. Started in 2019, CRAFT was initially focused on new plantings. The program helps growers cover the cost of new plantings if they agree to an experimental …
Tomato Suspension Agreement Not Florida vs. Mexico
On June 16, the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) filed a request with the Department of Commerce to terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement. This request was based on established facts and U.S. antidumping law. Days later, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), a trade group that represents importers of Mexican produce, issued a press release attacking the FTE and wildly mischaracterizing …