U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta of California and Kat Cammack of Florida have introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce income barriers that producers face in accessing agriculture disaster assistance. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act aims to ensure that basic safety-net programs for producers are readily available to help full-time farmers recover following natural disasters. Current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations disproportionately prohibit producers …
Set the Record Straight: Tomato Suspension Agreement Not Florida vs. Mexico
MAITLAND, FL – June 27, 2023: 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 …
Protect Your Production
By Clint Thompson Florida’s climate allows growers to produce more than 300 different specialty crops. Unfortunately, that same environment can lead to various factors which can negatively impact production every year. Producers should prepare for the possibility every season that their crop could be impacted by weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes, as well as invasive species, plant diseases and …
Action Taken Against Adverse Effect Wage Rates Rule
In late February, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) pushed through a new methodology used to determine the hourly adverse effect wage rates (AEWR) for agricultural employers. The rule became effective March 30. Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) Director of Labor Relations Jamie Fussell discussed the action’s impact on growers: IMPACT ON EMPLOYERSSimply, the new rule may mean that multiple …
Federal Assistance: Alabama Producers in 51 Counties Eligible for Disaster Assistance
By Clint Thompson A pair of March freeze events devastated fruit and vegetable crops in Alabama. Specialty crop producers in 51 counties in Alabama have been found eligible for disaster assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The U.S. Department of Agriculture included 51 counties in its recent Crop Production Loss Disaster Declaration. Primary affected areas include Baldwin, Blount, Chilton, …
Produce Food Safety Services Responds to FDA Investigations
LaGrange, Georgia — Recently issued reports from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) failed to identify sources of pathogen-related foodborne illness outbreaks, yet the investigative methodology and report conclusions yield important information for growers and packers. In a report titled “Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Cantaloupe…”, the FDA published 10 recommendation and requirements for growers of melons and …
New Grape Grower Symposium This Saturday
By Clint Thompson Producers interested in learning how to grow grapes should make plans to attend a New Grape Grower Symposium on Saturday, June 24 at the Carroll County Agricultural Education Center in Carrollton, Georgia. The symposium is for those considering the process and those in the first few years of producing grapes. It could also serve as a refresher …
USDA AMS Increasing Rates for Specialty Crop Audits
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the 2023/2024 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing and laboratory services for various agricultural commodities, including fruits and vegetables, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture The rates for regular, overtime, holiday and laboratory services will be applied at the beginning of the crop year, fiscal year or as required …
USDA Leads Trade Mission to Japan
A country known for its many purchases of U.S. agricultural products could soon become a greater buyer following an agricultural trade mission (ATM). Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade Alexis Taylor brought almost 40 U.S. food companies and commodity groups to Japan in hopes of boosting farm and food exports to the country. “I heard a lot of real positive …
Florida Budget’s Impact on Agriculture
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a historic $116.5 billion budget last week for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Included were important victories for the agricultural industry, especially those in the specialty crop sector. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) sent an email to its members last week, outlying the impact from the budget on the state’s agricultural sector. The University …