With the 2022–23 season harvest virtually completed for all varieties, the June citrus forecast for Florida had several slight changes. The Florida orange and grapefruit forecasts each climbed 1% from May, while the tangerines/tangelos forecast dropped 2%. Forecasts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) were unchanged for Arizona, California and Texas. FLORIDA ORANGESFlorida’s all-orange …
A New Ilarvirus in Florida Tomatoes
By Ozgur Batuman and Salih Yilmaz Ilarviruses can infect both herbaceous and woody plants and are known to be transmitted by pollen and seed with varying efficiency. Thrips have been associated as vectors of ilarviruses since they create wounds during feeding that can serve as entry points for virus particles carried in or on infected pollen. Tobacco streak virus (TSV) …
UGA Scientist Identifies Needs in Precision Agriculture
By Clint Thompson Precision agriculture innovations are required for sustainability to be a reality for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. That is why the International Conference of Integrative Precision Agriculture was held in Athens, Georgia in May. That is why growers presented their concerns to industry specialists like Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist. He identified the main …
Latest Export and Import Forecast for the U.S.
U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year (FY) 2023 are forecast at $181.0 billion, down $3.5 billion from the February forecast, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service Situation and Outlook Report. Horticultural exports are unchanged at $39.0 billion, though the forecast for sugar and tropical product exports is revised up $400 million to $6.4 …
Latest Forecasts: Exports Down $3.5 Billion; Imports Down $1.0 Billion
U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year (FY) 2023 are forecast at $181.0 billion, down $3.5 billion from the February forecast, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service Situation and Outlook Report. Horticultural exports are unchanged at $39.0 billion, though the forecast for sugar and tropical product exports is revised up $400 million to …
Funds Available to Help South Carolina Farmers Improve Food Safety
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is pleased to announce an updated On-Farm Improvement Cost Share Program. Through USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding administered by SCDA, farmers who are covered or qualified exempt by the Produce Safety Rule can receive reimbursements up to $2,000 per year per farm for on-farm food safety improvements. Examples of improvements …
Grower Calls for H-2A Fix, Labor Reform
By Frank Giles There’s a farm labor crisis facing American agriculture. Adam Lytch was among the growers who took that message to Washington, D.C., on May 31 to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Lytch, regional manager at L&M Farms, called on lawmakers to consider comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the needs of farmers who grow the domestic food supply. Lytch, …
Drought Monitor: Minimal Drought Conditions Observed in Southeast
Drought-like conditions that were widespread across the Southeast have dissipated in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The only remaining dry conditions in Florida are located along the west coast. Severe dry conditions start as far north as Levy County and stretch southward to Manatee, Sarasota and De Soto counties. Abnormally dry conditions are also observed as far …
Grower Calls for H-2A Fix, Labor Reform
By Frank Giles There’s a farm labor crisis facing American agriculture. Adam Lytch was among the growers who took that message to Washington, D.C., on May 31 to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Lytch, regional manager at L&M Farms, called on lawmakers to consider comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the needs of farmers who grow the domestic food supply. …
Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award Nominations Open
Nominations for the Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority, are now being accepted. All nominations must be submitted by Aug. 1. The award annually recognizes the achievements of women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. “The Woman of …