By Clint Thompson The secret to Florida blueberry growers’ future success may rest with the advancement of mechanical harvesters. Especially as producers try to compete with rising imports amid the disparity between labor wages, farmers need the advantage of not having to depend on H-2A workers to harvest their crops. Doug Phillips, University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and …
Technology, Consumer Awareness Focal Points for Florida Tomato Growers
By Clint Thompson Mexico has its advantages over U.S. growers in tomato production. Wages are much lower. Government subsidies help support Mexican producers being able to ask for low market prices. But technological advancements and consumer awareness may be the game changers that help Florida producers survive this onslaught of tomato imports that have only increased over the past decade, …
FFVA Convention: Timely Issues at Forefront of Three-Day Event
By Clint Thompson This week’s Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention was filled with timely topics and educational insight into how to help the vegetable and specialty crop growers remain sustainable. Maybe most importantly, though, it was three days of reunion with friends and colleagues within the industry, says Mike Joyner, FFVA President. “People are just so ready to …
Georgia Pecan Producer: Spray Like We’re Going to Have Terrible Scab Every Year
By Clint Thompson It was better safe than sorry for one Georgia pecan producer. In a year filled with wet weather, scab disease has been a major problem for pecan farmers. But Eric Cohen was prepared and is expected to reap the fruits of his labor during harvest season. “I’ve been real fortunate. I’ve been on an intensive spray program,” …
FFVA President: We Just Want Fair Trade
By Clint Thompson The audience may change but the message remains the same for Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner. Imports are taking a toll on Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. The future of his growers’ livelihoods is in jeopardy if immediate action is not taken. Joyner’s message was shared this week during the annual FFVA …
Florida Blueberry Growers Remain Cautiously Optimistic
By Clint Thompson Increased blueberry imports may have snatched away some of Florida growers’ market share, but they haven’t taken away the producers’ optimistic outlook. That’s evident with some of the larger growers establishing new plantings, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida/IFAS Blueberry Extension Coordinator. “I would say from a market perspective, imports into the U.S. continue to be a …
Artificial Intelligence: Could Be Secret Weapon for Florida Tomato Producers
By Clint Thompson The Florida tomato industry struggles to stay afloat amid rising imports and a decreasing labor force. Artificial iIntelligence (AI) may be the secret weapon to help Florida growers combat these significant challenges, says Nathan Boyd, Associate Center Director of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and Professor of Horticulture and Weed Science. “Production wise, it’s …
Rubio Blasts White House for Ignoring Harm to Fruit, Vegetable Producers
Miami, FL — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement after White House Director of the National Economic Council, Brian Deese, touted artificially low fruit and vegetable prices that harm American growers: “In an effort to defend the White House from criticism over the impacts of historic and worsening inflation, President Biden’s top economic advisor shockingly welcomed artificially low …
Funding Available to Help South Carolina Farmers with Organic Certification
COLUMBIA – South Carolina farmers and food processors who want to pursue organic certification may qualify for reimbursement through a grant administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. “Organic certification can open up new market opportunities for South Carolina farmers and companies,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “Our cost share grant programs are a great use of public …
Update on Hop Variety Trials, Breeding
By Zhanao Deng, Shinsuke Agehara, Hugh Smith, Gary Vallad, Johan Desaeger, Zhengfei Guan, Jack Rechcigl and Simon Bollin In 2015, the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) began field trials to grow hops in Central Florida. A research and Extension team consisting of approximately 20 faculty and staff members (Figure …










