By Clint Thompson The top two issues that vegetable and specialty crop workers encounter are trade and labor. The impact of imports on domestic farmers doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Neither do concerns over having an adequate number of workers on the farm every year, according to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner. “During …
FFVA Statement on New FDACS Report
Aug. 30, 2021 On Monday, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released its latest report on the impacts of Mexican imports on Florida’s seasonal producers. The report “demonstrates that Florida producers continue to suffer a disproportionate economic injury.” The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association issued the following statement on the report: “Today’s economic impact report from FDACS …
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 …
Reports: Interest in Crop Insurance Grows for Specialty, Organic Crops
WASHINGTON, August 26, 2021 – The number of agricultural producers who purchase crop insurance for their specialty and organic crops continues to climb, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) attributes to its work with producers and agricultural groups in recent years to create new crop insurance options, to expand and improve current options and to support local food efforts. …
Weather Impact: Crops Flooded by Fred Cannot Be Used for Human Food
RALEIGH, N.C. – Farmers whose crops were flooded by Tropical Storm Fred face not only the prospect of lower yields and loss of quality, but also the reality that those crops cannot be used for human food. “Floodwater may contain sewage, harmful organisms, pesticides, chemical wastes or other substances,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Also, wet foods may grow mold, …
UF Invention of the Year: AI Technology ‘Agroview’ Recognized
Yiannis Ampatzidis and his research team at the University of Florida/IFAS found artificial intelligence technology that helps farmers save money and better care for their crops. Out of that process, they invented a system known as Agroview. It captured the eye of UF Innovate | Tech Licensing, which recognized the technology as a UF Invention of the Year. “I am …
New Produce Safety Online Course Available
By Clint Thompson A collaborative effort between Auburn University, University of Georgia and Clemson University has led to the development of the Small Fruit Certifications online course. It was developed for Extension agents, specialists and other outreach providers who are not as familiar with produce safety, says Kristin Woods, Alabama Regional Extension agent. “More and more our agricultural agents and …
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 …
USDA AMS Revises Standards for Watermelon
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the U.S. Standards for Watermelon to provide a common language for trade. AMS is establishing a total tolerance for anthracnose and decay in the U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades; adjusting the range of average weight from 20-to-42 to 10-to-34 pounds to align with current marketing …
Citrus Imports: USDA Revises Conditions of Fruit Coming from Australia
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently expanded the production areas in Australia authorized to import fresh citrus fruit into the United States and revised the conditions under which citrus from Australia may be imported. APHIS authorized three additional areas of Australia to export citrus to the continental United States: the …