RALEIGH – Ice and freezing rain can be common weather events during the winter months. These types of weather events can severely impact trees and forested areas across the state. The N.C. Forest Service urges property owners and anyone preparing for or cleaning up after a storm to be cautious and think safety first. “If you’re out preparing trees for …
Sweet Grown Alabama Receives Grant to Increase Locally Grown Grocery Purchases
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Sweet Grown Alabama has been awarded a grant to track locally grown products purchased by five grocery store and distribution partners. This specialty crop block grant, awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, provides financial incentives to the stores in exchange for local procurement data. Sweet …
Water-Logged: Well-Drained Soils Key to Pecan Trees’ Health
Torrential rains this year have impacted farmers across the Southeast. Vegetable farmers are unable to get in the fields to apply plastic in preparation for the upcoming season. One commodity group that could also feel the sting of excessive rainfall this winter are pecan producers. While trees are currently dormant, their production could be affected this year and years to …
Essential Workers: Response Requested for Survey
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is actively working to be the voice of Georgia’s produce industry. Agricultural workers are essential. The Georgia Department of Public Health is working to create a plan to get your agricultural workers vaccinated. The GFVGA wants COVID-19 vaccines available to them at the earliest possible date and needs your help. Most of …
Point Made: Financial Impact of Imports of Fruits and Vegetables
Southeast fruit and vegetable farmers have had a point all along. Imports of fruits and vegetables, which have long been the source of producers’ ire in recent years, have significantly impacted the domestic industry. Produce coming in from countries like Mexico, Chile and Peru have driven down prices and put producers’ futures at risk. It was the source of the …
Tasty Treats: BASF Emphasizing Flavor with Melon Varieties
BASF remains committed to improving melon varieties with an emphasis on flavor. Matthew DeCeault, produce chain specialist at BASF Vegetable Seeds, talked about the challenges that lie ahead with regards to melon research during an American Seed Trade Association webinar. “We’re working on a lot of things. Where we’re really focused is on improvements to flavor. Based off research that …
NASDA Seeks Flexibility to Protect Farm Workers, Specialty Crop Industry
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) asked the Department of Agriculture this week for more flexibility in the use of Specialty Crop Block Grants. NASDA seeks additional flexibility in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to enhance its response to the continued demands COVID-19 places on the industry. NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn stated, “challenges impacting our …
Hemp Approval Program Now Available From UF/IFAS
By Tory Moore, University of Florida/IFAS APOPKA, Fla. — Owners of industrial hemp genetics can now submit their varieties for approval by the University of Florida for legal sale within the state. UF/IFAS, in partnership with Roseville Farms, has established a program that provides a science-based evaluation of industrial hemp varieties. As a crop new to Florida, all industrial hemp …
Chill Out: Alabama Peaches Looking Good Amid Cold Winter
Chill hours are no longer a concern for one Alabama peach farmer. The biggest worry that Jeremy Calvert has is that his trees will bloom early and be impacted by a late freeze. “We get a week of 60, 70-degree weather and then go back down in the 20s, that’s just not what you want to see,” said Calvert, whose …
Tools to Solve Tomato Pathogen Problems
By Abolfazl Hajihassani Tomato is the most economically important vegetable crop in the United States and has a history of heavy dependence on pesticides. PATHOGEN PAIR Root-knot nematodes and southern blight disease are among the most damaging pathogens of tomato. Pre-plant soil fumigation is often, but not always, effective at minimizing yield losses due to soilborne nematode and fungal pathogens. …