By Clint Thompson The Farm Recovery Block Grant deadline for Georgia farmers who were dealt financial losses by Hurricane Michael is Thursday, April 30. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is accepting online applications. The block grant funds include $347 million. This block grant program is designed to compensate producers for losses and expenses in seven categories of assistance, according to …
FDACS Launches Hemp Permit Application Portal
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the state’s online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal, allowing interested growers to apply for licenses. The portal’s user-friendly interface provides applicants with a checklist of recommended steps to allow for a quick and easy application process. “As we continue building our state hemp program into a national …
Sneak Peek: May 2020 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The May issue of VSCNews Magazine targets the best pest management practices for growers. Researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are already looking ahead and making plans to see what more can be learned about growing hemp in Florida, as they reach the midpoint of their pilot project. Lourdes Rodriguez, …
North Carolina Extension Seeks Help With Survey
North Carolina Cooperative Extension seeks help from farmers with a short survey. As producers fill out the survey, it will help Extension assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the specialty crop (fruit and vegetable) and agritourism industry in North Carolina. The survey will help shape Extension’s response. N.C. State IRB approved the survey. Also, Extension specialists in the …
Georgia Blueberry Growers Work to Overcome Challenges
By Ashley Robinson University of Georgia area Extension blueberry agent Renee Holland is confident about this year’s crop despite a challenging season. “This season, we have a beautiful blueberry crop load in Georgia,” Holland siad. “The berry quality is excellent, and thankfully, we’ve had very little disease or pest issues this year.” Challenges Facing Growers Georgia blueberry growers are no …
Watch out for Invasive Species
By Clint Thompson The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants help in identifying invasive species that threaten our food supply and cause plant diseases. Especially since April is designated “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month” Samantha Simon, USDA’s Executive Director of Emergency and Domestic Programs, says invasive species can threaten agriculture and many farming operations, especially in the …
Food Safety a Top Priority in Alabama Produce Industry
By Katie Nichols, Communications Specialist/Alabama Cooperative Extension System AUBURN University, Ala. – With Alabama’s growing season in full swing, produce growers are working to ensure continuing food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC, USDA and FDA agree that there is no indication the virus can infect consumers through food or food packaging. Good Agricultural Practices Alabama Extension food safety …
South Carolina Hopeful for Productive Fruit and Vegetable Season
By Clint Thompson The current coronavirus pandemic has impacted fruit and vegetable farmers across the Southeast. South Carolina producers may be better equipped to deal with the current crisis based off who their normal clientele is. “I think everyone here is looking at Florida and is not liking what we see down there but hoping that our situation is a …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Highlights $522 Million in COVID-19 Crop Losses and Importance of Agriculture Aid
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released the Florida Seasonal Crop COVID-19 Impact Assessment, a new report providing data on crop losses facing Florida farmers. Based on figures reported by growers, total crop losses across the state through mid-April 2020 may exceed $522.5 million. Florida is the nation’s second-largest producer of seasonal specialty …
Georgia Pecan Growers to Vote on Assessment Renewal
Georgia Department of Agriculture ATLANTA, GA – Georgia pecan growers of 30 acres or more will vote in May on the renewal of a one-cent per pound assessment on pecans for the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Pecans. Pursuant Georgia law, producers are required to vote every three years to renew the assessment. Voting takes place May 1 through May …