Organic Farming Expansion? Could Be Answer to Rising Demand

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Consumer demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables outweighs the availability of organic farms growing the food. In fact, while certified organic U.S. land for growing crops or livestock is increasing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic acreage is still less than 1% of American farmland. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts and stakeholders …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening in Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Dry conditions are worsening and expanding in Alabama. Abnormally dry conditions are observed in various parts of Georgia, while drought remains prevalent in South Florida. This is according to the Sept. 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Southwest Alabama is covered with drought, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought. The dry conditions start in the …

What’s Next for Farmers Following Farm Labor Survey’s Discontinuation?

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The discontinuation of the Farm Labor Survey was an important victory for fruit and vegetable growers hoping for relief from the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Now growers and industry leaders are waiting for what happens next, says Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “From our perspective, we’re hopeful that …

Alabama Extension Agent Provides Peach Update

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Peach season has come and gone for Alabama producers. For those growers located in the central part of the state, it was an average year, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. He alluded to multiple external factors that could have impacted the region’s fruit this year. “It was okay. It was average; to some …

Sneak Peek: September 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

The September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo held on Aug. 20-21 in Tampa, Florida. Attendees learned from various researchers and industry specialists about information pertinent to the citrus and fruit and vegetable industries. Land-grant universities are gearing up for a technological revolution. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …

Nov. 7 Groundbreaking for UF/IFAS AI Center

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida specialty crop producers should mark their calendars for Friday, Nov. 7 for the groundbreaking of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. The new AI Center will be located at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Scott Angle, UF/IFAS Senior …

Drought Monitor Update: Recent Rains Help Alleviate Certain Dry Conditions

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Recent rains have helped alleviate some dry areas in the Southeast, according to the Aug. 28 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. It is especially evident in Georgia. Minimal abnormally dry conditions are observed in the southwest corner of the state, including Seminole, Decatur, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Miller, Baker and Mitchell counties. A small area in Northwest Georgia is abnormally …

USDA’s Discontinuation of Farm Labor Survey a Win for Producers

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers scored a significant win last week when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intention to discontinue the Farm Labor Survey (FLS). The FLS helped the Department of Labor determine the AEWR, the minimum wage for H-2A workers in every state. Rates have spiraled out of control in recent years. Michael Marsh, president …

food safety

USDA Report: Food Safety Importance in Tailgating

Clint ThompsonUSDA

Labor Day weekend is an unofficial start to football season in the Southeast. That means a traditional tailgating experience, especially for college football fans supporting their favorite teams. While tailgating allows for fans to gather together and enjoy specific foods like hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken wings, it should also remind people that food safety remains a top priority. Meredith …

Drought Monitor Update: Dry Areas Persist Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonDrought

By Clint Thompson Drought continues to persist across some areas in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to the Aug. 21 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormal and moderate drought conditions are observed over most of Southwest Alabama. Moderate conditions are seen in the northern areas of Mobile and Baldwin counties, along with the western region of Washington County and …