By Clint Thompson The termination of the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement is set to become effective on Monday, July 14. While Florida growers and Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, have been at the center of the fight that Mexico has been ‘dumping’ imported tomatoes, it’s important to note the problem is widespread, impacting most of …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Where Does the Farm Bill Stand?
By Frank Giles The 2018 farm bill expired in September 2023. Since that time, the old legislation has been extended twice, which is now in effect until September 2025. In the meantime, various spending measures have been added to help tide American agriculture over. But a new farm bill is needed to provide future agricultural policy direction and to help …
Bacterial Spot Observed in Alabama Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable growers must be aware that bacterial spot disease has been observed in tomatoes in South Alabama. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, discussed the disease and its propensity to becoming widespread. “One (disease) I saw down in the Wiregrass is bacterial spot. It’s …
Grape Producers Beware of Root Borer Emergence
Grape producers in North Georgia and North Alabama must be wary of grape root borer emergence. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, noted in the UGA Viticulture Blog that adult emergence and activity typically starts in late June or early July. Growers should consider management options for the pest as …
Sneak Peek: July 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The July issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts Paul Orsenigo, founder of Grower’s Management Inc. in the spotlight. Unlike multigenerational farm families, Orsenigo is a first-generation farmer in the Everglades Agricultural Area in Florida. He produces a variety of leafy greens, sweet corn, sugar cane and rice. He discusses his humble beginnings, and they evolved into a 40-year journey …
Alabama Rains Have Vegetable Growers Concerned About Disease Development
By Clint Thompson Consistent rains in May and early June have Alabama vegetable growers concerned about disease development in this year’s crops. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, noted in an Alabama Extension blog that certain diseases like early blight on tomatoes, bacterial spot on tomatoes and peppers …
Sweet Grown Alabama Brings Local Flavor with Pop-Up Farmers Market
Montgomery, Ala. – Sweet Grown Alabama brought fresh, local flavor to Montgomery with a special pop-up farmers market on Wednesday, held in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ 22nd Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch at the Ed Teague Arena. This marks the fifth consecutive year a farmers market has been a part of the beloved summer tradition. The pop-up …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Endangered Species on Your Label/Do You Know How to Comply?
By Brett Bultemeier EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series of two articles on pesticide label changes related to the Endangered Species Act. In the May issue of Specialty Crop Grower, “Endangered Species Act compliance for herbicide application” discussed the need to check your points related to erosion and runoff. If you haven’t read that article, go back …
Summer Rains Limit Dry Conditions Across Southeast
Drought continues to be mostly a non-issue across the Southeast. This summer has provided adequate moisture across southern states like Alabama and Georgia. Even in Florida where dry conditions are prevalent, they have improved in recent weeks. This is according to the June 19 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida’s driest conditions are concentrated to the southern area of …
Drastic Drop: Watermelon Prices Decline Last Two Years
Florida’s watermelon market prices endured a drastic drop this year, and so did growers’ profits. According to a blog post from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), pricing this year tracked below prices recorded in 2023 and 2024. The average reported price on June 13, 2025 was $115.50 per bin. That compares to $231 per …



















