By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session concluded last week, and the state’s agricultural sector should be pleased with how the last couple of months transpired. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley discussed the session. “I think as far as ag goes, there wasn’t a priority issue or bill that was brought forth that hasn’t passed,” Bentley said. “That’s unusual. …
Economic Assessment: Ag Trade Deficit Nearing $40 Billion
By Clint Thompson The U.S. is importing more agricultural crops into the country than it is exporting. That’s resulted in an agricultural trade deficit. It’s also further evidence that the U.S. is becoming increasingly dependent on other countries for its food supply, says University of Florida (UF) associate professor Zhengfei Guan. “We can survive without an iphone, but we can’t …
Drought Conditions Persist Across Southeast
Abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions still persist across certain areas of the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions in Alabama are seen in the southern counties like Escambia, Covington, Coffee, Dale and Houston. Dry conditions are also observed as far north as Saint Clair, Blount, Etowah, Marshall, Cherokee and Dekalb …
Alabama Producers Obtain Growers Permits
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama farmers planning to sell fresh products directly to consumers this year should apply for their annual growers permits through their local Alabama Cooperative Extension System county office. “If you sell fresh fruits or vegetables, table eggs or ornamental plants, you need a growers permit,” said Brandy Childress, Chilton County Extension office administrative support associate. “It …
Dry Conditions Help, ‘To Some Degree,’ Georgia Strawberry Producers Dealing With Neo
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions across some of Georgia is not a bad thing for the state’s strawberry producers. It should help those trying to thwart off the impacts of neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease. That is if it isn’t too late for those growers dealing with the disease, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “The …
Trade Imbalance Impacting Citrus Industry
The citrus industry is not immune to the trade imbalance that is impacting the ag industry across the Unted States. From 2000 to 2013, the United States exported more citrus than it imported. However, the imbalance began in 2014 and worsened every year through 2023, equating to a deficit of 26 million boxes. The staggering statistics are reflective of the …
Farmers Feeding Florida Budget Proposal to Aid Specialty Crop Producers
The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government released its proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and it includes funding that will address food insecurity and support Florida’s farmers. The proposal will be included in Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, the Senate’s balanced budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. “Florida’s farmers, growers and …
Diversified Export Market Important for Pecan Industry
By Clint Thompson Pecan exports need to continue to be diversified and spread out in as many countries as possible. It benefits Southeast growers not to have all of their exports in one place, says Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board. Warden spoke about pecan marketing at last week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association …
Sneak Peek: April 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Florida Citrus Show, which was held on March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The event offered various educational talks, including research updates for citrus growers, and pepper management for vegetable growers. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show was held Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. …
Commissioner Simpson Announces Completion of Major Updates to BMP Manuals
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson recently announced the completion of major updates to nine existing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals, which provide specific, research-based practices to producers to improve water quality, along with the introduction of a new BMP manual for small farms and specialty livestock. These updates mark the first comprehensive revisions in nearly …



















