WASHINGTON, D.C. – Southeast specialty crop farmers will be challenged to comply with new proposals from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overhauling how it implements the Endangered Species Act (ESA), warns the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance. “Of course, growers are in favor of protecting endangered and threatened species and their habitats. But the average specialty crop grower is going to …
Florida Strawberry Growers Preparing for Freeze
By Clint Thompson Florida’s strawberry crop could be damaged by the sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast for this weekend. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, discusses the scenario he and other producers are facing with potential temperatures in the 20s scheduled for Friday night and Saturday night. “We’re going to be running water, but it’s …
FFVA Submits Letter to EPA Regarding Methomyl
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week in response to the agency’s proposed interim registration review decision for the insecticide methomyl. Vegetable and blueberry producers rely on the low-coast, broad-spectrum, long-lasting insect management benefits that the insecticide provides. The FFVA emphasized in the letter that any move to limit …
Hemp License Applications Available from Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
Alabama farmers interested in producing hemp have until Nov. 30 to apply for an industrial hemp license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). Applications will only be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System (KRS) at https://agi.alabama.gov/hemp/formsandapplications/. The Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 Code of Alabama 1975 in 2016, tasking …
Natural Disasters: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
By Clint Thompson Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. That should be the mindset of specialty crop producers, especially in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Farmers should always be prepared for the next natural disaster. In the Southeast, that may come in a variety of forms, says Bart Hester, agent with Country Financial in Moultrie, Georgia. He discussed …
US Department of Labor: Final Rule Improves H-2A
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule to amend H-2A temporary labor certification regulations that improves worker safety and updates the H-2A application and temporary labor certification process. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 12, 2022. After the department proposed changes to the H-2A program’s regulations in a Notice of Proposed …
Hurricane Ian Preparation Considerations for South Carolina Fruit and Vegetable Crops
Hurricane Ian is approaching the Southeast and is expected to bring significant amounts of rain and heavy winds to South Carolina over the weekend. The latest forecasts show Ian traveling northeast towards the Atlantic, then northward through western South Carolina. Clemson Extension agents advise specialty crop growers in The South Carolina Grower to be prepared to experience damaging winds, excessive …
Commissioner Fried Shares USDA Hurricane Preparation, Recovery Reminders for Florida Farmers
Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried shared important reminders with Florida producers to prepare for and as they recover from any potential impact from Hurricane Ian. Take precautions to prepare and protect your family and agricultural operation. Develop an Emergency Plan – Ensure your household and employees know your hurricane plan, including meeting points, emergency contact lists, and alternate evacuation routes in case infrastructure …
Organophosphate Insecticides Ban? Comment Period to EPA is Sept. 25
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers are reminded that Sunday, Sept. 25 is the deadline to submit a comment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the ramifications of the potential cancellation of multiple organophosphate pesticides. Growers would lose the last broad spectrum soil insecticide in vegetables in diazinon if the cancellation goes through. It would also impact different areas …
Georgia Department of Agriculture Announces 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Recipients
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA/AMS) Specialty Crop Block Grant. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds projects that “enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.” Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, turfgrass/sod, nursery, and greenhouse crops. “USDA …