Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumwer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida legislature for their work during the 2024 legislative session to provide significant victories for Florida agriculture, its related industries, and consumers. “When you look at agriculture’s $180 billion impact to the state of Florida, it’s clear that we rely upon agriculture as a major economic driver. …
Florida Tomato Assessment Rate Could Increase By One Cent
Florida tomato producers are facing a proposed assessment rate increase for tomatoes produced in the state, from $0.025 cents to $0.035 cents, per 25-pound carton. This comes as a recommendation from the Florida Tomato Committee and would increase the assessment rate for 2023-2024 and subsequent fiscal periods. The proposed rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless it is modified, suspended …
How’s It Looking? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Briana Naumuk Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet …
USDA Announces March 24 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for March 2024, which became effective March 1, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.    “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Movement Toward Targeted Weed Management
By Frank Giles There have been two major forces driving innovation in specialty crop agriculture. No. 1 is the challenge growers have in sourcing a dependable workforce to grow and harvest crops. No. 2 is the push to become more efficient and profitable by reducing production costs. Robotics and automation are developing rapidly with promises to help growers address those …
AFA and NACD Partner to Host 2024 Sustainability Institute
By Maegan Beatty Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) recently held their 2024 Sustainability Institute in San Diego, California. Over 50 student delegates from across the nation gathered to connect with industry professionals and discuss recent innovations and challenges in sustainability. The institute consisted of a keynote speech by Carlos Suarez who represented …
Alabama Strawberries Progressing Well
By Clint Thompson Alabama strawberries are progressing well, according to one industry expert. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, liked how his state’s strawberry crop has progressed and believes plant timing is a big reason why. “What I’ve seen, it’s pretty hopeful, pretty positive. Plants have got really good size …
USDA Expands Insurance Option for Nursery Growers to All States
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding crop insurance tailored for nursery producers to all counties in all states. Nursery Value Select (NVS) is a pilot program that enables nursery growers to select the dollar amount of coverage that best fits their risk management needs. Its expansion is part of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) efforts to …
Abnormally Dry Conditions Present in Southeast
Abnormally dry weather conditions are more prevalent in one area of the Southeast, though the region remains mostly drought free, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The southwest corner of Alabama and part of the Florida Panhandle are abnormally dry. The dry area in Alabama starts in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expands northward to include …
USDA Announces Progress on Newly Authorized Climate Programs
WASHINGTON – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the report this week, Intent to Establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program (PDF, 248 KB), authorized under the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA). The GCSA was signed into law on December 29, 2022, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This report justifying the …

















