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Mexican Exports Eroding Florida Specialty Crop Markets

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts, Trade

By Tacy Callies Florida fruit and vegetable growers are acutely aware of the negative impacts that Mexico’s exports have had on their ability to remain competitive. In a recent virtual presentation on the subject, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner shared some shocking statistics from a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) report. Published in July, …

Georgia Ag Commissioner: One of the Vulnerabilities This Year Was Blueberries

Web AdminBerries, Georgia, Top Posts

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black testified last week in a hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office that his state’s fruit and vegetable producers had a decent spring of production amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, one commodity group had its challenges especially when competing against Mexican imports. “I think one of the vulnerabilities this year was blueberries. We had some …

Do You Use Carbaryl on Citrus or Blueberries?

Web AdminBerries, Citrus, Florida, Top Posts

The Environmental Protection Agency is re-evaluating the risks of Carbaryl for continued registration of this chemical. In order to protect Carbaryl for use, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association is surveying growers on its use. Your data is critically important. Even if you do not use Carbaryl, input is needed. The Cabaryl case study will be presented as part of …

Florida Blueberry Farmer: USMCA Not a Good Deal For Vegetable, Specialty Crop Producers

Web AdminAlabama, Berries, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, North Carolina, Produce, South Carolina, Top Posts, USMCA, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson One of the most vocal critics of Mexican imports into the U.S. is adamant that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will not help or protect vegetable or specialty crop producers. “No, that’s not a good deal for specialty crops. They didn’t really address our issues at all. That was not a good deal for us,” said Ryan Atwood, …

Florida Produce Farmer Concerned Over Lack of Fair Trade

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, Produce, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson A Florida produce farmer is the latest to voice his concern over the impact Mexican imports are having on American farmers. Will Hyatt, who farms bell peppers and cantaloupes in Lake Wales, Florida, said there are multiple reasons consumers should buy domestic. He also believes the idea of fair trade is a fantasy and not reality. “I …

Florida Blueberry Farmer: I’m a Fan of Having Our Own Domestic Supply of Food

Web AdminBerries, Florida, Georgia, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Blueberry prices have not improved much, and Mexican imports may be a reason why, says Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “I don’t think (prices have) move the needle much. Part of it is this Mexico deal. Mexico brought another 5 million pounds in last week. Mexico just keeps putting more and more fruit on our window, even Georgia’s …

COVID-19 Devastates Blueberry Market for Florida Farmers

Web AdminBerries, Florida, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson It normally pays to have an early blueberry crop if you’re a Florida farmer. But as Ryan Atwood will attest, this has not been your normal year. Blueberry producers are not immune to the impact of COVID-19. “Being early is a good thing. For a Florida blueberry grower, you’re trying to be early. Everything you do is …

Promoting Health Benefits of Blueberries Could Boost Sales

Web AdminAlabama, Berries, Florida, Georgia, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Produce industry experts believe consumers are, and will continue to be more health conscious, which is good news for blueberry producers. “It’s very apparent to me that consumers are getting the message because when you look at things like the blueberry category, the strawberry category, the citrus category, we’re seeing great movement in those types of items,” …

Fried: Florida Farm to You Initiative a Tremendous Hit

Web AdminFlorida, Produce, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is connecting the state’s farmers with local consumers. The results so far have been tremendous, according to Nikki Fried, Florida Ag Commissioner. Fried highlighted the Florida Farm to You initiative that is designed to aid farmers, who are struggling to sell produce and other commodities during the ongoing …