Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black is pleased farmers and agricultural leaders have a seat at the decision-making table again. The agreement to have the August hearings that focused on unfair trade practices involving foreign produce and included testimonies from farmers and industry leaders from Florida and Georgia was a “positive step,” he said. This led to a plan of action, …
Sneak Peek: September 2020 VSCNews Magazine
The September issue of VSCNews magazine is packed with information about breeding updates and new varieties. Readers can see what’s new in strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and cucurbits. Breeding new varieties is a vital component to push agriculture forward. The University of Florida (UF) is a leader in the breeding industry. Recently, blackberries have emerged as an alternative crop in Florida. …
Georgia Ag Leaders Call for Healthy, Fair Trade
Georgia producers and industry leaders had their turn to testify on Thursday during a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office about unfair trade practices with Mexico. The hearings provided the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from growers in Georgia about the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade. This was the …
Georgia Blueberry Producer: You Don’t Have to Have a Ph.D. in Economics to See What’s happening
Russ Goodman Talks About Impact of Unfair Trade Ahead of Thursday’s Virtual Hearing A prominent blueberry producer in Southeast Georgia believes the future of the American family farm could hinge on any action taken as a result of the virtual hearing scheduled for Thursday. Russ Goodman is one of several farmers and industry leaders in Georgia who will testify in …
U.S. Representative Soto Testifies at Virtual Hearing
U.S. Representative Darren Soto of Florida’s 9th District testified on Thursday during a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. Soto focused much of his talk on blueberries and how Mexican imports have impacted Florida farmers. The hearing, which will continue throughout the day, provides the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from seasonal …
Virtual Hearings Begin Today
Gene McAvoy, associate director for stakeholder relations at the University of Florida/IFAS, is speaking up about unfair trade practices. He’s one of numerous farmers and industry leaders in Florida who will testify in a virtual hearing today with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. The hearings, scheduled for today and next Thursday, Aug. 20, will provide the U.S. Department of Commerce …
Auburn Economist Skeptical About Upcoming Trade Hearings
Two hearings on Aug. 13 and Aug. 20 with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office will provide growers from Georgia and Florida the chance to voice their concerns over unfair trade. However, one economist is skeptical about the potential impact these hearings will have. Adam Rabinowitz, Associate Professor and Extension Economist at Auburn University, points to the lack of coverage for …
How a Citrus Achievement Award Winner Deals with HLB and Diversification
Check out what Steven Callaham of Dundee Citrus Growers Association has to say in this exclusive Q&A.
FFVA Still Hoping for Celery, Watermelons to be Added in CFAP
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) did not get all of its wishes granted with the recent revisions to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) by the United States Department of Agriculture. FFVA President Mike Joyner confirmed that there are two commodities that his organization hopes the USDA will include in Category 1. “The two commodities that we also …
FFVA President: Pleased With Decisions USDA Made Regarding CFAP
Florida’s fruit and vegetable (FFVA) growers were big winners in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision last week to amend certain commodities to the list covered under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). FFVA President Mike Joyner said almost half of the commodities that his organization petitioned the USDA for were accepted. “We’re pleased with the decisions that …












