(ACES) — Some Alabama farmers could see a break on their taxes thanks to a new tax credit. This credit allows farmers to count certain costs associated with irrigation — including fuel conversions, equipment and reservoirs — on their income taxes. Qualification Only qualified irrigations systems or reservoirs are eligible for the tax credit. Producers must have filled out an …
Sneak Peek: December VSCNews Magazine
In the December issue, VSCNews magazine is ending the year with new ideas for growers in the deep Southeast. Broccoli is a staple vegetable in grocery stores across the county, but most of the crop is produced on the West Coast. Researchers involved in the Eastern Broccoli Project are working to change that. From Maine to Florida, vegetable specialists are …
Evaluating Methods to Reduce Runoff in Blueberry Beds
By Gary L. Hawkins Water and nutrients are needed items for plant growth, and blueberries are no different. However, when nutrients leach below the root zone that is a loss for the farmer. Where water tables are high and farmers use subsurface tile drains to remove excess water, mobile nutrients such as nitrogen in the form of nitrate can cause …
Postharvest Practices Necessary for Peach Trees During Drought
By Karla Arboleda According to Extension faculty at the University of Georgia (UGA), peach growers need to continue to water their trees after harvest to avoid negative effects from the ongoing drought. Dario Chavez, an assistant professor in peach research and Extension at UGA, said there is still a lack of water in areas throughout Georgia. GEORGIA DROUGHT Since at …
2019 Florida Blueberry Season Sees Success
By Karla Arboleda Florida blueberry growers had a successful year in terms of numbers for 2019. According to data from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA), blueberry-growing operations have increased in acreage. Doug Phillips, blueberry Extension coordinator for UF/IFAS, said he surveyed growers to learn more about how …
FFVA President Discusses Updates on Labor Reform, USMCA
By Karla Arboleda Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), spoke to specialty crop growers about efforts toward labor reform and the current draft of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). LABOR REFORM While meeting with members of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Joyner talked about the Farm Workforce Modernization Act that was introduced on Oct. 30. …
Outbreak of E. coli Possibly Linked to Romaine Lettuce Appears to Be Over
(FDA) — “We are sharing news of a recent E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that was likely associated with romaine lettuce. We do not believe there is a current or ongoing risk to the public and we are not recommending the public avoid consuming romaine lettuce,” said U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas. “However, …
Two-Spotted Spider Mites: Serious Pest in Strawberries
By Shane Curry and Jeff Cook With fall planting upon us, the southeastern strawberry season is underway. In this part of the country, strawberry plants are set annually from September to November with fruit ripening from April to June. From the time the plants arrive on the farm in the fall through harvest time in spring, growers must thoroughly inspect …
Research to Reduce Pepper Diseases; Boost Production
(UF/IFAS) — Pepper is popular. Consumers eat all kinds, including jalapenos, habaneros, chilis and more. Because people eat so much of the fruit, peppers are worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year to the Florida and national economies. In fact, in 2018, bell and chili peppers alone were a $181 million-a-year industry in Florida and a $628 million-a-year industry …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Updates
By Karla Arboleda On Oct. 25, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) hosted its annual short course and trade show. Researchers and growers joined the FBGA in sharing blueberry industry news. HALL OF FAME In addition to hosting a platform for updates in the Florida blueberry industry, the FBGA announced the first members of the new Florida Blueberry Hall of …