WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement in response to the USDA’s Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative announced last week. “The last four years have been turbulent for the specialty crop industry due to skyrocketing costs of production inputs, especially labor, as well as competition from imports with lower input costs. This …
Citrus Canker Spreading in Cold-Hardy Region
Citrus canker has long been a presence and concern for Florida’s citrus growers. Growers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama should be wary of its potential spread into the cold-hardy citrus region. Clive Bock, a research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spoke about the disease during the recent Cold-Hardy Citrus Meeting at the University of …
Ag Leaders Disappointed with Increased AEWR
By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop producers are once again facing a substantial increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2025. Georgia and Alabama are experiencing a 9% increase to $16.08, an increase of $1.40 per hour from the previous rate of $14.68 in 2024. Florida’s new AEWR is estimated to be $16.23, a 10% increase from the …
Attention North Carolina Farmers: Submit Soil Samples by Nov. 26 to Avoid Peak-Season Fees
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services soil testing lab is about to hit its busy season. Growers and homeowners are encouraged to submit soil samples by Nov. 26 to avoid peak-season fees and to get results and recommendations sooner. Peak-season fees will be waived for the western counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. “Accurate lime and …
GFVGA Eager to Tell Its Story to New Administration
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is eager to work with the President-Elect Donald Trump and his administration. Though this will mark Trump’s second term as president, his administration will look much differently. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed his organization’s mindset when working with newly appointed leaders …
UF/IFAS Receives $1 Million Grant to Explore Automation in Nursery Industry
Imagine a future where nursery growers can effortlessly manage their plants with cutting-edge automation technologies, using potting or weed-spraying robots, instead of having to dig each hole or spray each pot by hand. With the help of a $9.8 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), this vision is becoming a reality. UF/IFAS will use …
USDA Announces More Than $2 Billion to Strengthen Specialty Crops Sector
WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Tuesday the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables and nuts overcome market barriers for their products, and help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events, including recent hurricanes. The new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative will provide $2 billion to …
Prolonged Drought’s Impact in Central Alabama
By Clint Thompson Lingering drought conditions in Alabama are impacting fruit crops in central Alabama. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent, said the prolonged dry spell and warm temperatures are impacting his growers’ peach trees and strawberry plants. “Where I am peaches and strawberries are the main thing. Peaches have already set their buds. They set those in the late summer. …
To Sell or Store: Pecan Producers Face Dilemma
By Clint Thompson To sell or not to sell. That is the current predicament facing pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. With prices devastatingly low for growers, despite increased demand and diminished supply, farmers are facing a dilemma of whether to sell their crop right away or store it until the market improves. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …
Shiranui Gaining Popularity in Cold-Hardy Citrus Region
Leaders in the cold-hardy citrus region have long advocated for growers to diversify their crop portfolios. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, has wanted citrus producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama to plant alternatives to satsuma mandarins, which has been the predominant citrus type produced in the region. Diversification helps extend the harvest season. …



















