WASHINGTON – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities, homes, farms and businesses across parts of the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has deployed staff to assist with response and recovery efforts. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux traveled to Florida and Georgia with President Biden on Thursday to assess damage …
SCFBA Calls for Action on Farm Bill
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has issued the following statement in response to an Oct. 2 letter from the chairs [Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and David G. Valadao (R-Calif.)] of the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate: “The status quo for U.S. specialty crop growers is …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: More Legal Wrangling Surrounding the H-2A Program
By Frank Giles There has been a lot of activity in the past couple of years surrounding the H-2A visa program for agricultural workers. The wage-rate has skyrocketed, and a new final rule, titled Improving Protection for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States, is causing more regulatory heartburn for growers. The rule was published in June and …
Reminder: Hurricane’s Impact on Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry industry sustained minimal damage from Hurricane Helene. But the storm’s devastating path of destruction reminds growers about the dangers a hurricane can pose this time of year. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses the impacts a hurricane can have on blueberry bushes in early fall. …
HLB at Center of Florida Citrus Breeding Efforts
Peter Chaires, New Varieties Development and Management Corp. executive director, spoke about citrus breeding at the Cold Hardy Citrus Workshop on Sept. 24 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Perry. Chaires said HLB tolerance “is an essential element of everything that’s being done in the breeding program with a stronger emphasis than …
AFVGA Conference Bigger Next Year
By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is going bigger with next year’s annual conference and trade show, scheduled for Feb. 5-7, 2025, at the Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), discusses the event which will cater to more vendors this …
Protect Against Potential Fungus Post-Hurricane
Citrus growers impacted by Hurricane Helene now must decide the best management strategy to protect trees from potential disease issues prior to harvest. Kim Jones, a citrus grower and packer with operations in Monticello, Florida, and Tifton, Georgia, weighed in on what to consider to protect trees. “Fungus is the biggest risk at this point,” said Jones. “The sunshine is …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Protecting Blueberry Pollinators
By Frank Giles Among the critical elements in blueberry production are pollination and crop protection materials. Managing how those two interact is important to ensure pollinators like honey bees are protected. Recently, Rachel Mallinger, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of pollinator ecology and conservation, published a paper on managing pesticide applications during …
Hurricane Helene Impact: 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. Hurricane Helene cast tropical storm forced winds over most of South Carolina Friday as she tore through Florida and Georgia. The western part of the state took the brunt of the damage and large …
GFVGA Conveys Farm Bill Importance to Legislative Leaders During Recent Meeting
By Clint Thompson A recent meeting with members of Georgia’s legislative delegation allowed the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association an opportunity to convey its continued insistence that a farm bill be passed sooner rather than later. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the meeting’s importance and why growers need a farm …


















