By Clint Thompson The Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s (FSGA) presence at last week’s Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta is a sign to the industry that Florida producers are rebounding from Hurricane Milton’s devastation a couple of weeks prior. “The concern I think to everyone is, ‘Are we okay?’ I just wanted to make sure everyone knows that our …
IFPA CEO: Specialty Crops in Consideration More Than Ever in Looming Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) will continue to “fight for fresh.” That means the IFPA is fighting and advocating for specialty crop producers in the Southeast in the looming farm bill. Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA, highlighted during last week’s Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta, her organization’s role in the current farm bill discussions …
Helene’s Economic Impact on Georgia Pecans May Increase
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene’s $138 million impact to the pecan industry is devastating for Georgia growers. What’s even more demoralizing is that those preliminary estimates may not cover the entire losses to the pecan industry, explains Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “We’re still looking at the possibility of more losses with whatever nuts are left in …
FDACS Urges USDA to Issue Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Milton Agricultural Damage
Preliminary Agricultural Damage Assessment Estimates Losses at $1.5 – $2.5 Billion (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/October 17, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson sent a letter [ 1.1 MB ] to the United States Secretary of Agriculture formally requesting a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Disaster Declaration for Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Milton caused catastrophic damage to Florida’s agricultural producers, compounding losses and …
What’s Happening? 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. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary …
IFPA Part of Lawsuit Challenge Against DOL
Washington, D.C. – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and nine co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit contesting the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s unconstitutional regulatory overreach and limitations on the freedom of speech of farmers who employ temporary workers. The other plaintiffs to the action are the American Farm Bureau Federation, AmericanHort, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, …
To Save or Not to Save? Salvaging Leaning Trees Following Hurricane Helene
By Clint Thompson A pecan grower’s instinct following a high-wind event is to save as many trees as they can. For producers in Southeast Georgia following Hurricane Helene, the trouble in salvaging a leaning tree may not be worth the time and expense. The tree may still end up dying or be useless over time. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia …
Mental Health Survey Underway in Florida
By Frank Giles Specialty crop growers might have heard about the Mind Your Melon mental health awareness campaign as it has gained more attention in recent years. Marshal Sewell and his wife Taylor officially launched Mind Your Melon in May of 2022 during Mental Health Awareness Month. Movement Takes Shape Mental health has been a passion for Sewell since 2007 …
Alabama Extension Specialist: Potential for Neopestalotiopsis is Having Severe Impact
By Clint Thompson The threat of neopestalotiopsis on strawberry plants in the Southeast is having a “severe impact on the industry,” according to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “A lot of nursery owners have opted either to not sell plants or are advising the growers that they’re taking the …
Georgia Ag Partners Launch Joint Hurricane Relief Fund for Farmers Impacted by Helene
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in a partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and in support by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), has launched the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund to aid farmers and ranchers facing devastating losses from Hurricane Helene. The fund aims to raise $1 million by December to provide direct financial aid to …



















