Southeast strawberry growers continue to be threatened by fresh strawberry imports from other countries, mainly Mexico. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report, fresh strawberry import volume increased 4% in 2023, from 564 million pounds to 589 million pounds. It marked the fifth straight year that import volumes have increased. The nominal value of …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Jhessye Moore-Thomas Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology …
Florida Peach Crop Early This Year
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach crop was about 80% this year. It was also earlier than normal, explains Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The people that thinned on time are going to do well. I think we’ve had people picking since March. In north-central Florida, there’s been people picking …
Bacterial Leaf Spot Confirmed in North Florida Watermelon Crop
Disease detection picked up over the previous week in North Florida watermelons. As observations of bacterial leaf spot and Alternaria leaf spot have been confirmed, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is advising growers to scout fields more closely as a result. “Based on field visits last week, I see the greater concern and recommendation to be …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word
By Rob Gilbert The Science of Sustainability The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) provides the science of sustainability. For specialty crop growers, sustainability must mean profitability. Our innovations have to make economic sense. My predecessors as University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources have held this view for generations. I’m honored …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign on Keeping Treated Seeds Covered
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife. To learn more about what we can do, we’re talking with Nick Tinsley, Seed Treatment Technical Field Representative with BASF, who says one important action is to keep treated seeds covered. About Growing Matters BeSure! Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on …
Mexican Tomato Industry Can’t Litigate Its Way Out of Dumping Charges
MAITLAND, FL – Last week, in response to a lawsuit by a large Mexican tomato exporter, the U.S. Court of International Trade remanded a 2019 decision to the Department of Commerce, which had determined Mexican tomatoes were being dumped in the U.S. market. Importantly, this decision didn’t invalidate the fact that dumping took place but was a procedural decision that …
AFVGA Executive Director Expresses Concerns with AEWR
By Clint Thompson The lack of a farm bill is concerning for Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers. But at the forefront of their minds is the current labor situation, specifically the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, tied to the H-2A program. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), talked about the challenges his producers are …
UGA Studying Water Spinach as Potential Crop
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia is engaging in research that could lead to the production of a new crop for Georgia’s specialty crop producers. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, describes the early process of researching water spinach, a crop that is produced throughout Southeast Asia. “We are looking at …
Typical El Niño Winter Drenched Most of SE
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers knew heading into this season that it had the potential to be cold and wet. In certain areas across the Southeast (SE), this year’s El Niño did not disappoint. It was so wet across Alabama, Florida and Georgia that the mostly dry conditions that were present last fall quickly disappeared. In the most recent …



















