By Clint Thompson The convoluted and sometimes perplexing nature of the H-2A program has Chris Butts concerned about the ramifications of one misstep by his producers. Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), continues to voice his concerns with how the methodology is constructed to determine the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR); the expense …
Blueberry Rust a Problem Throughout the Year for Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson One blueberry disease continues to surface to the top of concerns for Florida growers. Leaf rust is an ongoing problem that plagues production throughout the state, says Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida. “In evergreen production, rust has still been an issue. The dry weather has reduced it compared to last …
USDA Provides Assistance for Citrus Growers After Hurricane Ian
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently visited a citrus grove in Polk County, Florida, to survey the impact of Hurricane Ian and meet affected growers. He highlighted efforts by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help Florida producers recover from the devastating impact of hurricanes. USDA is working through nearly 2,500 requests for assistance following Hurricane Ian. It has aided …
UF/IFAS Research After Hurricane Ian Seeks to Help Florida Growers
Researchers will assess 20 to 30 Florida citrus groves impacted by 2022’s Hurricane Ian to learn lessons that will help growers in the future. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers Christopher Vincent and Tripti Vashisth and their teams will conduct the assessment. The research will be funded by a $280,000, one-year grant from the U.S. Department of …
Sweet Corn Prices Increasing for Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn producers experiencing high volume right now are reaping the rewards of a depressed supply. Prices are extremely high right now, though, Florida’s spring crop should be ramping up production soon, says Tori Rumenik, commodity services and supply chain manager for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. She highlighted why farmers are able to ask …
Sweet Corn Prices High for Florida Growers with a Crop
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn producers experiencing high volume right now are reaping the rewards of a depressed supply. Prices are extremely high right now, though, Florida’s spring crop should be ramping up production soon, says Tori Rumenik, commodity services and supply chain manager for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. She highlighted why farmers are able to ask …
Buchanan, Soto, Rubio, Scott Work to Protect Florida’s Seasonal Growers
WASHINGTON – Unfair trade practices with Mexico continue to be at the forefront of Florida’s specialty crop producers. Legislators are doing what they can to protect seasonal producers. Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and Congressman Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation earlier this month to help Florida fruit and vegetable growers combat Mexico’s unfair trade practices. “Illegal seasonal dumping and …
Buchanan, Soto, Rubio, Scott Introduce Legislation to Protect Florida’s Seasonal Growers
WASHINGTON – Unfair trade practices with Mexico continue to be at the forefront of Florida’s specialty crop producers. Legislators are doing what they can to protect seasonal producers. Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and Congressman Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation earlier this month to help Florida fruit and vegetable growers combat Mexico’s unfair trade practices. “Illegal seasonal dumping and …
H-2A Housing a Hurdle for Many GrowersÂ
By Clint Thompson A small group of people can sometimes boast the loudest voices. For some specialty crop producers, that can impede progress. David Hill, president of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Fla., and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, recently testified to the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee on the state’s fruit and vegetable industry. One of his …
Citrus Growers Called to Vote on Marketing Order AmendmentsÂ
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a referendum April 3–May 1 on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in Florida. Notice of the referendum was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 18, 2023. The proposed amendments would include reducing the size and quorum requirements of the Citrus …