U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta of California and Kat Cammack of Florida have introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce income barriers that producers face in accessing agriculture disaster assistance. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act aims to ensure that basic safety-net programs for producers are readily available to help full-time farmers recover following natural disasters. Current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations disproportionately prohibit producers …
Set the Record Straight: Tomato Suspension Agreement Not Florida vs. Mexico
MAITLAND, FL – June 27, 2023: On June 16, the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) filed a request with the Department of Commerce to terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement. This request was based on established facts and U.S. antidumping law. Days later, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), a trade group that represents importers of Mexican produce, issued a press release …
Grape Crop Management: What to Look Out for with Harvest Season Looming
By Clint Thompson Harvest season is on the horizon for grape producers in Georgia and Alabama. Now is a critical time for growers to implement their disease and pest management strategies. Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia viticulture Extension specialist, discussed what producers should be mindful of with harvest season just a few weeks away. “At this point, keeping on top …
What’s It Like Out There? 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 Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, …
Rain, Rain Stay Away: Fungicide Timing Tricky for Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson It is vital that pecan producers keep their fungicide sprays applied during periods of rainy, cloudy weather – like the conditions experienced during the past couple of weeks. But it can be challenging for growers to find a clear window to spray and not be canceled out because of impending rain showers. It can be a difficult …
Florida Tomato Conference Scheduled For Sept. 13
Florida tomato growers should mark their calendars for the upcoming Tomato Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Labelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The conference is presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. Attendees will hear from industry leaders and university scientists about the latest trends and …
Mark Your Calendar: Florida Tomato Conference Scheduled For Sept. 13
Florida tomato growers should mark their calendars for the upcoming Tomato Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Labelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The conference is presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. Attendees will hear from industry leaders and university scientists about the latest trends and …
Protect Your Production
By Clint Thompson Florida’s climate allows growers to produce more than 300 different specialty crops. Unfortunately, that same environment can lead to various factors which can negatively impact production every year. Producers should prepare for the possibility every season that their crop could be impacted by weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes, as well as invasive species, plant diseases and …
Action Taken Against Adverse Effect Wage Rates Rule
In late February, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) pushed through a new methodology used to determine the hourly adverse effect wage rates (AEWR) for agricultural employers. The rule became effective March 30. Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) Director of Labor Relations Jamie Fussell discussed the action’s impact on growers: IMPACT ON EMPLOYERSSimply, the new rule may mean that multiple …
UGA Extension Provides Update on San Jose Scale Management
University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cautions peach producers that San Jose scale crawlers are beginning to pick back up. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said in the UGA Extension Peach Blog that he anticipates the second main peak of crawler activity to occur at approximately 2,400 DD (degree days) since Feb. 1, …