U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced The Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act this week. It will protect farmers impacted by crop-damaging freezes. Rep. Steube proposes this legislation for inclusion in the 2023 Farm Bill. “This winter, a freeze caused significant damages to Florida’s citrus, sugarcane, ornamental plants, and many fruits and vegetables. Currently, specialty-crop insurance policies are expensive, leaving …
Early Harvest Returns: Florida’s Blueberry Growers Off to Strong Start
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry growers are excited about the potential of this year’s harvests, which are continuing across the state. That’s the vibe being felt among producers, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “A lot of fruit has come out already, particularly in the southern part of the state. …
Pecan Growers Should Delay Fungicide Applications, Unless Crop is Highly Vulnerable to Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall last week had pecan producers feeling antsy about applying fungicide sprays for scab disease. But that should only apply to a small percentage. Most growers still can wait to start their fungicide applications, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Pecan Specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve had calls from some (growers), and some of them I agree, …
Strawberry Growers Be Wary of Potential Frost
A potential for a frost event this weekend should have strawberry growers in North Carolina on high alert. North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension says that producers will need to protect their crop if the weather forecast predicts frost. The greatest potential for frost will be Sunday and Monday mornings, though some regions in the western part of the state could …
Powdery Mildew: What Cucurbit Growers Need to Know
By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew is a disease all cucurbit farmers need to be familiar with this spring season. Unlike other pathogens that need wet, rainy conditions to flourish, powdery mildew prefers a drier environment. If weather conditions turn dry this spring, powdery mildew could be most concerning, says Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of …
PRVCGA: Florida Growers Score Wins During Legislative Session
By Frank Giles Members of Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association gathered in Arcadia last week for its annual meeting and dinner. Updates were provided on association business, orange juice marketing and citrus Extension activities. Matt Joyner, executive vice president/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, also gave an update on the 2022 state legislative session. He said the citrus industry scored …
Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute Returns as an In-Person Event Next Week
After being forced to the virtual space by COVID-19 for the past two years, the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute will return to an in-person event next week. This year’s institute will be held Tuesday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Florida State College, Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park, Florida. “We …
N.C. Tomato Growers Association Offering Scholarship
The North Carolina (N.C.) Tomato Growers Association is offering a $1,000 merit/need-based scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Any North Carolina resident who pursues a horticulture or agribusiness undergraduate or graduate degree at a four-year North Carolina college or university is eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting an application is May 31. The award will be based on a …
USDA Disaster Declaration for Florida Growers Impacted by Freeze
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) disaster designation for 17 counties and 10 contiguous counties impacted by the freezing temperatures that occurred in late January. View the USDA’s approval letter here. “With the approval of our request for a disaster declaration, farmers in Florida have resources available to them …
Georgia Apple Growers Vote to Continue Apple Commission Assessments
Earlier this year, Georgia apple producers voted to continue the Georgia Apple Commission Marketing Order for an additional three years. The new marketing order will allow the assessment rate to be changed from the current two cents per marketed bushel to a range of two to four cents per marketed bushel. The final rate will be established by the five …