By Amir Rezazadeh To overcome economic losses from citrus greening disease, Florida citrus growers are looking for alternative crops that could be planted in their current fallow lands. Besides maintaining the ag community’s wellbeing, alternative crops should require low water and nutrient inputs in order to promote environmental sustainability. One such alternative is Pongamia pinnata, also known as pongam, a …
Emerging Leader Development Program Class 12 Announced
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) has announced the selection of 14 up-and-coming agriculture industry leaders for Class 12 of its Emerging Leader Development Program. Administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, the creation of the Emerging Leader Development Program back in 2011 has provided 128 young leaders with an immersive experience on the many issues facing the industry …
Potential Organophosphate Ban Latest Challenge for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson First chlorpyrifos. Now, potentially, all organophosphate pesticides. What’s the next resource that the Environmental Protection Agency could be petitioned to take away from specialty crop producers? “At some point it becomes a threat to the food supply,” said Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. It’s a concern for Sparks, who believes carbamates could be next. …
USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for ’22 Crop
ATHENS, GA – During the last week of September, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information generated from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2022. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in southern states and it is crucial for us …
Organophosphate Insecticides Ban? Comment Period to EPA is Sept. 25
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers are reminded that Sunday, Sept. 25 is the deadline to submit a comment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the ramifications of the potential cancellation of multiple organophosphate pesticides. Growers would lose the last broad spectrum soil insecticide in vegetables in diazinon if the cancellation goes through. It would also impact different areas …
Succeeding at Retail Sales
By Tiffany Bailey There are many benefits to selling organics to retail customers. First of all, when growers are selling retail, they are cutting out parties from the middle that normally exist between a grower and a customer. This provides the grower with the highest possible financial benefits. Also, growers are able to interact directly with customers. This provides the …
September Webinar: Tips for Beginning Farmers and Farm Seekers
North Carolina FarmLink and the Organic Growers School will host a free webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. to discuss helpful tips for beginning farmers and farm seekers. Attendees will learn about the Farm Triangle and the Dunning-Kruger Effect and some upcoming beginning farmer training opportunities, including the Organic Growers School Journeyperson Farmer Program. Those interested can sign …
Millennium Block Citrus Variety Trial Field Day Set for October
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) will host a Millennium Block Variety Trial Field Day on Oct. 19. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The Millennium Block is at 7850 Pruitt Research Road in Fort Pierce. Registration can be completed online here or by calling Tom …
Expo Tackles Trucking and New BMPs
By Frank Giles The 2022 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo was held last month in North Fort Myers. Growers from across Florida and beyond gathered for the event that was packed with educational programming and a trade show floor full of exhibitors eager to display their products and services. This year’s general educational session focused on some of the bigger …
Pierce’s Disease Problem for Some Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson Diseases were minimal for grape producers in the Southeast this year, but Pierce’s disease was one that caused problems in some vineyards. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen discussed how widespread the disease has been this year and what growers can do to manage it. “There’s a good bit of Pierce’s disease showing …