By Clint Thompson Mexico has its advantages over U.S. growers in tomato production. Wages are much lower. Government subsidies help support Mexican producers being able to ask for low market prices. But technological advancements and consumer awareness may be the game changers that help Florida producers survive this onslaught of tomato imports that have only increased over the past decade, …
Onion Growers Stay Vigilant Against Diseases
By Clint Thompson The management strategies for onion diseases remain the same for Georgia’s Vidalia onion growers heading into next season. Growers need to stay vigilant in their spray programs against fungal and bacteria diseases, says Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable disease specialist. “Onion is a six-month crop, and Vidalia onions are also stored for a few …
Growers Beware: Strawberry Producers Be Prepared for Chilli Thrips
By Clint Thompson It is not a question of if chilli thrips will be a problem for Florida strawberry growers this year but when will they be? According to Sriyanka Lahiri, UF/IFAS Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, producers can expect to see infestations early in the season, not long after plants …
Moisture Available for Alabama Strawberry Growers Preparing to Plant Upcoming Crop
By Clint Thompson Excessive rainfall this summer has provided much-needed moisture for North Alabama strawberry producers preparing to plant this year’s crop, says Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We’ve got some good moisture now for working ground up and getting ready to lay plastic for strawberries. We’re kind of liking that,” said Schavey, who’s responsible for Blount …
Florida Blueberry Growers Remain Cautiously Optimistic
By Clint Thompson Increased blueberry imports may have snatched away some of Florida growers’ market share, but they haven’t taken away the producers’ optimistic outlook. That’s evident with some of the larger growers establishing new plantings, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida/IFAS Blueberry Extension Coordinator. “I would say from a market perspective, imports into the U.S. continue to be a …
New Death Tax Would Squeeze the Life Out of Florida Citrus Growers
Ag industry stakeholders on alert as proposed hikes set to stymie production and progress.
Downy Mildew Alert: Alabama Pumpkin Growers Be Wary of Disease
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall this summer has one Alabama plant pathologist concerned about downy mildew disease on the state’s pumpkin crop. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, says growers need to be wary of the disease since the weather is conducive to its development. “I would say …
Excessive Rain a Potential Food Safety Concern for Fresh Produce Growers
By Clint Thompson Rains from storms and other tropical events help replenish the soil moisture. However, they also provide food safety concerns for fresh produce growers. Camila Rodrigues, assistant professor and Alabama Extension specialist in Horticulture at Auburn University, says the biggest concern is with runoff. “What is around the field that could be carried around by runoff and also …
Check Closely: Strawberry Growers Need to Monitor Transplants
By Clint Thompson Strawberry producers need to inspect their plants closely before planting this fall, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist. Many disease instances can be avoided if proper inspection is done before plants are put in the ground. “As growers are getting in their transplants, they need to be inspecting all of the transplants. …
USDA Updates Pandemic Assistance for Specialty Crop Growers
CFAP 2 Deadline is Oct. 12 WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Additionally, USDA’s Farm …