SHENZHEN, China — Consumers in China can finally enjoy fresh blueberries from the United States. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) teamed up with Pagoda, a leading fruit retailer in China, on Thursday to hold a ceremony celebrating the arrival of fresh U.S. blueberries to mainland China, the first-ever promotion of USA fresh blueberries in China. The United States is …
UGA Pecan Specialist: Apocalyptic Scab Weather We’re Having Right Now
By Clint Thompson An already challenging time in the pecan industry is being made tougher this summer with the persistent rains. While the trees need rain to produce a crop in the fall, too much rain can lead to scab disease. With as much rain as being reported across Alabama and Georgia, a scab outbreak is quickly spiraling out of …
Results from Vegetable Chemical Use Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the results of its 2020 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey of vegetable producers across the country. The data relates to pesticide use and pest management practices on 22 different vegetable crops. Producers in 18 states participated in the survey, which included eight-focused crops in Florida and eight in Georgia. The pesticide …
Explain Yourself: Florida Blueberry Producers Part of Survey on Pollinator Use
A national group of scientists, including University of Florida researcher Rachel Mallinger, hope to learn more about how blueberry growers use pollinators to boost their yields for the state’s $60 million-a-year industry. Mallinger is surveying Florida blueberry farmers to see how they utilize pollinators. “Pollination is extremely important for blueberries as little to no fruit forms without it,” said Mallinger, …
USDA Revises Performance Measures for AMS Grant Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced updated performance measures for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, the Acer Access and Development Program, and the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. The updates will apply to the fiscal year 2022 grant cycle and beyond. “These improvements will make it easier …
Summer Rains Impacting Middle Alabama
By Clint Thompson Rainy days and wet field conditions add up to a frustrating summer for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. “Soaking wet,” describes David Lawrence, regional Extension agent for commercial horticulture in middle Alabama. “Everything’s under water. Guys are having a hard time getting in the field, falling behind. Disease pressure is through the roof right now. Yep, …
Nematode Management Key to Hemp Production in Florida
By Clint Thompson The long-term sustainability of producing hemp in Florida is still being researched. What is certain is that if growers hope to produce hemp in the Sunshine State, they’ll have to overcome nematodes. It is not a surprise to Johan Desaeger, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “What we …
Reps. Scott, Ruiz Introduce American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-08) joined Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA-36) in introducing the American Seasonal and Perishable Crop Support Act (H.R. 4580), which would help level the playing field for specialty crop growers who compete against below-market foreign imports. The legislation was drafted in concert with American growers who have experienced drastic drops in production …
Clemson’s Tony Melton Retires
According to The South Carolina Grower, long-time Horticulture Agent Tony Melton retired in early July, concluding a 40-year career with Clemson University. Melton is best known for working with fruit and vegetable growers in the Pee Dee Region. Melton first began his career with Clemson University in 1980 in the Horticulture Department before earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture and …
Bayer Committed to Increasing Fruit, Vegetable Consumption
Monheim, July 21, 2021 – With an announcement on Wednesday of new portfolio innovations and a business strategy for horticulture, Bayer reaffirms its commitment to increasing worldwide consumption of fruits and vegetables. The strategy focuses on activities that deliver solutions to the farm, advance sustainable innovations on the farm and address value chain and consumer needs beyond the farm. “Only …