Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update-4/12/21 Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “I am starting to see some goosegrass popping due to soil temperatures being 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Goosegrass will typically be problematic in more compacted areas of the field. …
Is the ‘US Superna’ Mandarin Hybrid Finally on the Rise in Florida?
With commercial production viability still up for debate, the unique fruit is now in trial blocks for observation in the Sunshine State.
Fried: We are Losing a lot of Farms
The economics of farming in Florida is not adding up for some vegetable and specialty crop producers. With land prices continuing to increase across the Sunshine State and imports continuing to flood the U.S. markets, it has created a crossroads for some growers, explains Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried. “When our growers can’t compete and they are seeing job losses, …
Secretary of Ag Discusses Timely Issues Facing Southeast Vegetable Producers
Two issues at the forefront of vegetable and specialty crop producers in the Southeast is H-2A and imports from countries like Mexico. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed both issues and sympathizes with growers in the Southeast. “We’re looking at ways in which we’re able to provide some help and assistance to them under the COVID relief packages that were …
Whitefly Infestations Surge Across South Florida Region
According to the most recent South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly pressure continues to build across the region, with populations reaching high numbers. This is especially true in older cucurbit and fruiting vegetables at or close to harvest. Whiteflies feed on various hosts but the crop that’s proven to be most vulnerable is older tomato fields that should have …
FFVA Issues Statement Following USITC Hearing on Cucumbers, Squash
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) issued a statement following Thursday’s U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing regarding the impact of imports on the Southeast domestic cucumber and squash crops. The statement read: “Today’s hearing was a positive development in our ongoing efforts to secure trade relief for Florida growers. For decades, unfair trade practices from Mexico and other …
Florida Farmer: We Need Relief and We Need it Now
Florida farmer Marie Bedner said it best: “We need relief, and we need it now.” The Florida farmer testified on Thursday during the U.S. International Trade Commission hearing regarding the impact that imports of squash and cucumbers are having on the domestic industry. Dumping Produce Bedner cited Mexico’s low labor costs and government subsidies for how Mexico can sell its …
Increased Imports: U.S. Too Reliant on Foreign Produce?
It’s a disheartening scenario but one that farmers face every day due to rising imports from Mexico. “Every morning I start my day by spending hours on the phone with produce buyers across the country, trying to sell my product. I get the same answer, ‘No, we don’t need any,’ they would say,” said Georgia farmer Sam Watson. “At least …
Fresh Produce Association of Americas: Mexico Cannot Be Blamed
Not everyone believes there is a problem with Mexican imports and their impact on the domestic industry. In fact, Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of Americas, believes “Mexico cannot be blamed” for many of the issues Southeast farmers are trying to overcome. “In reality, many of the problems facing the Southeast growers – labor, hurricanes, real estate …
Passionate Plea: Florida Ag Commissioner Fried Testifies About Cucumbers, Squash
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried pleaded with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) that Mexican imports of cucumbers and squash are devastating the domestic market, especially her state’s farmers. In testimony delivered as part of the USITC hearing on the effects of imports on Southeast markets on Thursday, Fried pointed to the statistical impact of both commodities. From 2015 to …