The University of Georgia wants feedback from producers impacted by COVID-19. Growers have until Dec. 23 to fill out a survey that will help industry leaders gauge the impact the pandemic has had on Georgia’s agricultural sector. The survey covers various facets of farming operations that have been altered since the pandemic began in mid-March. This includes commodity prices, disposal …
U.S. Blueberry Growers Form New Alliance to Seek Import Remedies
WASHINGTON, December 16, 2020 – Blueberry growers across America today established a new coalition, the American Blueberry Growers Alliance, to seek relief from rising imports that are harming their businesses. The Alliance will provide information and support to an ongoing U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation into the serious injury caused by increased imports of fresh, chilled and frozen blueberries …
Fruit Drop Weighs Heavily on Florida Growers
Numerous Florida citrus growers are experiencing heavy fruit drop this fall. “For some growers, it’s the worst fruit drop they have experienced; 50%-plus,” says grower Lee Jones with Cross Covered Caretaking. Grower Jim Snively, with Southern Gardens Citrus, said he is hearing talk of around 30 to 50%-plus fruit drop. “I’m hearing pick-outs that are 20% to 70% below last …
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Announces COVID-19 Handbook for Georgia Ag Laborers
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia Extension, has developed a practical and comprehensive COVID-19 handbook for growers and farm labor contractors in the specialty crop industry. Written specifically for Georgia growers, Protecting Yourself Against the Coronavirus, focuses on maintaining a safe and healthy …
Growers’ Input on Pests Needed
Entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock is seeking Florida citrus growers’ help in determining information gaps and future directions for her research on pests. To get that help, she’s asking growers to participate in a survey, which is available here. Diepenbrock, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher, would like to have growers take the survey by March 31, …
UF/IFAS-Developed Blueberry App to Help Growers Battle Diseases, Pests
By: Brad Buck, bradbuck@ufl.edu, 352-875-2641 (cell) A new University of Florida app will help the state’s blueberry growers identify and manage disease and insect injuries commonly encountered in Florida before their crop is ruined. Collectively, blueberries are a $60 million-per-year crop in Florida. Patricio Munoz, the UF/IFAS blueberry breeder and an assistant professor of horticultural sciences, came up with the …
Low Pecan Prices Remain Stable for Georgia Growers
Pecan prices have been depressingly low all harvest season. But they have not dropped much more in the last month or so, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “What I’ve been hearing, they’ve been fairly stable for the last two or three weeks. Good nuts have been selling in the range of a $1.15 to …
On Farm Readiness Reviews for Produce Growers in Georgia
On Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR) are now available for Georgia produce farmers. Schedule your OFRR by clicking the button below to visit georgiaproducesafety.com or by contacting Maggie or Elizabeth. Maggie H. BrownProduce Safety Education and Outreach CoordinatorMaggie.brown@agr.georgia.gov Elizabeth S. DanforthProduce Safety Education and Outreach AssociateElizabeth.Danforth@agr.georgia.gov An OFRR is not an inspection but a method of educating before regulating. The goal of an …
Stanley Culpepper: A leading voice for growers
By Clint Thompson When University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension weed agronomist Stanley Culpepper speaks, Tift County grower Bill Brim listens. After more than two decades of Culpepper providing expertise regarding more than 20 different vegetable crops, there’s no reason for Brim not to pay attention. “He’s a great young man. He’s a hard worker and tries to get things …
South Carolina Growers Reminded About CFAP 2 Deadline
According to the South Carolina Grower, eligible growers are reminded to sign up for the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2. The deadline is Dec. 11. More than 230 fruit, vegetable, horticulture, and tree nut commodities are eligible for CFAP 2 along with honey, maple sap, floriculture and nursery crops. Check to see if the crops you grow are eligible …