By Karla Arboleda According to Extension faculty at the University of Georgia (UGA), peach growers need to continue to water their trees after harvest to avoid negative effects from the ongoing drought. Dario Chavez, an assistant professor in peach research and Extension at UGA, said there is still a lack of water in areas throughout Georgia. GEORGIA DROUGHT Since at …
Managing Pests in Florida Blueberries
By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are working on techniques for managing pests in Florida blueberries. Both blueberry gall midge and chilli thrips are problematic for several blueberry varieties. Oscar Liburd, a professor of entomology at UF/IFAS, shared findings from the past season on managing pests. PEST ACTIVITY AND IDENTIFICATION …
Thinking Hemp? Have a Business Plan
By Ernie Neff Jeff Sharkey, executive director of the Florida Hemp Association, moderated a panel discussion on federal and state hemp policy at the recent Florida Industrial Hemp Conference and Exhibition in Orlando. “Getting the (hemp) application and licensing is reasonably straightforward,” Sharkey says. “The Department of Ag (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) wants people to be successful.” …
Better Cucumber and Watermelon Varieties Coming Soon
By Karla Arboleda Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) are working to release new cucumber and watermelon varieties. Due to persistent issues affecting cucurbits, experts at NC State are aiming to improve cucumber and watermelon varieties. Todd Wehner, a horticultural science professor at NC State, is working to provide cucurbits that are resistant to downy mildew and gummy …
Public Comments Sought for Revisions to the Produce GAPs Harmonized Standard
The deadline to submit comments is Jan. 30, 2020. (United Fresh) – United Fresh has opened the public comment period to the just-posted redline version of the Produce GAPs Harmonized Standard, detailing the proposed revisions that were reviewed by the Technical Working Group at its September meeting. “We continue to strive for a balanced standard that is both accessible for …
2019 Florida Blueberry Season Sees Success
By Karla Arboleda Florida blueberry growers had a successful year in terms of numbers for 2019. According to data from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA), blueberry-growing operations have increased in acreage. Doug Phillips, blueberry Extension coordinator for UF/IFAS, said he surveyed growers to learn more about how …
Upbeat Hemp Update
Holly Bell, director of cannabis for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, provides an optimistic update on the future of hemp in Florida. Bell spoke at the first Florida Industrial Hemp Conference and Exhibition held Nov. 3–5 in Orlando. Following her presentation, she talked with Southeast AgNet’s Tacy Callies. According to Bell, growing hemp in Florida became legal on …
Minimizing Specialty Crop Impacts From Flooding
By Kristin Woods, Achyut Adhikari, Alex Castillo, Travis Chapin, Michelle Danyluk, Audrey Gamble and T. Matthew Taylor Growers around the southern region are gearing up for a rainy fall. Preparing for and/or reacting to flooding is unfortunately part of the season. Knowing the food safety risks and regulations and having a proactive plan in place ahead of time can help …
Florida Tomato Committee Names McAvoy Researcher of the Year
(UF/IFAS) — He may hold the title “emeritus,” which means “retired,” but Gene McAvoy remains active with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and research, helping bring farmers’ concerns back to UF/IFAS scientists. In fact, he just won the Researcher of the Year Award from the Florida Tomato Committee. For the past 22 years, McAvoy …
FFVA President Discusses Updates on Labor Reform, USMCA
By Karla Arboleda Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), spoke to specialty crop growers about efforts toward labor reform and the current draft of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). LABOR REFORM While meeting with members of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Joyner talked about the Farm Workforce Modernization Act that was introduced on Oct. 30. …