Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Can MAHA Move the Needle on Sales?

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles When President Trump appointed Robert Kennedy Jr. to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), it was a clear signal that it would not be business as usual at the agency charged with “improving the health, safety and well-being of America.” With a budget of about $2 trillion, HHS has significant sway in American …

irrigation

Postfreeze Irrigation and Fertilization for Citrus Trees

Dan CooperFreeze, Irrigation, Nutrition

Irrigation and fertilizer applications are important management tools for Florida citrus growers following the recent freeze event in late January/early February. Davie Kadyampakeni, associate professor in soil, water and ecosystem sciences at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discussed both facets of tree maintenance during a postfreeze webinar hosted by the UF/IFAS Citrus Team. Key …

Research Critical for Alabama’s Strawberry Industry

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Strawberry research continues to be a focus at Auburn University. It needs to be for Alabama growers to have a viable future. Sushan Ru, assistant professor in horticulture at Auburn University, hopes to provide her growers with strong alternative varieties. She updated growers about her research during the recent Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference …

Estimate Puts Florida Freeze Damage at More Than $3 Billion

Clint ThompsonFlorida

As growers surveyed fields and groves after the freeze in late January and early February, it was clear the damage had been catastrophic in many cases. That was confirmed by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson with the first estimate of damage released on Feb 20.  Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) preliminary estimates of losses to Florida …

Registration Open for 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Registration is now open for the 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, set for Aug. 12–13 at the waterfront Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. The Expo has earned a reputation as a top event for commercial producers. The event brings together citrus and specialty crop growers, allied industry companies, researchers and industry leaders for two days of …

Know Where Crops Will Be Sold Before Planting

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Alabama growers need to know where their fruits and vegetables will be sold before the plants are put in the ground. That’s a message that was emphasized during the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference on Feb. 5. AFVGA President Taylor Hatchett talked about her own farming operation’s experience when speaking at the conference. She …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: A New Year With New Opportunities

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Chris Butts The new year provides us with the opportunity to reflect, reset and develop new goals and objectives for the coming months. Looking back to January of 2025, the fruit and vegetable industry has made progress on important issues like labor rates and H-2A program rules. Successful Conference Here in Georgia, we are finding reason for optimism. We …

What’s New At The Georgia Citrus Association Annual Conference

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

The Georgia Citrus Association’s (GCA) annual conference is less than a week away. Georgia growers are encouraged to attend the Feb. 24 meeting and learn about various trends impacting the industry in the cold-hardy citrus region. The event takes place at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and member …

Specialty Crop Alliance Applauds Release of Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026

Clint ThompsonFlorida

WASHINGTON — The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement regarding the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 released by House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson. “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends Chairman Thompson and his staff for advancing the farm bill process and including key provisions that would enhance the competitiveness …