canker

Canker Awareness for Cold-Hardy Citrus Region

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Disease

Citrus canker disease is an isolated threat in the cold-hardy citrus region that growers should remain aware of. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, recently discussed the disease and its potential impact in cold-hardy citrus. “Canker has been found in Georgia, as reported several years ago. It seems to be very isolated in a …

Water Needs Vital for Southeast Pecan Crop

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. But they can ill-afford to let their guards down with regard to the crop’s current needs, which right now, centers on water demands. This is according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells talked about pecans and their water …

Sweet Grown Alabama Director Eyes Continued Growth Moving Forward

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama has grown leaps and bounds since its inception just seven years ago. Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson talked about the program and her vision for it moving forward. “We’re incredibly proud of how much growth Sweet Grown Alabama has had since 2019. We went from a concept to a program with over 600 …

FFVA President Discusses USMCA, Importance of TRQs

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill An interview with AgNet Media allowed Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner to discuss multiple issues impacting his farmers. One of those topics was the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. declined to extend the USMCA amid the governments’ scheduled review on July 1, 2026. Needed Changes Joyner outlined some of …

GFVGA Executive Director: A Lot to Like With Rep. Thompson’s Labor Legislation

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson There is a lot to like about U.S. Representative GT Thompson’s (PA-15) Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026; legislation that would improve accessibility and labor costs with the H-2A program. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), highlighted those positives, as his organization hosted this year’s Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum …

Sneak Peek: September 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonFlorida

In this month’s sneak peek, the September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo and its triumphant return to Fort Myers, Florida. The two-day event was held on Aug. 12-13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Luminary Hotel. The new venue offered farmers and industry leaders convenience and amenities. Citrus and specialty crop …

Court Ag Labor Ruling Is Setback for Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Just when Southeast specialty crop growers thought they had found some certainty with regards to the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) they were paying within the H-2A program, a federal court ruling has provided more uncertainty. A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Labor’s (DOL) current AEWR methodology is unlawful. Multiple provisions were found to …

Save the Date: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Scheduled for Aug. 4-5, 2027

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about and planning for next year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, especially after the success of this year’s event. Southeast farmers and industry leaders can go ahead and mark their calendars for next year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 4-5, 2027. Citrus and specialty crop growers, …

Why Be Optimistic About Ag Labor Reform?

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Ag labor reform is currently a dream that industry experts hope will soon become a reality. Hopefully, it will occur by the end of the year. U.S. Representative GT Thompson (PA-15) has already introduced Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026,legislation that would improve accessibility and labor costs with the H-2A program. H-2A reform was a focus of …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Vegetable growers — be aware that the EPA is seeking public comments on an issue regarding the use of neonicotinoid insecticides (e.g., Admire, Assail, Belay, Actor, Venom) on food crops. Clemson/University of …