By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) is seeking participants for the Grow Forward Award; a new award that will be presented at next year’s AFVGA Annual Conference on Feb. 4-6 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Blake Thaxton, AFVGA Executive Director, said this award highlights both established producers and emerging growers. “It’s an award, but it’s more …
Producers Must Abide By Contracts Made Prior to New AEWR Methodology Being Established
By Clint Thompson The Department of Labor’s interim final rule revising the methodology used in Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) calculations is a win long term for specialty crop producers. In the short term, though, growers must be wary of any contracts that were already in place preceding the new rule. That’s the message that Chris Butts, executive director of …
Freeze Tolerance Is Key to Diversification
Freeze tolerance is a focal point of citrus studies conducted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. As citrus production continues to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region, growers need varieties that are able to withstand prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Leading that research is Muhammad Shahid, …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Trade and Tariffs Discussed at FFVA Conference
By Frank Giles In September, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) hosted its annual conference in Orlando. Specialty crop growers gathered for three days of engagement and education. One of the forums held during the conference was a panel discussion on the new Trump administration and trade. Participants included Lauren Reamy, Penn Avenue Partners; Carolyn Gleason, McDermott Will & …
Florida Avocados Face Threat From Sunblotch Viroid
Florida avocados, a signature staple in kitchens, a favored fruit tree in landscapes and a source of pride for the state’s growers, face a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd). The disease can severely stunt avocado tree growth, deform fruit and silently spread through groves. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are …
‘Ember’ Strawberry Variety Provides Stronger Resistance to Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ newly released ‘Ember’ strawberry variety will be widely grown in South Florida’s strawberry region. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, plans to grow half of his crop this year with the ‘Ember’ variety. It has numerous attributes that make it a valuable …
Strong Pumpkin Season in North Georgia
By Clint Thompson Pumpkin season is nearing its end for North Georgia producer Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms. It’s been a strong season for growers like Echols. “Everything this year has been super, really good. We had a three-week really hot spell this summer, and it was kind of inopportune as far as, pumpkins don’t like hot weather when …
Winner, Winner: Georgia Farmer Named Southeastern Farmer of the Year
By Clint Thompson South Georgia vegetable farmer Kent Hamilton was named the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the annual luncheon on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day Expo event in Moultrie, Georgia. Hamilton, chief executive officer of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. in Norman Park, highlighted the attributes that have helped him succeed over …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Cotton Jassid Impacting Vegetables
The cotton jassid, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, has been problematic for cotton and vegetable growers across the Southeast. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, the jassid is impacting growers in southern Florida. Scouts are reporting the insect’s presence in Southwest Florida, with population levels ranging from low to high on eggplant. Population levels are …
Gradual Growth Expected With Potential Pecan Market Once PQ Code Approved
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers remain optimistic that India has a bright future as a pecan export destination. Georgia pecan grower Justin Jones first discussed India during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference and Trade Show last April. He addressed the issue again at the recent Fall Field Day in Tifton, Georgia. “The biggest thing for us right now …



















