By Ida Vandamme Organic products have become mainstream as more people want to be aware of production practices, ingredients and inputs into their food and household items. Given the current supply-chain issues and labor shortages, many people also are turning to local businesses and even starting businesses of their own. Here are some important considerations when thinking about starting and/or …
Georgia Farmer: It’s Not Sustainable Right Now
By Clint Thompson The recent spike in input costs has forced farmers to plead with their customers on renegotiating their current contracts. South Georgia vegetable farmer Jaime Patrick has implemented this strategy and seen mixed results. “Especially on contract business that we have, year by year contracts or multiple year contracts, we’re having to go back now and say, ‘Hey, …
Florida Blueberries: Embrace the Future Now to Remain Sustainable
By Clint Thompson The future of blueberry production is now for Florida farmers hoping to remain sustainable. At least that’s how one blueberry producer views the industry as it’s currently constructed. Like other Florida blueberry growers, Ryan Atwood is not immune to the rising input costs being experienced across agriculture. Fertilizer, fuel, labor, land; all are expenses that are on …
Watermelon Producer: Unknowns a Real Problem for Growers
By Clint Thompson The supply chain crisis that is gripping the U.S. is leaving watermelon farmers in a state of flux on how to proceed with the upcoming season. Florida growers are two months away from planting this year’s crop. Input costs and availability are on top of producers’ minds, says Lara Land, watermelon producer and executive council member of …
Economist: If You Can Raise Prices, You’re Doing It; Not Everybody Can Do That
By Clint Thompson The recent increase of input and supply expenses has led to businesses increasing consumer prices. While most can simply increase their consumer prices to recoup those expenses, fruit and vegetable crop producers are not always as fortunate. Jeff Dorfman, University of Georgia Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and State Fiscal Economist for Georgia, …
GFVGA Set to Host Webinar
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) will host a webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 28 that addresses rising input costs in an uncertain economy. From pallets to chemicals, input costs have increased by as much as 25%. Which asks the question, how can growers compete? A panel discussion that includes Jeffrey Dorfman, University of Georgia economist; …
Florida Strawberry Producer: We Need to Maximize our Profitability
By Clint Thompson A productive 2020-21 strawberry season could entice Florida growers to increase acreage this year. That’s a concern, though, for fellow producer Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida; especially with input costs rising. “Hopefully, people don’t overplant themselves and flood the market. You know when farmers have a good year, they like to …
North Florida Melon Season Nearing End
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests are nearing an end in North Florida. It’s time to take stock of how production went this season as 80% to 90% of the region’s crop has been harvested. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said farmers were satisfied with how this year transpired. “Prices really dictate their happiness. For …
Florida Farmer: Consumer, Ultimately, Will Have to Pay for This
Freight costs have doubled. Input prices have risen. These increased expenses will have a snowball effect, believes Florida watermelon farmer Laura Land. Land said the pallet shortage is a serious shortage and a serious problem, especially as she prepares for the upcoming harvest for her North Florida watermelons. She still doesn’t have enough pallets to ship on with harvest less …
Looking Ahead: How to Compensate for Low Pecan Prices?
As disappointing and disheartening last year’s pecan season was for Southeast producers, 2021 has the potential to be worse – if producers don’t take action or if prices don’t improve. It was a bountiful crop for Georgia with yields projected at 135 million pounds. But considering that pecan trees are alternate bearing (if they produce a good crop one year, …