Florida’s blueberry production, harvest and shipping season is well under way. Doug Phillips, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) statewide blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses blueberry production in Florida. Q: In addition to Sentinel, what are some the latest blueberry varieties from UF/IFAS? What makes them interesting to the consumer? How about for the producer? A: …
Imports Not the Issue for Tomato Producers This Year
By Clint Thompson Normally, tomato producers can point the blame for suppressed market prices to rising imports, especially those arriving from Mexico. That is not the case this year, however. Florida farmers can only blame themselves for an oversupply of produce that has led to low prices, according to Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. “This …
Decreased Disease Pressure for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Of all the challenges that Florida strawberry growers had to overcome this year, it appears that disease pressure was not a major threat. Natalia Peres, professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, confirmed that normal diseases have not been as prevalent in most fields this season. Weather conditions favored …
Industry Leader Optimistic Despite Oversupply of Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson An oversupply of Florida tomatoes has led to suppressed market prices for growers. That hasn’t deterred the optimism of one industry leader, however, who believes brighter days are on the horizon. “You can’t be in agriculture if you’re not an optimist. Damn right, we’re assuming that right beyond that ugly cloud is a beautiful rainbow, warm skies …
Oversupply Hurting Florida’s Tomato Industry
By Clint Thompson An oversupply of tomatoes this season has led to decreased market prices for Florida producers. Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida, said prices for tomatoes are an estimated $5 to $7 FOB (freight on board) compared to desired prices of $9 to $11. It stems from increased acreage. “The problem we’re experiencing right …
Florida Farmer: We’ve Diversified, That Helps
By Clint Thompson Rising input costs. Accelerated imports. Little if any increase in market prices. It has become increasingly more difficult for Florida’s specialty crop producers to find sustained success. Vegetable farmer Marie Bedner credits diversification for Bedner Farms staying as successful as long as it has. “We’ve diversified and have the three retail stores, which that helps. We’re direct …
Organic Blueberry Production: Challenging but Profitable
By Clint Thompson Organic blueberry production can be a profitable venture for aspiring producers in the Southeast. While market prices are higher than in conventional systems, growers need to be mindful of the various production challenges. These range from weed control options to selecting the right fertilizer. Gerard Krewer, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, discusses the obstacles …
GFVGA Future Leader: We Need to Drive Demand
By Clint Thompson The next leader of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is concerned about the sustainability of his farmers who are coping with low market prices. Chris Butts, GFVGA director of legislative affairs who will become executive vice president on Dec. 1 following Charles Hall’s semi-retirement announcement, reminisced about a conversation he had with a local …
Costly Increase: Input Expenses for Watermelons Will Impact Consumer Price
By Clint Thompson South Florida watermelon producers are two months away from planting this year’s crop. Farmers are bracing themselves for the high input prices that are rampant throughout the agricultural industry. Mark Bryan, president of the Florida Watermelon Association, said the impact of the increased input costs will be felt at the grocery stores next spring and summer. “We …
Technology, Consumer Awareness Focal Points for Florida Tomato Growers
By Clint Thompson Mexico has its advantages over U.S. growers in tomato production. Wages are much lower. Government subsidies help support Mexican producers being able to ask for low market prices. But technological advancements and consumer awareness may be the game changers that help Florida producers survive this onslaught of tomato imports that have only increased over the past decade, …