Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

It’s Time to Compete -Fairly By Robert Guenther The termination of the U.S.–Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement isn’t just the end of a flawed trade deal. It’s a turning point for American tomato growers and, more broadly, for how this country chooses to defend its agricultural backbone in a global economy. For nearly 30 years, domestic producers operated under suspension agreements …

Sneak Peek: July 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Sneak peek

The July issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts Paul Orsenigo, founder of Grower’s Management Inc. in the spotlight. Unlike multigenerational farm families, Orsenigo is a first-generation farmer in the Everglades Agricultural Area in Florida. He produces a variety of leafy greens, sweet corn, sugar cane and rice. He discusses his humble beginnings, and they evolved into a 40-year journey …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Termination of Tomato Suspension Agreement a Victory

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The termination of the United States-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement is a win for the domestic industry and should increase domestic production across the country. That’s the hope shared by Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. It was announced on April 14 that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) terminated the 2019 United States-Mexico …

Eyeing More Profits: Alabama Tomato Farmer Modifying Business Operations

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Low crop prices and high input expenses are forcing specialty crop producers to modify their farming operations. How business is done today is different than it was 20 years ago; maybe even 10 years ago. Alabama tomato grower Destiny Allman Gladden has to be more conscious of the business decisions she makes in hopes of improving her …

Strong Florida Tomato Crop Following Two Hurricanes

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s tomato season was challenged from the start. But considering growers were able to weather two hurricanes, they churned out a solid crop, said Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “We really had a horrible start to the season with two hurricanes coming through Florida. That really put us back. I would say …

So Far, So Good: Florida Blueberry Harvests Strong

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry spell is not unexpected for Florida’s farmers this time of year. It does present ideal weather conditions for the state’s blueberries to be harvested. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Blueberry Extension Coordinator, discussed the current harvest season. “It’s good picking weather, because you definitely want the berries …

Georgia Pecan Grower: No. 1 Issue is Capital

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The grower panel at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association meeting in March allowed the state’s producers to address trending issues like low prices and potential export markets like India. One of the main topics highlighted were current concerns felt by growers. Low prices were one, and the lack of working capital was another. It was addressed …

Increased Watermelon Acres Expected in Georgia

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia watermelon acreage is expected to increase this year. A key reason why is the current pricing struggles besetting the state’s row crop producers. Jordan Carter, director of sales and marketing with Leger & Son, Inc. in Cordele, Georgia, provided an outlook for what the industry looks like this year, with plantings expected to conclude this week …

Excellent Quality Sweet Corn in Florida This Year

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The first week of April is usually reserved for Florida sweet corn production to spike. This year is no different, says Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). She discussed this year’s crop and the top-notch quality that is expected. “March is when we kick off spring, …

GPGA Conference and Trade Show Provides Hope for Georgia Pecan Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Maybe now more than ever, Georgia pecan growers are in need of hope. University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells believes this week’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Conference and Trade Show provided growers hope amid a challenging time for the industry. “This meeting always occurs just as the buds are breaking or right …