By Clint Thompson It will not be long before citrus producers in the cold-hardy citrus region start harvesting this year’s crop. But there are still weeks left of production where growers must manage their fruit. Much of that management will center on protecting the crop from the sun, a problem that’s only intensified in recent weeks, according to Mary Sutton, …
IFPA Chief Global Policy Officer Discusses Specialty Crop Transportation During House Hearing
By Clint Thompson Specialty crops were a focus of the House Committee on Agriculture’s special hearing on Wednesday that centered on increasing demand and opportunities for homegrown products. One of the witnesses was Alexis Taylor, Chief Global Policy Officer with the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) in Washington, D.C. She was asked about shipment of fresh produce and how Congress …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Makes Triumphant Return to Fort Myers
By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …
Average Diesel Prices Top $6 Per Gallon For First Time
By Clint Thompson Diesel prices have hit a new all-time high which makes it a new low for fruit and vegetable farmers. The national average price of a gallon of diesel surpassed $6 for the first time, a sobering statistic for producers already coping with high input costs. According to AAA, diesel costs on Friday in Alabama were recorded at …
El Niño Should Lead to Increased Rains This Winter
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions continue to persist across areas of the Southeast. They’re likely to continue in the near term, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. But that won’t always be the case amid a strong El Niño. “The signal for El Niño this winter is very strong, which means that sooner or later we’re …
El Niño Impacting Tropical System Development in Atlantic
By Clint Thompson This year’s summer season is on its last leg with fall weather on the horizon. For the second straight summer, the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia and Alabama, did not experience a hurricane or tropical storm. It’s not a surprise to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, who attributes the lack of Atlantic tropical activity to …
FFVA President Discusses USMCA, Importance of TRQs
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 …
UGA Pathologist Discusses Citrus Greening and Psyllid Challenges
The most devasting disease to impact Florida citrus production is a threat to trees in the cold-hardy citrus region. Citrus greening disease has impacted Florida groves for more than 20 years and looms as a danger to trees in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. While the best management strategy is prompt removal of trees, a longer-term solution is …
Court Ag Labor Ruling Is Setback for Producers
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
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, …



















