University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research and education centers (RECs) produce fruits and vegetables across Florida to develop production techniques and cultivars that benefit farmers. These centers are spread from Jay in the Panhandle to Homestead in Southeast Florida. So, what happens to all that fresh food? Much of it is donated to community food …
Hurricane Nicole Impacts on Citrus
When Hurricane Nicole formed off Florida’s east coast, citrus growers held their collective breath after the beating they took in late September from Hurricane Ian. Nicole made landfall just south of Vero Beach on Nov. 10. Winds near hurricane strength were recorded at multiple weather stations as Nicole came ashore, including 75 miles per hour (mph) in Port St. John and 72 mph …
Sweet Valley Citrus Ahead of Schedule This Season
Citrus producers in the Sweet Valley Citrus region are about a week or two ahead of schedule this season. The area consists of a tri-state zone in North Florida, South Alabama and South Georgia. Grower Kim Jones attributes the accelerated harvest this year to the cooler temperatures the region received during October. Jones, president of the Cold Hardy Citrus Association, said about …
Diesel Shortage? Higher Costs Could Impact SE
By Clint Thompson A challenging season for the specialty crop industry could be exacerbated if fears of a potential diesel shortage come to fruition. Mansfield Energy, a major provider of fuel delivery, announced in late October that it was moving to Alert Level 4 to address market volatility. It moved the Southeast (SE) to Code Red, requesting a 72-hour notice …
Water Needs Continue for Some Pecan Varieties
By Clint Thompson Water requirements for pecans have not totally evaporated as harvest season continues across the Southeast. Growers should be mindful that some varieties need water to help shucks open up, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “Honestly, they probably could use a little (rain) to help these shucks go ahead and open up good. If …
GFVGA’s Butts: We Are Enthused That USTR is Establishing a Panel
By Clint Thompson The U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) pledge of assistance to specialty crop producers was needed for growers suffering from increased imports from Mexico. Even if ambassador Katherine Tai opted not to follow through on a Section 301 petition to assist the Southeast seasonal produce industry, she pledged to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish an …
Alabama Strawberry Producers Be Wary of Diseases
By Clint Thompson Strawberry plantings are being conducted across Alabama. Producers need to be wary of different diseases prior to planting. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, suggests growers apply a fungicide dip to help with Anthracnose. “This will provide some early-season protection against anthracnose and someother diseases,” …
Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Coming to GCREC
To protect crop yields and the environment, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is increasingly leveraging powerful tools such as technology driven by artificial intelligence (AI). In an effort to expedite such development, UF/IFAS will build a 19,000-square-foot AI hub at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm, about 25 miles southeast of Tampa. …
FFVA Statement on USTR’s Response to Section 301 Petition
This week the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it will pursue avenues to assist the Southeast seasonal produce industry in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) after members of Congress requested an examination of certain issues in a Sept. 8, 2022, Section 301 petition. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) released …
AI Center Coming to Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
To protect crop yields and the environment, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is increasingly leveraging powerful tools such as technology driven by artificial intelligence (AI). In an effort to expedite such development, UF/IFAS will build a 19,000-square-foot AI hub at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm, about 25 miles southeast …