By Peter Chaires The New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC) board of directors has completed its 2023-24 budgeting process. Like other citrus industry organizations and private companies, the NVDMC board sought to address the need for immediate and short-term benefits, without abandoning a necessary focus on the future. Most of the funding will be directed to near-term benefit, with …
Florida Watermelon Growers Lead in Total ProductionÂ
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Take Precautions When the Heat Is On
By Ashley McLeod-Morin Due to the nature of their work during the extreme heat of summer, those who work on farms are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses than the general population. The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, led by the University of Florida, has compiled heat illness educational resources (see tinyurl.com/2u5mh642) for farmers and farmworkers …
Alabama Growers Moving Forward from Disappointing Peach Crop
By Will Jordan Peach losses were unfortunately common for growers in the Southeast. Due to an unseasonably warm February and a freeze in March, much of the crop was devastated, especially in Alabama. Producers can take action to mitigate future crop damage in the future. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn …
Bumper Crop: Florida Watermelon Growers Still Lead Nation in Production
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Registration Ongoing for Tomato Conference in September
By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Florida Tomato Conference scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hendry County Extension Director Craig Frey highlighted what growers and industry specialists can expect at this year’s event. “Our goal is to make it useful …
CRAFT Accepting Applications for Existing Tree Therapies Program
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation has reopened the application window for its Existing Tree Therapies Program. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Aug. 31. Participants will be selected through a random lottery, administered by a third-party entity. The program is designed to provide the industry with a better understanding of the best use patterns, combinations and …
New Research Looks to Pollen for Plant Heat Stress Resilience
People aren’t the only ones stressed by heat waves. For many plants, higher-than-anticipated temperatures can lead to water loss, wilted foliage and unsuccessful pollination. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are investigating how to improve plant resiliency to high temperatures. Kevin Begcy, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department, is looking to how pollen …
Same Story: Imports Impacting Georgia’s Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson The more things change, the more they stay the same. Another spring vegetable season for Georgia producers was marred by rising imports that deflated market prices. “While we were in D.C. (recently), one of our growers was talking about $4 a box was the market price for squash. It was what it had fallen to when imports …
New Laws From the Georgia Legislative Session
By Will Bentley The 2023 Georgia legislative session was a fast paced 40 days as new leadership in both the House and Senate settled into their roles while learning the levers of power on the go. New Lt. Gov. Burt Jones led the Senate, and the House had a new speaker for the first time in over a decade with …