WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement on Monday after his meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on the U.S.- Mexico bilateral trade relationship and its importance for U.S. farmers, ranchers and producers: “We appreciate the president welcoming us to Mexico and engaging in a productive dialogue. The meetings provided a venue to raise the …
Florida’s New AEWR Projected to be $14.33
Florida’s new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2023 is estimated to be $14.33, pending an official notice in the Federal Register by the Department of Labor (DOL). It would be an increase of nearly $2 from the $12.41 rate from the previous year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the results of its most recent Farm Labor Survey last …
Cost of Thanksgiving Meal is Up Significantly
Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans, and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind. American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than $6.50 per person. This is …
Pecan Prices Remain Low Across Southeast
Pecan prices remain low, forcing growers to hold large volumes this week, waiting to see if there will be prices to be considered for offers or deciding to keep them in storage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pecan Report. Buyers for retail and the candy trade are purchasing as needed while waiting for more offerings and price agreements …
UF Scientist to Study Ways to Combat Nematodes, Diseases in Turfgrass
Lawns, playing fields, golf courses, parks and many other outdoor areas are part of the multi-billion-dollar turfgrass industry. That industry provides aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits to Florida. Valued at $14.3 billion and planted on 3.9 million acres in Florida, that same industry struggles with parasitic nematodes and fungal diseases that prove costly for growers, homeowners and commercial industries. “Sting …
Trends in Florida Tomato Production and Markets
By Kimberly L. Morgan, Xiuri Cui and Zhengfei Guan Driven by consumer demand, the fresh tomato supply-chain network includes product harvested at different maturity stages, resulting in a unique marketing process distinguishable from other produce. Fresh tomatoes are typically marketed either through retail or foodservice channels. From farm to fork, the supply chain is divided into stages with different entities: …
Decision 2022: Mid-Terms Will Have Far-Reaching Implications on Agriculture
By Clint Thompson What voters decide on Tuesday will have far-reaching implications on the agricultural sector, including the upcoming Farm Bill. Mary Kay Thatcher, senior manager in federal government and industry relations with Syngenta, emphasizes the ramifications of what transpires at the polls during these mid-term elections. “Mid-terms are always really important. I know a big part of our population …
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 …
H-2A Complicated but Necessary Program
Alabama to Host Pair of Meetings for Specialty Crop Producers By Clint Thompson The H-2A program is a complicated process for the most experienced agricultural employer. It can be intimidating for those beginning users just learning how to use the program. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, is helping lead a pair of meetings on Nov. 2 at Jefferson State Community …
USTR Declines Section 301 Petition, But Recognizes Southeastern Grower Challenges
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 …