By Clint Thompson A productive 2020-21 strawberry season could entice Florida growers to increase acreage this year. That’s a concern, though, for fellow producer Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida; especially with input costs rising. “Hopefully, people don’t overplant themselves and flood the market. You know when farmers have a good year, they like to …
South Carolina Set to Observe National Farmers Market Week Aug. 1-7
COLUMBIA – Show your appreciation for local businesses and South Carolina farmers during this year’s National Farmers Market Week. “By shopping at a farmers market, you are supporting your neighbors – and what better time than during the abundant summer months for South Carolina produce,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that farmers markets are …
Sneak Peek: August ’21 VSCNews Magazine
By Clint Thompson The August issue of VSCNews Magazine provides an in-depth preview of the upcoming Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 18-19 in North Fort Myers, Florida. The magazine provides a schedule of events for the citrus and vegetable and specialty crop sessions. It also provides an exhibitor directory and map so attendees will know which …
Sticker Ban: French Legislation Threatens Millions of Dollars to Produce Exports
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, a new French ban on the sales of fruit and vegetables with identifying stickers could threaten future exports of U.S. sweet potatoes and grapefruits. The ban is slated to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2022. The report states that most U.S. grapefruits and some sweet potatoes shipped overseas have stickers …
USHBC, Pagoda Celebrate USA Fresh Blueberries in China
SHENZHEN, China — Consumers in China can finally enjoy fresh blueberries from the United States. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) teamed up with Pagoda, a leading fruit retailer in China, on Thursday to hold a ceremony celebrating the arrival of fresh U.S. blueberries to mainland China, the first-ever promotion of USA fresh blueberries in China. The United States is …
Results from Vegetable Chemical Use Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the results of its 2020 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey of vegetable producers across the country. The data relates to pesticide use and pest management practices on 22 different vegetable crops. Producers in 18 states participated in the survey, which included eight-focused crops in Florida and eight in Georgia. The pesticide …
Sour Ending for Watermelon Season
By Clint Thompson Southeast watermelon producers prefer weather conditions to stay as dry as possible during harvest time. Needless to say, this summer has been anything but ideal for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Persistent rains, increased disease pressure and diminishing market prices have added up to a challenging couple of months, says Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate …
Papaya Popularity Prompts UF/IFAS Research Trial
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Popularity in papaya prompted University of Florida scientists to conduct a research trial. The results, just published in Scientia Horticulturae, examines 21 different varieties ripe for growing in South Florida for fruit quality, aroma, plant height and yield components. “This research is timely as growers are looking for higher value crops that resonate with consumers,” said Alan …
How the Next Generation of Citrus Variety Development Is Growing Forward
Amid the ongoing challenges from HLB, there is an increasing demand for more rootstock and scion field trials.
Reduce Food Loss, Waste During Summer
Summertime provides families across the Southeast the opportunity to gather together, socialize and eat some fresh vegetables and fruit and other goodies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides resources to promote the reduction of food loss and waste this time of year. There are four steps that consumers can implement to reduce food waste at home, at the beach or …