Not all produce groups are pleased the Trump Administration is taking action regarding fresh produce imports. Last week, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer outlined a plan that includes investigations of imports of blueberries and potentially strawberries and bell peppers. The plan also outlines actions that would impact U.S. companies distributing imported produce. The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas says, …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “With all the rain we had in August the weed seed bank is starting to pop. Nutsedge pressure can be really tough in September. For fall cole crop plantings, it is important …
FSGA Applauds USTR Plan for ‘Seasonal and Perishable’ Farmers
Dover, Fla.- The Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) is grateful to USTR Ambassador (Robert) Lighthizer, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, and Secretary Wilbur Ross at the Commerce Department for keeping their word to find a way to bring meaningful trade relief to Florida strawberry growers who have suffered legitimate injury from subsidized imports from Mexico. “This administration has embraced an issue …
Auburn Economist Encouraged by Federal Agencies’ Plan of Action
One economist in the Southeast is encouraged by the plan to address the threat of increased foreign imports to U.S. producers of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Adam Rabinowitz, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension economist, believes the hearings held in August for Florida and Georgia producers opened communications and led to a report released by the Office of the U.S. …
Commissioner Black Pleased with Announcement from USTR
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black is pleased farmers and agricultural leaders have a seat at the decision-making table again. The agreement to have the August hearings that focused on unfair trade practices involving foreign produce and included testimonies from farmers and industry leaders from Florida and Georgia was a “positive step,” he said. This led to a plan of action, …
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Commends USTR
MAITLAND, FL (Sept. 1, 2020) – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association commended the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce on Tuesday for their plan to begin remedying the immense harm to produce growers in Florida and elsewhere caused by unfair trade practices and harmful import volumes from Mexico and other …
Federal Agencies Outline Plan to Help Farmers of Seasonal and Perishable Fruits and Vegetables
Washington, DC — The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce released a report today outlining the Trump Administration’s plan to address the threat posed by increased foreign imports to American producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables. The plan follows public hearings held in August where more than 60 witnesses …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “We had between 4-6 inches of rain last week with daily thunderstorms. Growers are working the fields, getting ready for the fall crops to go in. If it happens to rain on Wednesday …
Virtual Hearings Begin Today
Gene McAvoy, associate director for stakeholder relations at the University of Florida/IFAS, is speaking up about unfair trade practices. He’s one of numerous farmers and industry leaders in Florida who will testify in a virtual hearing today with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. The hearings, scheduled for today and next Thursday, Aug. 20, will provide the U.S. Department of Commerce …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Rob Last reports, “Across the area fall plantings are growing on and developing well. Scouting for pests and diseases will remain critical to ensure timely applications are made where necessary. For those without fall planted crops …