By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable producers like weather conditions to be dry, so they can be the ones applying water. The current conditions impacting Southeast Alabama are preferred by growers who want to avoid disease buildup. “Honestly, in the fruit and vegetable world, we supply 90% of the crop’s need through irrigation, probably; if not close to 100%. We …
Suspension Agreement Impact: Tomato Leader Insists Market Will Not Stop
By Clint Thompson The end to the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement will not disrupt the current market access to tomatoes nor will it impact prices consumers are paying. That’s the belief shared by Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “We’re going to see this hyperbole as I like to call it, or false narrative that tomatoes …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Christiana Huss Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and …
Current Whitefly Levels in South Florida
Whitefly populations are increasing in South Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Multiple reports indicate low to moderate whitefly populations in melons, tomatoes and snap beans in Southwest Florida. Whitefly infestations in melons is concerning, not just because of the risk of virus but in some populations, levels are high enough …
Florida Tomato Exchange Not Supporting Any New New Suspension Agreement
By Clint Thompson The next 90 days are critical for the domestic tomato industry. That is how Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, views the next three months following Monday’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) would terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, which will become effective July 14, 2025. Guenther believes the …
Fruit and Vegetable Season in South Florida
By Clint Thompson The calendar says mid-April which means vegetable season is underway in South Florida. Gene McAvoy, a crop consultant, discussed the current season. “We’re just getting into full swing with watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, just about everything right now,” McAvoy said. “We’re just now finishing up with cool season crops, cabbage and what not. But just about everything else …
Tomato Industry Applauds Administration’s Decision to Terminate Suspension Agreement
The U.S. tomato industry is applauding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, which will become effective July 14, 2025. “This is a major victory for American agriculture,” said Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “For decades, American tomato farmers have suffered from unfair trade practices by Mexican tomato …
USDA Seeks Nominees for Florida Tomato Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks nominees for the Florida Tomato Committee to fill seats for 10 producer members and their respective alternates for two-year terms, starting on Aug. 1, 2025. Nominations will take place on April 14 at a virtual nomination meeting in each of the two established districts. The committee is seeking nominees for five producer member …
Sneak Peek: April 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Florida Citrus Show, which was held on March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The event offered various educational talks, including research updates for citrus growers, and pepper management for vegetable growers. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show was held Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: What to Do About Whiteflies
By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Whiteflies have grown into one of the top concerns for specialty crop growers in the Southeast. The memories of the 2017 outbreak are still fresh in the minds of many who lost entire crops to the swarming clouds of the pest. According to “The 2017 Georgia Plant Disease Loss Estimates” report compiled by Elizabeth …


















