By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers rely on industry supporters like Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, to be a voice at the state and federal levels. It is a responsibility that Bentley does not take lightly. “For us at the Agribusiness Council, we feel like our role is to take that fight to the capitol; whether that’s …
Other Fungicide Products Could Be Impacted by EPA
By Clint Thompson First chlorothalonil. What’s next for watermelon growers? It was the message delivered by Nick Dufalt, a plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, to producers and industry leaders at the Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs on Nov. 30. Chlorothalonil’s usage could be reduced in the near future by …
Climate Change Challenges Vegetable Production
By Juan Carlos DÃaz-Pérez Climate change is increasingly impacting agriculture and our lives in general. Agricultural crop production, including organic vegetable production, faces growing challenges associated with heat and drought. Temperature plays an essential role in plant development and function by determining the rate of biological activities. Each crop has a specific optimal temperature range. Cool-season crops (e.g., lettuce, broccoli, …
On the Horizon: Chlorothalonil Spray Applications Could Soon Be Reduced
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers should be wary that the number of chlorothalonil spray applications could soon be reduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nick Dufalt, a plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discussed the issue at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on Nov. …
Cucurbit Downy Mildew on Rise in Florida
Cucurbit downy mildew is on the rise in parts of Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Gary Vallad, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center plant pathologist, and Lisa Hickey, UF/IFAS Extension agent, are reporting increased infestations in cucumber and squash fields in central Florida. They have gone …
Whitefly Population Update Across South Florida
Whitefly populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts, consultants and producers report whiteflies started strong in central Florida, but spray programs have kept them at a constant level. Moderate levels of nymphs are showing up in early crops across Southwest Florida. Reports indicate populations are increasing in tomatoes, …
Florida Ag Community Continues Work to Enhance Water Quality Management
By Frank Giles Water quality and quantity are issues that cross all political and economic boundaries in Florida. When blue-green algae and red tides occur, they make front-page news and keep these challenges top-of-mind for all Floridians. Agriculture and the water-quality debate have been closely intertwined over the years. As a large user of water for irrigation and the need …
Sprouts Farmers Market named FFVA Customer of the Year Â
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association honored Sprouts Farmers Market with its 2023 Customer of the Year Award during FFVA’s 79th annual convention at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples last month. The annual award recognizes the important role that food service and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce. It is given to a valued partner …
FFVA Supports Termination of 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted a letter urging the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to approve the Florida Tomato Exchange’s (FTE) request to terminate the U.S.-Mexico Antidumping Tomato Suspension Agreement. The FFVA emphasized the adverse impact of unfair subsidies provided by the Mexican government to its fruit and vegetable industry. The challenges faced by the tomato industry …
Whitefly Populations Vary in South Florida
Whitefly populations vary in areas across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Watermelon fields in central Florida are experiencing low to moderate numbers. Moderate levels were also reported in squash. In tomato, reports indicate whiteflies are at three or less per plants, while others showed populations increasing to high levels over the previous week. Populations …