The June issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine puts the spotlight on Lipman Family Farms which is celebrating 75 years. It prioritizes people, which includes its large workforce and the desires of consumers it serves. The company has navigated through various economic challenges, which includes rising input costs, especially labor.
Elyse Lipman, chief executive officer of Lipman Family Farms, discusses what has made her company successful and how it looks to remain viable for the next 75 years.
Ozgur Batuman, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and Salih Yilmaz, graduate student, focus on a new ilarvirus in Florida tomatoes. Though it has been confirmed in Miami-Dade County, further research is needed to understand its biology and potential threat to the industry in Florida. Growers should take proper precautions and implement strict sanitation measures and monitor the crops for symptoms.
Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Extension vegetable disease specialist, provides management options for pepper diseases in Georgia. Such diseases include anthracnose and bacterial spot. Management of plant debris after pepper harvests is critical to control anthracnose. The pathogen can survive on the debris. Producers should turn their soil to facilitate decomposition of the debris.
Growers should remove volunteers and solanaceous weeds before planting to help avoid bacterial spot. Drip irrigation instead of overhead irrigation is recommended in managing both diseases.
Camila Rodrigues, assistant professor and food safety Extension specialist at Auburn University, provides water and regulatory updates for produce farmers to be mindful of.