The September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo held on Aug. 20-21 in Tampa, Florida. Attendees learned from various researchers and industry specialists about information pertinent to the citrus and fruit and vegetable industries.
Land-grant universities are gearing up for a technological revolution. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences looks to be a national leader on the tech front and believes it will be the Silicon Valley of agriculture.
Also highlighted is the recent ruling where a federal court in Louisiana vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology rule. Frank Giles, editor-in-chief, discussed the ruling and the unresolved issues that still remain for fruit and vegetable growers.
The Green Jean Foundation seeks to inspire the next generation of agriculturists. Matt Palmer talked about why he started the foundation and how it helps educate young people about farming and inspires the next generation to join the agricultural industry. The foundation is active on the ground throughout schools in Florida.
A flexible crop insurance program is available for small farms. Learn more about the Micro Farm Program, a risk management tool that covers all commodities under one insurance policy. It is more streamlined with fewer reporting requirements, designed to benefit small farms.
Honey bee losses continue to be on the rise. A nationwide survey from commercial bee operations reported an average loss of 62% between June 2024 and February 2025. The losses could impact pollination of significant specialty crops in the U.S. Jamie Ellis, professor with the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, discusses the issue.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues its attempt to reorganize during President Trump’s second term. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden testified about the plan before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee on July 30.
Video Component
Don’t miss this month’s bonus video coverage in the interactive digital edition of Specialty Crop Grower magazine.
VIDEO: Jamie Fussell, director of labor relations for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, explains the Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology ruling. (page 4)
VIDEO: Learn more about the Micro Farm program. (page 11)
VIDEO: Learn more about the power of AI and supercomputing. (page 19)
VIDEO: Get a citrus grower’s perspective on the CRAFT program (page 25)