The cover story of the February issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on Georgia specialty crop producer Justin Corbett. He highlights what has made the Corbett Brothers Farms so successful in Lake Park, Georgia. Corbett Brothers continues to thrive in an agricultural era dominated by increased input costs and seasonal imports.
The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) remains a significant challenge for producers who rely on the H-2A visa program for a reliable labor force. The new wage rate became effective on Dec. 30, 2024, for states in the Southeast, which experienced a 10% increase in the AEWR. It’s led to farm organizations pleading for adjustments to be made to the H-2A wage rate method.
Mass deportation is a concern for specialty crop growers who rely on a foreign labor force. President Donald Trump emphasized deportation of undocumented immigrants as part of his election strategy. That could impact ag employers and the number of workers at their disposal, says Michael Marsh, president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers.
Agritourism is a way that specialty crop growers can diversify their businesses to offset inflated input costs. Lena Juarez, executive director of the Florida Agritourism Association, highlighted how the association has helped growers develop plans to start their own agritourism. Olivia Clark, communications director for Southern Hill Farms, discussed social media’s role in agritourism’s marketing strategy.