Commerce Department Investigation Could Impact Tomato Trade Pact

Web AdminTomatoes

The U.S. Department of Commerce opened an investigation by the request of the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) that could result in anti-dumping duties on Mexican tomatoes. In June of 2023, FTE filed a request to eliminate the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. The purpose behind this request was to end the unfair trading pattern between the U.S. tomato industry and the …

Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Brings Growers Together in Tampa

Web AdminCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo

By Clint Thompson AgNet Media celebrated a terrific conclusion to this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo event held in Tampa, Florida. The annual two-day event concluded on Thursday with another morning devoted to seminar sessions; one each for citrus and specialty crop growers. The tradeshow was also a featured part of the day as attendees greeted exhibitors and mingled …

Scout, Scout, Scout for Thrips Parvispinus

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the …

GFVGA Advises Growers to Be Prepared for New Heat Stress Regulations

Web AdminGeorgia

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is encouraging its growers to be prepared for new heat regulations administered by the Biden Administration and OSHA. “OSHA has not yet released complete heat standards, but now is the time to get prepared,” GFVGA said in an email to its members. Producers can download the heat stress awareness poster and hang …

N.C. State to Host Fiber Hemp Meeting

Web AdminHemp, North Carolina

North Carolina specialty crop growers interested in producing hemp should make plans to attend a fiber hemp interest meeting on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be held at the Mangum Community Building, 5838 Grassy Island Road, Mount Gilead, North Carolina, 27306. The half-day field day will focus on industrial hemp fiber, highlighting field production, …

Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Concludes with Successful Show

Web AdminCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo

By Clint Thompson AgNet Media celebrated a terrific conclusion to this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo event held in Tampa, Florida. The annual two-day event concluded on Thursday with another morning devoted to seminar sessions; one each for citrus and specialty crop growers. The tradeshow was also a featured part of the day as attendees greeted exhibitors and mingled …

Upon Further Review: Grafting Tomato Plants Benefits Growers Long Term

Web AdminAlabama, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Grafting tomato plants may be an expensive venture for commercial growers, but they will be the ones laughing at the end, capitalizing with fruit when supply is limited. Jacob Kelley, Alabama regional Extension agent, encourages his producers to adopt the practice to help overcome diseases that are prevalent in South Alabama. “A lot of these diseases and …

Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberry

Web AdminPest Management, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research into chilli thrips provides a more accurate way for strawberry growers to manage this annual problem. Producers can now be more efficient in controlling thrips populations. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the …

Georgia Department of Agriculture Makes Appointments to the Agriculture Commodity Commissions

Web AdminGeorgia

Atlanta, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced appointments to 13 of Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions, including for several specialty crops. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) administers the farmer-funded and self-help programs. Funds collected by the commissions under grower-approved market orders support that research, education, and promotion of each commodity. “As a 7th generation farmer, I know firsthand …