Always Seeking Alternatives

Web AdminFlorida, Specialty Crops

By Frank Giles Farmers, by nature, are industrious and curious about finding new ways to become more efficient and profitable. That includes finding the next big crop that could diversify the farm and spread risk. In Florida, the desire to find alternative crops has intensified as citrus acreage has declined in recent years. Often, these crops face obstacles like lack …

Keeping Florida Citrus Nurseries Viable

Web AdminCitrus

By Peter Chaires There are times when this column seeks to illuminate issues that might not be on the front burner of the collective industry consciousness. This is one of those times. Hurricane Ian’s destructive landfall and its unfolding impact on the industry will capture headlines for some time. The devastating impacts of HLB on citrus growers is highly visible, …

Olive Industry Growth in Georgia

Web AdminOlives, Top Posts

The Georgia Olive Growers Association is working to help improve the industry and give growers the tools they need to be successful. Vicky Hughes, executive director of the Georgia Olive Growers Association, has seen substantial growth in the industry. She said that approximately five years ago, when she began her current position, there were only about 130 acres of olives …

Researchers and Growers Working with Olives

Web AdminOlives, Top Posts

The possibility of a commercial olive industry in the Southeast has caused many growers and researchers to begin looking at what could be attainable. Peter Andersen, professor of horticulture at the University of Florida (UF), said north Florida and south Georgia are two areas of the Southeast looking at the possibility of olives as a commercial crop. More research is …