By Clint Thompson The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants help in identifying invasive species that threaten our food supply and cause plant diseases. Especially since April is designated “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month” Samantha Simon, USDA’s Executive Director of Emergency and Domestic Programs, says invasive species can threaten agriculture and many farming operations, especially in the …
COVID-19 Devastates Blueberry Market for Florida Farmers
By Clint Thompson It normally pays to have an early blueberry crop if you’re a Florida farmer. But as Ryan Atwood will attest, this has not been your normal year. Blueberry producers are not immune to the impact of COVID-19. “Being early is a good thing. For a Florida blueberry grower, you’re trying to be early. Everything you do is …
UF Rootstock Research Key to Peach Production in Florida
By Clint Thompson Rootstock research could hold the key to the advancement of the peach industry in Florida. According to Lorenzo Rossi, University of Florida (UF) horticultural science root biologist, the research he’s teamed with UF colleague Jose Chaparro and Ph.D Student, Ricardo Lesmes, could be a game changer in the state’s peach production “In Florida, we have different type …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Highlights $522 Million in COVID-19 Crop Losses and Importance of Agriculture Aid
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released the Florida Seasonal Crop COVID-19 Impact Assessment, a new report providing data on crop losses facing Florida farmers. Based on figures reported by growers, total crop losses across the state through mid-April 2020 may exceed $522.5 million. Florida is the nation’s second-largest producer of seasonal specialty …
Promoting Health Benefits of Blueberries Could Boost Sales
By Clint Thompson Produce industry experts believe consumers are, and will continue to be more health conscious, which is good news for blueberry producers. “It’s very apparent to me that consumers are getting the message because when you look at things like the blueberry category, the strawberry category, the citrus category, we’re seeing great movement in those types of items,” …
Deadline Nearing for Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is Monday, April 27, 5 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and …
Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertility Rate Strategies to Reduce Leaching
By Ashley Robinson Excessive nutrients in waterbodies, such as nitrate-nitrogen (N), have been one of the major issues in unconfined regions underneath the Upper Florida aquifer. This can be attributed to farmers applying excessive N fertilizer with the hope of obtaining higher yields. Therefore, the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as proper irrigation and N management is required …
UF/IFAS Hemp Program On-Farm Trial Partner Application Due Today
Zack Brym/University of Florida The University of Florida/IFAS Hemp Program is seeking qualified partners across the state to permit 20 farms for on-farm trials. The application link has been extended with late submissions due tonight by 11:59 p.m. Partner farms will conduct a coordinated field planting on two acres with variations in land preparation. Partners will also have the opportunity …
N.C. State Economist: Second Quarter Should Be Horrible Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
By Clint Thompson The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. economy and especially the American farmer. North Carolina State Extension Economist Mike Walden believes the country needs to do what it can to help those farmers rebound from the current recession. “We do need to worry about keeping our farmers afloat. Fortunately, in the stimulus …
Fried: Florida Farm to You Initiative a Tremendous Hit
By Clint Thompson The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is connecting the state’s farmers with local consumers. The results so far have been tremendous, according to Nikki Fried, Florida Ag Commissioner. Fried highlighted the Florida Farm to You initiative that is designed to aid farmers, who are struggling to sell produce and other commodities during the ongoing …