Shriveled blueberries could signal “mummy berry” disease

Web AdminAlabama, Berries, Disease, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Paul Pugliese for CAES News Blueberries are one of the most popular backyard fruits for Georgia because they are relatively low maintenance compared to other fruit species. However, there is one particular disease issue known as “mummy berry” that can be problematic for blueberry growers. The disease is easily recognized when the fruit begins to ripen, as infected berries …

Food Safety in Light of COVID-19

Web AdminAlabama, Coronavirus, Florida, Food Safety, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina

With millions of American workers staying home to aid public health efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the security of America’s food supply is more important than ever before. It’s crucial that growers are taking the appropriate measures to ensure food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of …

Watermelon Prices High, Supply Low

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Produce, South Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Watermelon prices remain high for farmers in the Southeast. Unfortunately, there’s not enough crop ready for producers to take advantage, according to Bill Brim, co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. “Prices are still good. They’re around $155 to $160 a bin. There’s not many melons out there that’s ready right now. It’s unfortunate,” said Brim, …

Bacterial Spot Leaving Mark in Tomato Crops

Web AdminAlabama, Disease, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tomatoes, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Bacterial spot in tomatoes has been observed in various locations in Alabama, according to Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. He believes the excess rainfall and abnormal temperatures contributed to the disease being more problematic this year.  “I think this year with the moisture we’ve …

Florida Blueberry Farmer: USMCA Not a Good Deal For Vegetable, Specialty Crop Producers

Web AdminAlabama, Berries, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, North Carolina, Produce, South Carolina, Top Posts, USMCA, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson One of the most vocal critics of Mexican imports into the U.S. is adamant that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will not help or protect vegetable or specialty crop producers. “No, that’s not a good deal for specialty crops. They didn’t really address our issues at all. That was not a good deal for us,” said Ryan Atwood, …

NOFA Deadline for CFAP is Today

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Today, June 22, is the last day for growers and industry leaders to submit information and data to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) about crops to be considered for inclusion in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). There is a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) where stakeholders and producers of other commodities can submit information and …

Sweet Market for Melon Farmers

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Watermelon prices are holding strong for Southeast farmers, according to one South Georgia producer. Terrell Rutland believes extenuating circumstances could help extend the strong market, currently at 20 cents per pound, for growers an extra few weeks. “Anything north got frost bit about the first of May. Florida is through so that kind of puts us in …

USDA Trade Mitigation Purchases to Feed People in Need and Aid American Farmers Surpass $2B

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it has purchased more than $2.2 billion of meat, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops and dairy products in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 in its ongoing efforts to feed people in need and assist American farmers and ranchers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. …

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N.C. State Specialist: Best Strawberry Season Ever

Web AdminNorth Carolina, Strawberry, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Mark Hoffmann, North Carolina State small fruits Extension specialist, had high praise for this year’s strawberry crop. “This is the best strawberry season ever in North Carolina. I’ve only been here for three years but that’s what all people are telling me; they’ve never had such a good strawberry season,” Hoffmann said. It appears a relatively mild …

Blueberry Farmer: It Was Really Like Salt in the Wound

Web AdminAlabama, Berries, Florida, General, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

Florida Producer Sounds Off on Lack of Category 1 Status in CFAP By Clint Thompson While the blueberry industry was surprised as to how it was not eligible for Category 1 status in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), one Florida grower remains equally as dumbfounded. “I was shocked when it came out. I was literally like, jaw on the …