U.S. Specialty Crop Coalition Endorses Legislation Addressing Research, Nutrition and Trade

Clint Thompson Specialty Crops

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, endorsed legislation last week that would address major priorities tied to research, nutrition and trade laid out in the group’s 2023 Farm Bill recommendations: “The Specialty …

How to Build a Strong Brand

Jim Rogers Agri-business, Florida, Specialty Crops

By Tiffany Bailey Building a strong brand is essential for any business, including smaller organic farms that grow specialty and/or alternative crops. Here are some ways growers of specialty or alternative crops, often categorized as niche farming, can help their farms build a strong brand. UNIQUE IDENTITY AND STORYTELLINGNiche farming often involves cultivating unique crops that are not as common …

Wait and See: Florida Tomato Industry Unsure How New Law Will Impact Labor Force

Clint Thompson Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s controversial immigration law could affect the labor force available for the state’s specialty crop producers this year. That includes the tomato industry. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executivevice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, spoke during Wednesday’s Tomato Conference in Labelle. He highlighted the law and how growers could be impacted. “As …

Registration Ongoing for Florida Ag Expo

Jim Rogers Florida Ag Expo

By Clint Thompson AgNet Media reminds growers, consultants and industry leaders that registration is currently open for the Florida Ag Expo, scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, discussed the hype surrounding this year’s show. “We’re super excited for this year’s show. Registration is already …

Be on the Lookout for Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

Jim Rogers Georgia, Pests

By Emily Cabrera State governments are asking people to be on the lookout for an invasive insect pest called spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). University of Georgia (UGA) experts say vigilant prevention strategies, early detection and timely interventions can help keep them from spreading into Georgia. Native to China, India, Vietnam and parts of Eastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly is now …

What Are Vidalia Onion Producers Planning for This Season?

Jim Rogers Georgia, Vidalia Onions

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are less than months away from transplanting this year’s crop. Growers are already thinking about and planning for this year’s production season. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, discussed what is on the minds of farmers on the heels …