AFVGA Executive Director Optimistic About State’s Strawberry, Peach Crops

Dan Alabama, Fruits, Specialty Crops, Tree Nuts

Optimism abounds for Alabama’s strawberry and peach crops this season. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), highlighted what he has heard from growers so far this year, starting with excitement geared towards a generational-type strawberry crop. “I’m hearing very good things about the strawberry crop. People are saying things like it’s a 10-year …

Changing Climate Means More Pests for Almonds, Peaches, Walnuts

Dan Climate Change, Environment, Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, USDA-NIFA

How a changing climate could mean more pests for some tree crops. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Department of Agriculture research shows climate change may increase the insect population that poses a threat to the specialty crops industry. Led by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the University of California, the research shows populations …

Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Down Slightly from Record High in 2022

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Citrus, Commodities, Economy, Field Crops, Fruits, Herbs, Pecans, Poultry, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Tree Nuts, USDA-AMS, Vegetables

(AFBF/WASHINGTON/November 15, 2023) — Gathering around the table for a Thanksgiving dinner won’t take as much of a toll on your pocketbook this year compared to 2022, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 38th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which …

Gadsden Tomato Forum Coming December 7

Dan Agri-Business, Education, Fruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Tomato growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, are invited to attend the 2023 Gadsden Tomato Forum. The workshop will be held December 7th at the University of Florida/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, FL. Registration will start at 8:30am EST with the meeting starting at 9:00 AM. It will conclude with a sponsored lunch and a meeting of …

Battle over Tomato Suspension Agreement

Dan Agri-Business, Fruits, Regulation, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Should the U.S. terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement with Mexico? The agreement is intended to keep Mexico from flooding the U.S. market with underpriced tomatoes by suspending duties, however, some industry leaders say it’s not working, and the agreement needs to be terminated so Mexico can be held accountable. Others worry that terminating the agreement and making Mexico pay duties …

Report: Organic Strawberries Bring Higher Prices

Dan Fruits, Organic, Specialty Crops

New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) shows organic strawberries offer growers higher prices than conventional strawberries. Fresh strawberry prices tend to exhibit strong seasonal trends partly because of their relatively short shelf life. In the U.S., grower prices for fresh organic strawberries move in tandem with conventional strawberry prices throughout the year while also typically running 40 to …

Grape Growers Have New Insurance Program against Natural Hazards

Dan Crop Insurance, Economy, Fruits, Specialty Crops

The USDA is expanding crop insurance options with a new grapevine insurance program. It will provide coverage for the loss of grafted vines caused by natural perils like frost or fire. The new program will also complement the grape crop insurance program that covers the fruit growing on the vine. “We strive to offer the strongest risk management resources for …