Proactive Measures from the Georgia Produce Safety Program

Clint Thompson Fruits, Georgia, Vegetables

Due to Covid 19, the Georgia Produce Safety Program, through the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), has announced proactive measures to help producers across the state. Education and Outreach Associate, Elizabeth Stalvey, has more details.  GDA would like to remind everyone that COVID-19 is not a foodborne disease and there is no evidence that it can be transmitted through food …

Public Field Hearings in Florida, Georgia on Seasonal and Perishable Produce Postponed

Clint Thompson Florida, Fruits, Georgia, Vegetables

Washington, DC – Consistent with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the field hearings scheduled in Florida and Georgia on April 7 and April 9 by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Commerce will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. The Office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had scheduled hearings …

Wet Winter Could Delay Georgia Watermelon Plantings

Clint Thompson Fruits, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Watermelon producers in South Georgia who were impacted by excessive rainfall in February and early March could see their planting window delayed, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist Andre da Silva. Some farmers could be as much as three weeks behind in preparing to plant this year’s crop, especially due to heavy rains on …

New Grape Cultivars Could be Boost for Industry in Southeast

Clint Thompson Alabama, Fruits

By Clint Thompson Grape cultivars released by UC Davis that are currently being researched by specialists at Auburn University could provide hope for farmers looking for a sustainable option in overcoming Pierce’s Disease. Elina Coneva, an Extension specialist in the Horticulture Department at Auburn University, said UC Davis’ grape breeding program recently developed European (Vitis vinifera) grape selections with resistance …

Mother Nature Impacting Blueberry Production

Clint Thompson Fruits, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Weather has already played a factor in this year’s blueberry crop production in the Southeast. Farmers need to be wary of potential disease pressure following last week’s excessive rainfall, according to Renee Holland, University of Georgia area Extension blueberry agent in Alma, Georgia. “Certain root-rot diseases, rain will actually help move pathogen spores around in the blueberry …

Bringing Together a Blueberry Mechanized Harvester

Clint Thompson Fruits

Joint research to develop a mechanized harvester for fresh blueberry growers could assist in addressing labor shortages and receiving a premium market price. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Georgia Produce Grower Training in Valdosta

Clint Thompson Fruits, Vegetables

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is offering another Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training for compliance with the federal produce safety rule. It will be held February 25 in Valdosta, Georgia. Produce Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator, Maggie Brown, said this training is for growers who need to learn about the new federal produce safety rules in Georgia. This one-day …

Americans Love Affair With Strawberries

Clint Thompson Fruits

Strawberries are widely appreciated for their characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture and sweetness. And in a story from Stephanie Ho, these are just some of the reasons why Americans have a love affair with the popular fruit. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program Signup Period Open

Clint Thompson Fruits, Vegetables

The signup period for the 26th edition of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program is now open. The program first began in 1995 and more than 250 produce industry professionals have graduated from the program. “As we celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary, I invite our alumni and all those who have supported their journey to pay it forward,” says …