Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …
FFBF and FDACS Host Town Hall on COVID-19 & Florida Agriculture
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick held a town hall meeting on Thursday with the state’s agriculture community on pressing issues. Some of the topics of discussion included: Ensuring agriculture and all related industries are essential at the federal, state and local levels. Promoting the continued and efficient processing of H-2A worker visas. Inter- and intra-state weight waivers for …
Proactive Measures from the Georgia Produce Safety Program
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
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
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
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 …
Foods to Can in the Spring from Your Garden
Cathy Isom has some pointers, as well as a list of some foods you should can in the Spring. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The best way to prevent your plentiful harvest from going to waste is to can it! Even in the Spring there are many items that can be canned. Beets Chutney Garlic Pearl Onions …
Mother Nature Impacting Blueberry Production
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
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 ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to Cattle Producers in FloridaDecember 12, 2025Commitment From Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Members Seeks To Move Research ForwardDecember 5, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Support For …
Georgia Produce Grower Training in Valdosta
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 …