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 …
Vidalia® Onions Set to Ship April 16
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Announces Official Pack Date for 2020 (GDA) — For Vidalia® onion fans, spring doesn’t officially start until the iconic vegetable ships to stores around the country. This year, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee have set April 16, 2020, as the official pack date for America’s favorite sweet onion. “Along with the Vidalia Onion …
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 …
How to Spot and Get Rid of Whiteflies
Cathy Isom has a few tips about how to spot and get rid of whiteflies on your garden plants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whiteflies have the potential to kill entire crops in a short amount of time. Whiteflies are white winged insects that look quite similar to aphids. They’re extremely common and are able to hide …
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 …
Common Mistakes for Growing Tomatoes in Containers
Continuing her series, Cathy Isom reviews some common mistakes for growing tomatoes in containers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing tomatoes in containers can be incredibly rewarding or flat-out disastrous. However, there are some common mistakes that, if they can be avoided, will vastly increase your chances of successfully growing tomatoes in containers. Such as the size …
Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Containers
Cathy Isom has some informative information about the different types, as well as some tips for growing tomatoes in containers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing tomatoes in a container is possible even if you have never done a garden before. Tomatoes can grow anywhere as long as there is a suitable growing condition for it. Growing …
What is Salsify, and Why You Should Grow it
What is salsify, and why you should grow it. Cathy Isom explains this and more. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Imagine a parsnip and a dandelion root had a baby that looked like a brown stick. That’s salsify. Unlike beets, sweet potatoes, onions, and parsnips, salsify is a lesser-known root vegetable. It shouldn’t be – it’s totally worth …
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 …