Southeast

Florida blueberry season: Top-notch fruit, tools and knowledge

Florida’s blueberry production, harvest and shipping season has kicked off. The state’s blueberry industry has grown rapidly in the past 20 years. Today, Florida farmers grow more than 5,200 acres of blueberries, producing about 20... more »

Georgia apple assessment approved; wine/grape check-off fails

Georgia apple producers recently voted to continue the Georgia Apple Commission Marketing Order for an additional three years. The new marketing order will allow the assessment rate to be changed from the current two cents... more »

Spanish version available for UF/IFAS Blueberry Growers Guide app

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences UF/IFAS has just released a Spanish-language version to the UF/IFAS Blueberry Growers Guide app. You can download the app on iOS or Android. Users will be able to choose between... more »

UF/IFAS releases new Sentinel blueberry variety

The University of Florida has developed and released another tasty blueberry variety. When Patricio Muñoz developed the newest UF/IFAS variety, he wanted to name the fruit in honor of Alto Straughn, a longtime, strong supporter... more »

USDA OK’s disaster declaration request for Florida ag producers

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced March 22 the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) disaster designation for 17 counties and 10 contiguous counties impacted by the freezing temperatures that occurred from Jan. 23-31.... more »

NC Crop Loss Program now includes losses from April 2021 freeze

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural Crop Loss Program has been expanded to include farmers in six western counties that suffered freeze or frost damage to their agricultural commodities from April 2... more »

DOL seeks to increase Southeast ag industry’s compliance

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is continuing its multi-year education and enforcement initiative to increase compliance with federal labor laws in the Southeast’s agricultural industry. In addition to enforcement activity, the initiative provides... more »

Farm labor contractor to pay $249K in back wages, penalties

A federal judge approved a settlement with a Frostproof farm labor contractor – Jose M. Gracia Harvesting Inc. – who the U.S. Department of Labor found shortchanged workers and failed to provide them with safe... more »