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  • FDACS Agricultural and Seafood Availability Notice

    fdacs

    (HCCGA) — FDACS has created the attached form for producers to fill out with their product availability. Once submitted, FDACS will utilize to forward to their Fresh From Florida contacts, as well as the Florida Department of Corrections, food banks and make connections with other State Departments of Agriculture in hopes of providing market opportunities to move product during the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Producers, please download the attached Ag and Seafood Availability form and submit

    Source: Highlands County Citrus Growers Association

  • Georgia Watermelon Farmer: What’s Worrying me the Most is the Labor

    For one Georgia farmer, the watermelon season lasts from June 10-week of July 4.

    By Clint Thompson

    Terrell Rutland is preparing for the upcoming watermelon season just like other Georgia farmers. And like his fellow producers, Rutland is uncertain as to what to expect from this year’s crop, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    “Nobody knows. That’s the end of the story, nobody knows,” Rutland said. “We don’t know about labor. We don’t know about price, whether the market’s going to be there. If folks can’t go town, they aren’t going to buy one.”

    Rutland’s biggest concern, though, is having normal workforce on site to harvest the 50 acres he produces in Tift County, Georgia and Cook County, Georgia. Rutland shares the same packing facility and crew with another farmer who also produces 50 acres. But there’s been growing concern among farmers that obtaining labor could be problematic.

    Amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused fear across the globe, it was initially announced that the U.S. Embassy in Mexico would stop interviews of seasonal workers, who are essential help in harvesting fruit and vegetable crops, like watermelons, in the U.S.

    According to AgNet West, after hearing concerns from several agricultural groups about how the restrictions would negatively impact the agriculture industry, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security worked to ensure that labor needs are met by issuing certain waivers for eligible first-time and returning H-2A and H-2B applicants.

    But Rutland remains concerned and will be until he sees his labor force intact when watermelon harvest begins around June 10.

    “The biggest thing that is pushing us right now, that’s worrying me the most is the labor. We got to get them picked,” Rutland said. “It doesn’t matter about anything else. That’s where it starts at, getting them out of the field.

    “Our broker called me, the folks who sell our melons, they called me three weeks ago and told us to try make sure we get our labor tied up.”

    Rutland estimates that he uses approximately 30 workers to harvest his watermelons. Watermelon harvest season typically lasts through the week of July 4.

  • Florida Farmer: We’ve Left About 5 Million Pounds of Cabbage in the Field

    By Clint Thompson

    One of the largest produce farmers in the Southeast has already lost quite a bit of his spring crop and fears what the future might hold amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

    Cabbage growing in a field.

    “We’ve left about 2 million pounds of green beans already (in the field) and about 5 million pounds of cabbage,” said Paul Allen, president of R.C. Hatton Farms in Belle Glade, Florida and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. “Hopefully the (government is) going to help us some. They’ve done a good job and allocated money to help specialty crops. We’re going to need it. Here we are harvesting in Florida but we’re planting in Georgia. We don’t know what that’s going to look like.”

    R.C. Hatton Farms produces 12,000 acres of vegetables and specialty crops, including sweet corn, green beans, cabbage, sugar cane and corn silage. While most crops are produced throughout Florida, some are grown in Poulan, Georgia, which is in Worth County.

    Like other fruit and vegetable farmers in Florida, Allen’s spring crop was dealt a devastating blow when restaurants closed across the country and took away a substantial amount of business following concerns of the COVID-19 outbreak.

    “The food service sector of our business has really taken a hit. A lot of our crops we grow, especially our beans and cabbage, we grow specifically for food service because it’s about 50% of that market. It’s been shut down,” Allen said. “The supermarkets can’t absorb that much. They can absorb some of it but just not that much.”

    It’s been nearly a month since the country was turned upside down, and agriculture has been one of the sectors impacted the most. Like many other farmers, Allen didn’t see this coming at all.

     “Nobody’s ever dealt with this before so how would you know? We had no idea. Hopefully it’ll get turned around. We’ll see,” Allen said. “We’re dependent on all supermarkets to buy hopefully, 100% US-grown products. If we can get 100% support, that’ll go a long way.”

  • Asian Vegetable Crop Interest Increasing in Florida

    By Mary Dixon, Yanlin Wang and Guodong Liu

    At the 2019 Florida Ag Expo, visitors gathered at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) for a trade show and field tour. Students and faculty from the University of Florida (UF) set up an Asian vegetable display that was visited by approximately 75 growers, educators, students and Extensions agents. Visitors conversed with students, read a flyer, took an identification quiz and watched a cooking video featuring Asian vegetables. They also had the opportunity to speak with UF associate professor Guodong Liu, who has dedicated much of his time toward exploring how to grow Asian vegetables.

    Yanlin Wang, a UF graduate student, presented research on nutrition of Asian vegetables. She determined optimal fertilization of conventional luffa and long bean to be 150 and 200 pounds per acre of ammonium nitrate, respectively. Luffa was on display as well as nine other vegetables.

    Luffa grows well in Florida because of the heat and moisture (Herklot, 1972; Purseglove, 1968). The two typically grown species are smooth (Luffa aegyptiaca) and ridged (Luffa acutangular). Mature fruit can be made into a fibrous sponge, and immature fruit are rich in minerals (phosphorus and potassium) and vitamins A and C (U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service). The young leaves, flowers and buds can be eaten (Xie et al., 2016). Luffa has been used medicinally to treat diabetes and reduce risk of heart disease (Schilling et al., 1981).

    Tong hao is an annual that grows highly branched foliage. It is slightly aromatic and has high quantities of beta carotene and antioxidants. It can be used culinarily, ornamentally or as green manure.

    Nappa cabbage is a mild elongated Chinese cabbage also known as wong bok (meaning yellow white) because of its typical yellow heart. It is an incredibly healthy vegetable that is an excellent source of folic acid, vitamins (A and B) and calcium (Mendes de Lira et al., 2015).

    Daikon radish is a mild Japanese radish with diuretic properties. Daikon radish forms a large taproot and dense foliage which may help reduce weed pressure. It decomposes quickly, releases nutrients and opens channels in the soil from decomposing roots, indicating cover crop potential (Gruver et al., 2016; Weil et al., 2009).

    Yu choy is a cool-season leafy annual with slender, pale green stems. It is typically harvested after one month, but harvest time may vary. Yu choy has high concentrations of antioxidants and mineral nutrients (Kamarudin, 2012). The leaves, stems and flowers are all edible and taste peppery and sweet.

    Shanghai bok choy has a light-green stem with smooth, spoon-shaped leaves. This crop can be grown in most parts of Florida year-round (Stephens, 1994). Harvest typically occurs after 30 to 45 days, and bitterness may develop if left in the soil too long (Tay and Toxopeus, 2016).

    Bitter melon is a vine from south Asia that has spread through the tropics and subtropics (Hossain et al., 2006). It grows rapidly, so trellis-support is recommended. Immature fruit tastes pleasantly bitter and is an excellent source of vitamins (A, B and C) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron). Chinese bitter melon tends to be smoother and less bitter than Indian bitter melon. Bitter melon also has medicinal benefits like lowering blood sugar (Zhang et al., 2018).

    Kabocha is a winter squash that grows best in well-drained soil with organic matter (Liu et al., 2017; Purdue Extension, 2014). The yellow-orange flesh is sweet, starchy and firmer than common pumpkin. The seeds can be roasted and taste like pumpkin seeds.

    Long squash is an herbaceous vine that needs trellis support. Long squash is a good source of vitamin C and potassium and has anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. While not edible, the mature fruit can be used as containers, musical instruments or fishing floats.

    Chinese eggplant is a perennial typically grown as an annual. It is long and has thin skin and few seeds. Chinese eggplant has been used medicinally for its antioxidant properties and for symptom reduction of toothaches, sores and intestinal disorders (Moore, 2007).

    Asian vegetables grow well in Florida and have high market potential. John Sykes, a potato farmer with more than 1,000 acres of land, now grows Asian vegetables. He sees a market for them throughout the United States and in Canada.

    Asian vegetable cultivation may be a novel and profitable experience. To learn more, search the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Electronic Data Information Source website (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/) or visit https://hos.ifas.ufl.edu/people/on-campus-faculty/guodong-david-liu/how-to-grow-asian-vegetables/.

  • United Fresh Start Foundation Starts COVID-19 Donation Program to Help Kids and Familes

    Lancaster Foods’ President John Gates joined United Fresh’s President & CEO Tom Stenzel delivering 1,000 3-pound bags of apples to the ALIVE community feeding program in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, April 4.

    Contact: Mary Coppola mcoppola@unitedfresh.org 202-303-3425

    WASHINGTON, DC (April 6, 2020) – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Fresh Start Foundation is offering a new grant program — COVID-19 Rapid Response FRESH Grants — to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for children and families in need, while also creating opportunities for foodservice distributors who face the loss of markets due to the restaurant and hospitality industry shutdown. 

    “These are two pressing needs facing our country today that are interconnected,” said United Fresh Start Foundation Chair Lisa McNeece, Vice President, Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Enterprises, Inc. “Kids are out of school and families are out of work. We need to make sure they have access to fresh produce through remote feeding sites or community programs. And at the same time, our foodservice distributors have been devasted by the immediate shutdown of their markets. This is an attempt to inspire our greater industry to recognize both needs and do what we can to help.”

    The United Fresh Start Foundation will fund (25) $1,000 grants to produce companies and foodservice distributors who can provide fresh fruits and vegetables to schools, community groups, and other emergency feeding sites for those in need. If a distributor can donate at least $1,000 worth of produce, or more, the Foundation will reimburse them $1,000. The goal is to break down the barriers that impact access to fresh produce, and bring community members and the supply chain together during this extraordinary time.

    The first grant was used to support a donation of 1,000 3-pound bags of apples by Lancaster Foods to the ALIVE community feeding program in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, April 4. Lancaster Foods’ President John Gates joined United Fresh’s President & CEO Tom Stenzel in delivering the fresh produce to ALIVE for distribution to needy residents in the community. “I thank John and the Lancaster team for going above and beyond to help our community,” Stenzel said. “And, for me personally, this feeds my own neighbors in need.”

    This program is funded through the generosity of those individuals who have agreed to donate their prepaid registration fees for the United Fresh 2020 Convention in San Diego to the United Fresh Start Foundation. “I want to thank each of those individuals for inspiring us with their generosity and making this program possible,” McNeece said.

    “In addition, we encourage individuals to consider making a tax-deductible donation directly to the United Fresh Start Foundation so we can continue to serve kids everywhere as best we can. And, of course, company contributions are welcome! Make your donation here to ensure kids are growing up fresh!”

    Interested produce distributors should complete this simple form to request a grant from the United Fresh Start Foundation. We ask that you immediately implement community feeding programs and we will get back to you on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

    Visit www.unitedfreshstart.org for complete details on the COVID-19 Rapid Response FRESH Grants program.


    For more information, contact Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Director of Nutrition Policy at 202-303-3403 or mvanlieu@unitedfresh.org.

  • U.S. Congressman: Additional Funds Will be Ready if Needed for Paycheck Protection Program

    By Clint Thompson

    Buddy Carter

    The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an integral part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, that will aid small businesses recover amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, may not have sufficient funds to support the $350 billion allocated for the program.

    One United States Congressman insists, though, that additional funds will be ready if needed.

    “There’s going to be a Phase 4 (coronavirus aid package). I am more certain now that there is going to be a phase 4,” said Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), who represents Georgia’s 1st District in the House of Representatives. “The short answer is, if we need more money, we’re going to allocate more money.”

    The program was designed to prevent workers from being laid off and small businesses from going out of business during a global pandemic that has halted the world’s economy. Those farmers or businesses, who qualify for the program, need to apply as soon as possible.

    “We intentionally made it somewhat ‘loose’ if you will, somewhat loose in that we wanted the agencies to be able to get this money out as quickly as possible. Therefore, we left a lot of the rules and regulations up to the agencies. There’s been some bumps in the road and that’s to be expected. But we intentionally did that because the message we sent to the agencies was, you need to get this money out as soon as possible,” Carter said. “We’re not going to burden you with rules and regulations and then ask you to get out as quickly as possible.”

    Carter said small businesses make up 99% of the businesses in America.

    “What we wanted to do was make sure we maintained the employee-employer relationship. That’s very important, particularly for our farmers, particularly for our small businesses. You’ll be able to get up to two and a half times your average monthly payroll,” Carter said. “That is very important because, again, we want you to maintain that relationship with your employee.

    “We don’t want to hear about people being separated from their businesses. That’s vitally important.”

    He emphasized that the applicant can be forgiven, if 75% is used for payroll,

    “Therefore, this PPP loan actually turns into a grant. That is very important because we wanted to make sure we get the relief out there,” Carter said.

  • Farmers Need to Beef up Security During Desperate Times

    A tractor and trailer harvesting potatoes in Hastings, Florida. Photo taken 06/03/15.

    By Clint Thompson

    Farmers need to beef up their security amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Gene McAvoy, Associate Director for Stakeholder Relations for the University of Florida IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center.

    As unemployment continues to skyrocket across the country, this often leads to an increase in theft instances. McAvoy said farmers are vulnerable right now since fewer people and eyes are on the farm.

    “When we were back in the recession era in the middle part of 2008, 2009, we saw a big up-take in unemployment. People are hungry. If you grab a box of chemicals on a farm or grab a couple of boxes of chemicals … that stuff is worth $400, $500 a jug sometimes,” McAvoy said. “You can grab three or four boxes and run. You’ve got some money to earn. Then they’ll turn around and sell it to unscrupulous buyers looking for a deal.”

    He’s already received reports of a couple of animals being slaughtered, 16 head of cows stolen and equipment taken in two other instances.

    McAvoy stresses to producers to take extra precautions during these desperate times.

    “Mark equipment in a place that’s not readily visible. If you lose a tractor or a disc or whatever, you have markings on it. So if the sheriff gets it or you see it, you can identify it,” McAvoy said. “Up your security. Make sure you’re checking your gates. Don’t keep a lot of inventory on hand. As I said, especially chemicals, you grab four gallons of certain products, you’re looking at close to a thousand bucks or more in one box. Just get it on an add-needed basis is a big help.

    “Camera systems are really cheap these days. You can get, for a few hundred dollars, wireless cameras that you can put around your strategic areas, your entrance gates, your spray shed, your office, your equipment barn. Oftentimes, they can be programmed to send alerts to your cell phone.”

  • Here’s Some Tips on Handling COVID-19 on Produce Farms and in Packinghouses

    By Laurel Dunn (UGA CAES News)

    Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

    While there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is a food safety concern, it is a worker health concern as it spreads via close person-to-person contact or by contact with contaminated surfaces.

    Food does not appear to be a likely cause of COVID-19 transmission, but many of the same practices used to prevent foodborne illness on foods should be used to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 contamination on fresh produce and the risk of COVID-19 spreading among workers.

    Producers should educate workers on COVID-19 symptoms, how it spreads and how to reduce the spread of the disease.

    Following are some guidelines from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension to share with employees:

    • Instruct workers to stay home if they are sick (coughing, sore throat, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.).
    • Reassure employees that they will not be punished for missing work due to illness.
    • Have a plan in place and communicate in advance how you will address workers who do not want to miss a paycheck (paid sick leave, etc.).
    • All employees must wash their hands frequently throughout the day with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This includes when employees arrive to work, before they handle food, after breaks or after using the restroom, etc.

    For more information, see: UGA CAES Newswire.

  • Fruits and Vegetables Next Stop on AFF’s Virtual Field Trip

    By Clint Thompson

    Children quarantined at home because of the coronavirus pandemic have a unique opportunity to learn about fruits and vegetables via social media. Alabama farmers, including Allie Logan and sister Cassie Young, will teach about fruits and vegetables as part of an ongoing virtual field trip offered through the Alabama Farmers Federation Facebook page, on Friday, April 10.

    The sisters are part of Backyard Orchards, an Agritourism attraction in Barbour County, Alabama. They’ll be discussing strawberries, which is part of their U-pick business.

    The Alabama Farmers Federation wants to take children on virtual field trips to help them learn about the different agricultural sectors that comprise the state. It will be offered every Friday morning at 10 (CT) through May 22.

    Last Friday, Jonathan Sanders, a farmer in Coffee County, talked about peanuts and other row crops that are produced in the Wiregrass. The show attracted more than 5.2 thousand views.

    Mary Wilson Johns, Alabama Farmers Federation Director of News Services, said the program offers parents and caretakers a chance to allow farmers to educate children about all things agriculture.

    “I know that this is just uncharted territory for a lot of parents, a lot of students. By Fridays at 10 in the morning, you might be at the end of your rope trying to figure out what you are going to do today to keep the kids engaged,” Wilson said. “Hopefully, these farm tours will fill that need and these links to those other resources will continue that education so that students will learn a whole lot more about where their food, fiber and timber products come from.”

  • Produce Market Sours on Florida, Georgia Farmers

    covid
    Vegetables on sale at a market.

    By Clint Thompson

    One of the largest produce farmers in Georgia is nervous about the impact the coronavirus impact is having on produce farmers in the Southeast.

    Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, is in the middle of harvesting some of his fruits and vegetables and has already seen a decrease in demand, amid the virus leading to closures of restaurants nationwide.

    “Our greens and broccoli season, it’s way down. We’ve lost thousands of boxes of orders because of this coronavirus,” Brim said. “We’re not harvesting right now unless we have an order on greens, (otherwise) we’d just have to dump it. We’re just not able to sell it. Food service has just dropped down where, we were doing two or three loads per week for food service, just on kale, and it’s gone to nothing.

    “It’s way down from what it normally is.”

    Brim said his produce is divided 60% food service to 40% retail. Like his brethren in Florida, Brim has been impacted by the orders of self-quarantine.

    “When it first started with the coronavirus down in Florida, prices were real high. Cucumbers went from $42 per box to $10 per box and then to no sales at all down in Florida,” Brim said. “They’re harrowing up cucumber fields and squash fields. Anything that’s on bare ground they’re harrowing it up and getting rid of snap beans and sweet corn. It’s not good.”

    Lewis Taylor Farms grows more than 6,500 acres of produce each year. Brim produces strawberries, turnips, mustard, kale, collards and broccoli as part of his farming operation. A once hopeful outlook for the 2020 season has soured quickly.

    “Crop’s coming on, looks good, I just hope we’ll have a market to send it,” Brim said.

    Brim established himself as an industry leader when he, along with Ed Walker, purchased Lewis Taylor Farms in 1985. Over the next five years, Brim helped transform Lewis Taylor Farms into a diversified transplant and vegetable production farm operation.

    When Brim became a co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms, it had only 87,000 square feet of greenhouse production space. The farm now boasts 81 greenhouses with more than 649,000 square feet of production space.