AgNet DEMO

Author: Clint

  • Charles Hall: Hearings Are One Step in the Process

    rubio
    According to many farmers, fair trade is more of a fantasy than reality.

    Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, understands changes to the unfair trade practices that are being experienced by seasonal growers in Georgia and Florida with regards to Mexican imports are not going to happen overnight.

    But he is hopeful the virtual hearings on Thursday, Aug. 13 and the one next week on Thursday, Aug. 20, will make a difference.

    Hearing Next Week

    Hall is one of numerous farmers and industry leaders in Georgia who will testify in a virtual hearing on Thursday with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. The hearings provide the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from growers in both states about the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade.

     “I think it is big that we have this opportunity to talk with some of the decision makers in Washington. I know that our Congressmen and Congressional delegations have been fighting for us. I think it could very well be of some remedy, but I say that cautiously because there’s an awful lot that has to happen for this to be any remedy for us,” Hall said. “I don’t think after these hearings, they’re going to say we believe you and we’re going to do what we need to. I think the hearings are one step in the process. Hopefully, we can continue to keep the administration on our side and continue to work towards some remedy to this.”

    Trade Distorting Policies

    Hall hopes the discussion over the two days of hearing will center on trade distorting policies and how to address the competitive disadvantage American farmers are facing.

    “All of the testimony that was presented on Thursday (13th) or next week on the 20th is to show the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office what we consider to be trade distorting policies. Over the last 15 years, since NAFTA was created, particularly over the last five years you can look at the increase of Mexican imports into the U.S. and how much the Mexico imports have taken over the U.S. domestic market for produce. You can really see what those imports are doing,” Hall said.

  • Peak Time for Insect Pressure

    Heat and dry weather conditions make this a peak time for insect pressure. Ayanava Majumdar, an Auburn Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology, cautions fall vegetable growers about insect pests and to scout regularly.

    Pictured is a fall armyworm.

    “Insects love the heat because they grow through their life cycle faster because of the extra heat. They grow faster. They mate and reproduce faster plus the plants are stressed. It’s like a perfect storm and it leads to massive crop losses for farmers,” Majumdar said.

    Armyworms

    There are various insect pests the growers need to be mindful of this time of year. Majumdar is concerned with caterpillars, in particular, the armyworm sisters: beet armyworm, fall armyworm, yellow striped armyworm and southern armyworm.

    “These four, often times there’s mixed populations in the field. They can be very difficult to identify when they’re small. As they grow bigger it’s easier to identify. Those armyworms have very distinct patterns and head structures,” Majumdar said. “Those armyworms, along with horned worms, loopers; everything is just exploding right now. This is the peak of insect activity now.; August and then into September, to some extent. We are constantly telling farmers to watch; caterpillars on tomatoes and then you will see sucking insect pests, which cause quality loss like stink bugs, leaf footed bugs.

    “Often, it’s hard to tell the yield loss from just the weight of the produce, but they will destroy the appearance or the taste of the produce. There’s a huge quality loss with the sucking insect pests. Those are increasing as well.”

    Squash Bugs

    He also warns of squash bugs on squash. They feed on the crop and can transmit yellow vine disease. This can shut down plants during harvest and is exacerbated by the current drought-like conditions.

    While scouting is important, knowing when to apply insecticides can be just as key to pest management. Majumdar implores farmers to always consider the current weather conditions.

    “We can not do calendar-based spraying anymore, at least not in Alabama. We go from drought to extreme wet weather in a week. That has a huge effect on insects,” Majumdar said. “Have some flexibility in the IPM plan. That’s very important to check the weather patterns. I’ve described flash drought versus prolonged drought. There’s different kinds of drought we’re experiencing now. That affects our pest management.”

  • Rubio Delivers Defense of Florida’s Seasonal Growers at Virtual Hearing

    Marco Rubio

    Miami, FL — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) delivered testimony during a virtual hearing on seasonal and perishable produce organized by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

    The virtual hearing is the first of two to discuss foreign trade practices that are harming American growers, especially Florida farmers, of seasonal and perishable produce. These hearings are being convened after Rubio led the Florida delegation in securing a promise from the administration to further examine this issue and formulate a plan that addresses the severe harm that Florida growers continue to experience at the hands of Mexico. You can read Rubio’s testimony as prepared here.

    “[P]rimarily you are here because of a promise made to me and to the entire Florida congressional delegation, and to this industry in Florida – made both privately, and publicly in Ambassador Lighthizer’s letter of January 9, 2020, that these unreasonable trade practices would be thoroughly examined, and an appropriate remedy announced,” Rubio said in his testimony. “The USMCA was a victory for our economy in many ways… However, as I said at the time, Florida growers were not protected by this agreement, and in fact, they were left out. Your promise to us was that this omission would not be the final word, that the livelihood of Florida growers would not be the price tag of the USMCA. We need you to make good on that promise.”

    Background:

    Rubio has been leading the effort on behalf of Florida’s growers who are harmed by unfair trade practices from Mexico. When the Senate approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (USMCA), Rubio highlighted the shortcomings of the agreement as it relates to Florida’s seasonal growers.

    “However, no trade deal is perfect, and while many American farmers and ranchers are celebrating, Florida’s fruit and vegetable growers were once again left to fend for themselves,” Rubio said. “Florida growers deserve an effective, enforceable, and durable solution to the problems NAFTA helped impose. While the USMCA will not improve their situation, I remain confident that this administration will continue to look for ways to address significant price distortions in the domestic seasonal and perishable produce market caused by a rising tide of unfair import competition.”

  • Fried Testifies in Virtual Hearing

    commissioner
    Nikki Fried
    Florida Agriculture Commissioner

    Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried testified on Thursday about unfair trade in a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.

    The hearing, which will continue throughout the day, provides the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from seasonal produce growers in Florida on the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade.

  • U.S. Representative Soto Testifies at Virtual Hearing

    U.S. Representative Darren Soto of Florida’s 9th District testified on Thursday during a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.

    Soto focused much of his talk on blueberries and how Mexican imports have impacted Florida farmers.

    The hearing, which will continue throughout the day, provides the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from seasonal produce growers in Florida on the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade.

  • Virtual Hearings Begin Today

    Blueberries are one commodity at stake with competition with Mexico.

    Gene McAvoy, associate director for stakeholder relations at the University of Florida/IFAS, is speaking up about unfair trade practices.

    He’s one of numerous farmers and industry leaders in Florida who will testify in a virtual hearing today with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office. The hearings, scheduled for today and next Thursday, Aug. 20, will provide the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from seasonal produce growers in Georgia and Florida about the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade.

    Today’s hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. To view the live recording of the hearing, visit USTR’s website here. The livestream will be made available on August 13.

    Fair Trade More Fantasy Than Reality

    McAvoy has substantial statistical data to support his belief that the idea of fair trade is more fantasy than reality.

    “When I first came to Immokalee (Fla.) 25 years ago, we had 300 mostly medium-sized vegetable growers. I don’t think we have 80 (now). Some of them have gotten bigger, but the majority have had to get out because they just couldn’t compete,” McAvoy said.

    McAvoy echoes what other farmers have been complaining about as they try to compete against Mexican imports.

    “They’re paying their labor less per day than we’re paying per hour. We see produce coming in a $5 a box on tomatoes, and it’s impossible to fathom how that can be done when you think about the cost of production,” McAvoy said. “A tractor in Mexico’s going to cost just as much and more than it does here. Chemicals cost just as much and more than here. The cardboard box itself costs $1.50. When they’re putting stuff on the market at $4 or $5, I don’t care if labor is cheaper, there’s something else going on there.”

    Multiple Commodities Impacted

    Multiple commodity groups are vulnerable to unfair trade practices with Mexico.

    “It started with tomato and then it progressed over the years. Tomatoes in 2000, we were about equal in Mexico, above Mexico in terms of total production of tomato on an annual basis. Now, they’re sending in three times what Florida produces into the United States on an annual basis. It moved to peppers. It moved to blueberries, strawberries; I’m hearing from growers now that have switched to organic production to carve out a niche and they’re starting to encroach on that market now,” McAvoy said.

    Click here to view the hearing schedule and list of participants on August 13. Additional information regarding the August 20 hearing will be released closer to the date. The Federal Register notice regarding the hearings can be viewed here.

    NOTE:  Full transcripts of the hearings will be posted online after the hearings.

  • Florida Farm Bureau President to Participate in Virtual Hearing on Seasonal and Perishable Produce

    farm bureau
    Florida Farm Bureau
    President
    John Hoblick

    Gainesville, Fla. –  Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick will provide public comment to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Agriculture on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 9 a.m. EST to address concerns of unfair trade practices with Mexico.

    In this virtual hearing, federal officials will hear firsthand from Florida growers, lawmakers, industry leaders and other agricultural-related entities to help provide feedback on how the Administration can better support producers and redress any unfair harm.

    The hearings were originally scheduled to take place in Florida and Georgia in April, but in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held virtually. A second virtual hearing will be August 20, 2020 at 9 a.m. EST.

    To view the live recording of the hearing, visit USTR’s website here. The livestream will be made available on August 13. Click here to view the hearing schedule and list of participants on August 13. Additional information regarding the August 20 hearing will be released closer to the date.

    The Federal Register notice regarding the hearings can be viewed here.
     

    NOTE:  Full transcripts of the hearings will be posted online after the hearings.
     

  • Gloomy Projections Remain for North Carolina Grapes

    File photo shows a research vineyard in North Carolina.

    It is nearing harvest time for North Carolina grape producers. Unfortunately, original projections remain true for this year’s crop. It is expected to be a down year for grape farmers.

    “With the vinefera grapes for the wine industry in the western part because of all of the frost events we had in the spring, most vineyards are down at least 50% this year in yield,” said Mark Hoffmann, North Carolina State small fruits Extension specialist. “We had a few who weren’t infected, and they actually had a real nice crop on the wine. But most vineyards have 50% to 60% loss this year, and very uneven number of clusters to wine, too. Some wines got more affected than others.”

    Back in June, Hoffmann said a May frost impacted the western part of the Piedmont region as well as the Yadkin Valley. The area where the frost left the most impact produces about 80% of the state’s production. That is a big reason for the gloomy projection for this year’s crop.

    “It was clear after the frost that it wasn’t going to be a bumper year this year,” Hoffmann said. “It’s not going to be a great year for the wine industry this year.”

    He added that production is about two weeks late due to the frost and cool temperatures in the spring. Grape harvests in the Yadkin Valley are expected to start next week. Harvests are expected to last through mid-October.

    Muscadine harvests are also expected to begin this week at the earliest, next week at the latest.

  • Update: How to Report Unsolicited Seeds

    The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) has an updated website to help the state’s residents know how to proceed if they receive unsolicited seeds in the mail. Those who do receive seeds, please click here.

    The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services(FDACS) is warning Floridians about unsolicited packages of seeds received through the mail. The seed packets may arrive unexpectedly in packages bearing Chinese characters, may bear the name China Post, and may be labeled as jewelry. They have been reported in multiple states.

    Brushing Scam

    The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the lead regulatory body on this matter, issued guidance. The USDA believes the seeds to be part of a “brushing” scam, where unsolicited items are sent in order to post false customer reviews and boost online sales. Upon receiving seed packages from recipients, the USDA will test the contents to determine if a risk is posed to agriculture or the environment.

    The introduction of plant seeds into the United States is tightly regulated by the USDA. Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural smuggling; may be invasive; may introduce pathogens, toxins or plant and animal diseases; may pose a risk of foodborne illness; and may pose a threat to plant, animal and human health. FDACS is continuing to work closely to receive additional guidance from the USDA and APHIS, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

    Report Immediately

    “Anyone receiving these suspicious seed packets should not plant them, but should report it to our department immediately, so that our inspectors can safely collect them for analysis,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.

    Here’s what to do if you receive an unsolicited seed package from another country:

    • Do not open the seed packet and avoid opening outer packaging or mailing materials, if possible.

    • Place the seed packet and mailing materials into a sealable plastic bag. This is important to determine the origin of the seeds.

    • Do not plant the seeds or discard them in trash that will be landfilled.

    Again, if you receive these seeds, please click here to find out how to proceed.

    This isn’t the first time in 2020 that Florida agriculture has been concerned about shipments of agricultural products from China. USDA’s APHIS on April 14 authorized the importation of five types of commercially produced citrus from China. Read about the official Florida opposition to that action.

    Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

  • Alabama Farm Credit Partners with Sweet Grown Alabama

    Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson with a representative from Alabama Farm Credit.

    MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program, is pleased to welcome Alabama Farm Credit as a founding member of the non-profit organization.

    “Alabama Farm Credit is proud to be a founding member of Sweet Grown Alabama. We believe that the strength of agriculture in our state is dependent on finding every way possible to maximize the value of our farmers’ products,” said Mel Koller, President and CEO of Alabama Farm Credit. “Sweet Grown Alabama provides a new avenue for our growers to connect with customers and increase the strength of their individual brands. At Alabama Farm Credit we believe ‘Together We Grow.’ We know by supporting the Sweet Grown [Alabama] branding together Alabama agriculture will indeed grow.”

    Alabama Farm Credit’s financial support will help Sweet Grown Alabama connect Alabama farmers and families. Funds will be utilized to encourage purchasing of locally grown products through traditional and digital marketing. Consumers can search for a variety of locally grown products at  SweetGrownAlabama.org.  

    “We are thrilled to add Alabama Farm Credit to our network of founding members,” said Ellie Watson, Sweet Grown Alabama Director. “This contribution will allow us to educate and connect more consumers to Alabama grown products, and I am grateful that Alabama Farm Credit is committed to support local through our program.” 

    With this commitment, Alabama Farm Credit becomes the eighth founding member supporter of Sweet Grown Alabama.

    For more information on Sweet Grown Alabama, visit  www.SweetGrownAlabama.org.

    To learn more about Alabama Farm Credit, visit  www.AlabamaFarmCredit.com.