Georgia
A combination of rising foreign imports and a domestic labor crisis is squeezing Southeast produce growers, creating what industry leaders call a direct threat to U.S. food security.
The Ontario-based greenhouse grower says it’s investing in the future of fresh produce with a 25-acre expansion of its Southern Flavor Farms greenhouse in Georgia, expected to be in production next summer.
As the Adverse Effect Wage Rate continues to climb year after year for the H-2A guestworker program with little clarity on how the USDA calculates the rates, organizations are saying, “enough is enough.”
In addition to promoting agritourism, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is tapping into retail partnerships to highlight the state’s in-season produce.
Growers are optimistic about blueberries and peaches, and that excitement is also shared for the state’s other fruits and vegetables.
Coalition calls the signing of SB 144 into state law a landmark victory for Georgia farmers.
The official pack date has been set for Vidalia onions, which are available for a limited time each year from April through early September.
Despite some weather challenges, optimism persists on the verge of the sweet onion’s return.
The site will include recipes, storage and handling tips, nutritional information and insights into production.
With Vidalia onions soon heading to supermarket shelves, retailers have options to enhance their marketing, and the Vidalia Onion Committee and Certified Angus Beef will feature a summer grilling series on social media.
Following Shuman Farms’ acquisition, the company now has 2,800 acres of Vidalia onions in the ground and has solidified itself as one of the largest grower-shippers in the industry, says John Shuman, president and CEO.
With sweet onion sales accounting for 35% of the onion category, retail promotional efforts involving endcap displays, bins and cross-merchandising can increase market share, says the marketer’s vice president of sales.
The story of Vidalia onions comes to national television in a two-part special airing April 12 and April 19.
Georgia growers expect a strong spring/summer season despite a late start in some regions caused by heavier-than-usual spring rains.
Increased competition from foreign growers has prompted producers in Georgia — and other states — to encourage produce buyers to buy U.S.-grown items, especially during the spring and summer season.
The official start date for the Vidalia onion season has been set for 8 a.m. April 20.
When Sesame Street knocked, Casey Cox threw open the door on her Georgia farm and grabbed an opportunity to take U.S. agriculture to a new audience.
Florida growers are struggling against imported produce from Mexico, according to Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association testimony to the International Trade Commission.
Kenny Bennett, the longtime farm manager and business partner at the L&M Family of Cos., has died.
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference organizers are offering full registration to growers who faced substantial losses from Hurricane Michael, making it easier for them to attend the annual show.
J&J Family of Farms, Westlake, Fla., has made personnel changes.
Americold Realty Trust, which owns and operates temperature-controlled facilities and infrastructure, has acquired PortFresh Holdings, which serves the fresh produce industry primarily through the Port of Savannah, Ga.
PennRose Farms, Wimauma, Fla., a grower-owned company that has a network of growers in the U.S. and Mexico, is expanding its geographic footprint.
The Port of Savannah, Ga., has added East-West routes to its chilled produce business, with new services to Europe and Asia.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has chosen April 22 as the official pack date of the famous onions.
State officials will be joining the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association in an update of state agricultural funding.
Shuman Produce, grower-shipper of Vidalias and other onions year-round, is rebranding, with a new trade name of Shuman Farms, and has numerous personnel changes, primarily in sales and marketing.