Southeast
Pollinator conference seeks public engagement this year
The national Protecting Pollinators in Urban Landscapes conference is Oct. 10-12 in Athens, Georgia. The annual conference brings together researchers, educators, practitioners and others interested in bee conservation through discussions, talks and education sessions. It... more »
LSU breeder LaBonte sets the sweet potato standard
With each new variety from the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter sweet potato program, plant breeder Don LaBonte raises the bar for subsequent releases. For an advanced line to be considered for commercialization, it must... more »
Florida Congressional leaders seek investigation into Mexican imports
A bipartisan group of Florida’s congressional delegation has filed a Section 301 petition on behalf of Florida’s fruit and vegetable producers, alleging unfair trade practices with an influx of imports from Mexico. “For too long,... more »
Florida to receive $25 million for local food programs
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service has signed an almost $25 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund local food purchases. The $24.8 million agreement under the Local Food... more »
University of Florida hires expert to lead Invasion Science Research Institute
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has appointed internationally acclaimed entomologist and ecologist Matthew Thomas as director of the new Invasion Science Research Institute. In this newly created role, Thomas will... more »
Lipman expands winter tomato, vegetable program, by 1,400 acres
Lipman Family Farms is increasing its winter vegetable crops in Immokalee, Florida, by 1,400 acres, strengthening its position as a year-round supplier of tomatoes, cucumbers and other items. The acreage addition exemplifies the company’s ongoing... more »
UF, NC State researchers using tomato genome to tackle nematodes
Parasitic nematodes are responsible for about $125 billion in annual crop loss worldwide, and they can cause farmers to lose up to 80% of their tomato yield. “The situation with nematodes is exacerbated by an... more »
Jerrold A. Watson & Sons passes century mark
Jerrold A. Watson & Sons LLC continues a legacy of growing, having passed the century mark in operation. The Monetta, South Carolina, grower, which markets crops under the Watsonia Organics brand, helped create the state’s... more »