Southeast

Stay-home order in Alabama exempts agricultural operations

Farmers and agricultural businesses will continue to serve Alabama residents under a stay-at-home order issued April 3 by Gov. Kay Ivey. The order aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 is effective Saturday at 5... more »

Stay-at-home order in Florida exempts ‘essential’ agriculture services

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on April 1 issued a stay-at-home order for the entire state as it grapples with a rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak. The order goes into effect April 2 at midnight and will... more »

Coronavirus challenges draw response from Florida Agri-Women

In this moment in time due to the coronavirus pandemic, our nation is facing many challenges as we adhere to instructions of social distancing. Our leaders are working 24/7 to contain the spread and are... more »

Local food banks, others benefit from Wish Farms’ berry donations

International grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, Wish Farms, is aiding local food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The... more »

Strawberry growers in North Carolina adapt to changing markets

North Carolina’s strawberry season kicked off around the same time the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the state. Now, local strawberry growers, who rely heavily on pick-your-own operations, are adapting to find new... more »

Georgia growers urged to prepare for harvest in light of COVID-19 pandemic

Most vegetable crops in Georgia – such as bell pepper, specialty peppers, tomato, eggplant, cucumber, yellow squash, and zucchini – are currently being planted into early April. These crops should be harvested in May and... more »

Resources on COVID-19 for specialty crop growers shared by North Carolina State

Below please find a list of resources for fresh produce growers dealing with COVID-19. These resources are categorized for you into Labor Availability, Markets and Farm Markets, Cleaning and Sanitation, Worker Health and Hygiene, Trade... more »

Impact of COVID-19 seen in strawberry industry report from Rabobank

Strawberry planted acreage in California is up year-over-year in 2020 from its lowest level in almost 15 years, and increased plantings in the Santa Maria producing region continue. Florida’s acreage remains flat, while strawberry plantings... more »