Tomato imports ‘sucking lifeblood’ of U.S. industry

Tony DiMare, one of the nation’s largest tomato producers, can’t find his produce in just about any nearby store. Instead, the local shops sell tomatoes from Mexico and even Canada. Unprecedented imports have led to oversaturated markets, dropping prices to a third since the beginning of the season. Continue reading.

Overview of Florida agriculture

In 2008, Florida had 47,500 commercial farms, utilizing 9.25 million acres to produce $6.2 billion of crops. The state ranks first in the country in the production of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, sugarcane, squash, watermelons, snap beans, tomatoes and cucumbers.

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Organic perspectives: Understanding the views of Florida consumers, specialty crop farmers and retailers

Florida Organic Growers found common interests among farmers, consumers, and grocery retailers to develop Florida’s organic agriculture industry and expand and enhance in-state markets for Florida-grown specialty crops.

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Growing local: Unique partnership created inner-city Crabtree Farms

Farmers in Chattanooga turned a former horse farm and dumpsite into an urban farm that is also focused on education and outreach. Crabtree Farms reaches the community by teaching the people who come to the farm how to grow sustainably and how they can start their own home garden, community garden or school garden. Continue reading.

Year of the Dragon ushers in continued interest in Asian cuisine

To continue appealing to other cultural groups seeking Asian produce, growers and retailers need to focus on consumer education and communication. Successful businesses take the mystery out of exotic-sounding fruits such as dragonfruit, guava, lychees and longans.

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Hispanic interest makes plantains the specialty item leader

Increasing minority groups and diversifying tastes have led plantains to be one of the fastest growing items in the produce department. Backed by the Hispanic market, the growth of plantain consumption far outpaces bananas.

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A farmer’s guide to marketing through community supported agriculture

The interest in community supported agriculture by producers and consumers continues to grow with the demand for fresh and local food. CSAs enable farmers to reduce financial risk and build a greater sense of community.

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Best management practices for Florida specialty fruit and nut crops

This manual, produced by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, details the approved methods to cultivate specialty fruits and nuts to conserve water quantity and protect water quality. The manual includes information about irrigation, erosion control and pest management. Continue reading.

Definition of specialty crops

Legislation in 2004 and 2008 defines ‘specialty crops’ as almost everything except grains, seafood and livestock. The dropdown menu in this link lists the commodities commonly considered in categories such as fruits and tree nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, as well as nursery. Continue reading.

Florida crops, seasonal availability

With more than 35 types of specialty produce grown in Florida, something is always available. From avocado to watermelon, Fresh from Florida’s chart tells you where crops are grown and when it’s in season.

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