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Articles by Lisa Lochridge
What Citrus Should I Plant in the Era of HLB?
By Rick Dantzler|December 14, 2020 Make no mistake about it. My goal for Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) is to eradicate HLB or make it functionally irrelevant, and one way to do this is through the development of greening-tolerant citrus rootstock and scions. In fact, one of the most common questions growers ask in the HLB era is, “What should I plant?” Three CRDF rootstock trials have helped many growers answer this question.
Survey Says State of the Florida Citrus Sector Is Strong
By Frank Giles|December 7, 2020 This year’s Florida Grower Citrus Industry Pulse survey uncovered some positives in a year marred by a global pandemic and a disrupted orange juice market. More than 70% of survey respondents note they are actively replanting trees. And a majority believe citrus can be grown in a greening-endemic environment — up from last year’s survey. Scroll through key survey results in the slideshow above.
What's up With Growing Lemons in Florida?
By Peter Chaires|October 12, 2020 Florida citrus growers remain interested in diversifying their planting portfolio and continue to question whether lemons should be a consideration. Anyone navigating back roads in primary Florida citrus production areas has certainly seen significant lemon acreage going in the ground. The trees have a distinctive appearance and really catch the eye.
Perseverance a Priority for Florida Farmers Post-Irma | Growing Produce
As Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture since 2011, Adam Putnam has seen the state’s growers survive a host of challenges, including citrus greening, Oriental fruit flies, screwworms, and misdirected water management regulations. Now, Florida growers must rebound from the statewide wind and water destruction from Hurricane Irma. Putnam was the keynote speaker at the closing dinner of FFVA 2017, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s 74th annual convention.
Building Strong Advocates for Farming a Class Act | Growing Produce
An annual rite of passage that occurs at FFVA’s convention is the graduation of the current class of our Emerging Leader Development Program and the introduction of the new class. As more classes graduate, a growing number of alumni are attending the convention, giving it a new vitality. So, we’re pleased to welcome 10 up-and-coming leaders as the ELDP’s Class 7 for 2017-2018.
Specialty Crop Concern Feeds Need to Negotiate NAFTA Now | Growing Produce
If all goes according to announced plans, by now, the administration has opened negotiations on NAFTA.
Trade Talk to Top Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Convention Agenda | Growing Produce
Trade issues are top of mind these days for specialty crop producers. Efforts have been underway since early this year to remedy damage to the state’s fresh fruit and vegetable industry from Mexican product being dumped into the U.S. during Florida’s harvest season. That’s a topic that FFVA will focus on in during its upcoming 74th annual convention Sept. 25-27 in Amelia Island.
Current Trends Top Conversation At Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Convention | Growing Produce
More than 420 producers, allied business partners, and other agriculture leaders gathered for FFVA’s 72nd Annual Convention last week to hear the latest on the issues, do business with sponsors, and catch up with industry friends. The packed agenda served up a powerful lineup of speakers, topics, and opportunities for discussion of issues that affect how growers do business.
Alliance Stepping Up Efforts to Protect Specialty Crops | Growing Produce
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance has kicked off its efforts to communicate to Congress its priority needs for the next Farm Bill. The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) is a founding member of the Alliance, which has successfully pushed for significant investment in the specialty crop industry in the bill.
Unfair Trade Taking Its Toll on Florida Farmers | Growing Produce
The fall/winter growing season was a tough one for Florida’s specialty crop producers, many of whom left crops in the ground because of too much product and prices that fell below the cost of production. A number of factors for such a “deadly storm” were at play: ideal weather that produced bumper crops, low consumer demand because of cold weather in the Northeast, and significantly increased import surges from Mexico.
In-The-Field Learning Invaluable for GenNext Growers | Growing Produce
Eleven young agriculture professionals are getting a well-rounded education this year on Florida specialty crop agriculture through FFVA’s Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP). The program identifies young leaders and equips them with information and tools to become strong advocates for agriculture. Class 6 toured South Florida farming and packing operations in mid-January. The tour took in stops in Belle Glade, South Bay, LaBelle, Clewiston, Loxahatchee, and Boynton Beach.
How Farming’s Deep Roots Can Inspire Job Appreciation | Growing Produce
Since we just concluded a season of thanksgiving, and because I just celebrated 10 years of employment at the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, I thought I would use this space to reflect on the past decade and look forward to another year. I had the good fortune of coming to work for FFVA President Mike Stuart and the association at the end of 2006.
Insight Welcome On Florida Agriculture’s State Of The Industry | Growing Produce
More than 400 people attended FFVA’s 73rd annual convention in late September to hear an array of agriculture leaders and industry experts discuss key issues. Attendees also had a chance to catch up with colleagues and network with dozens of sponsors. Always a favorite at the convention is Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s state of the industry address. And this year was no exception. In his wide-ranging talk, Putnam discussed both opportunities and challenges for Florida agriculture.
Celebrate National Farmer’s Day Every Day | Growing Produce
Florida agriculture has a compelling story to tell every day, but what better time to tell it than this month in observance of National Farmer’s Day, which is Oct. 12. The story of Florida agriculture is about farmers, their love for the land, and an industry that powers Florida’s economy. It has been written one generation at a time by families whose dedication puts food on Americans’ tables every day.
Swaying Views On GMO Foods No Easy Task | Growing Produce
A communicator who tackles myths on science, health, and food will lead off the Issues Forums at FFVA’s 73rd Annual Convention Sept. 28-30 in Naples with a presentation on how to discuss GMOs. Kavin Senapathy is Co-Founder and Director of the international pro-biotech organization March Against Myths and co-author of “The Fear Babe: Shattering Vani Hari’s Glass House,” a book about popular food misconceptions and why they proliferate in the face of mountains of evidence against them.
My First Trip To Cuba Proves Fruitful
I had a chance to get a peek behind the curtain, so to speak, for a firsthand look at Cuban agriculture on a recent trip with other alumni of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources. The five-day trip was enlightening, providing the 28 participants with a better perspective of the state of agriculture in this country 90 miles off Florida’s coast. My takeaway?
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Convention To Cover Critical Issues
FFVA 2016, our 73rd annual convention, is shaping up to be another first-class meeting, with outstanding keynote speakers, timely educational sessions, and plenty of opportunity for networking. And those are exactly the reasons attendees tell us that it’s an event they don’t want to miss. The gathering is set for Sept. 28-30 at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples. Our keynote speaker this year is Mike Allen, a Founder of Politico and its Chief White House Correspondent.
Florida Growers Putting Food Safety On Front Burner
About 150 produce growers, handlers, and other industry allies gathered in Belle Glade recently to hear FDA representatives discuss new food safety rules and to get answers to questions on compliance. The public meeting was hosted by UF/IFAS to help Florida’s specialty crop industry understand what’s ahead as FDA begins implementing new food safety rules set out under the 2010 Food Safety Modernization Act.
Field Tour Provides Reality Check For Florida Regulators
An annual rite of spring for FFVA is its Spring Regulatory Tour for representatives of federal and state agencies that monitor Florida agriculture. Participants meet with producers, see production practices up close, and have the chance to discuss with growers the effects of regulations on their ability to produce crops. The five-day trip crossed South Florida and included stops in Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties.
Crisis Management 101: How To Apologize Appropriately
For 1960s country music star Brenda Lee, saying “I’m Sorry” meant winning a Grammy and having the legendary song inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. For the rest of us, an apology isn’t nearly as pleasant. But saying “I’m sorry” to the public is an important element of crisis communication — something companies should think about and plan for (and then hope they never have to do it).
Florida Growers Encouraged To Be Graphic For Better Public Relations
You don’t need me to tell you that Florida agriculture has a compelling story to tell. You know just how important agriculture is to our communities and our state. But do your neighbors, your elected leaders, your business contacts? Chances are the answer is, “not really.” It seems that more often than not in industry meetings the conversation eventually turns to the public’s lack of knowledge and understanding about agriculture.
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