As I write this letter, we are just scraping together our first pallets for a commercial pick in the third week of March. The majority of Florida growers are three to four weeks behind last year’s start date setting us up to have a late start and likely a condensed season. We will blame this on the weather.
Even though we had a relatively mild freeze-protecting period, the month of January was abnormally cold. This unusual weather inevitably set our blueberry plants back from their prototypical schedule causing many varieties to get stuck in the bud development stages between 2 and 4. Unfortunately, remaining in these stages for long periods of time can mean more susceptibility to gall midge. For our area, this is the costliest pest we have had during years like this. Despite mild freeze-protection this season, we made heavy ice that exasperated already hurricane-damaged plants.
The pollination weather was generally good but started late. The other observation in our North Central Florida area was early varieties blooming later and alongside later blooming varieties that mostly seemed to be on time. According to Doug Phillips and other growers to the south, fungal disease pressure such as rust has been low.
I hear many growers expressing interest in Florida and South Georgia over the newer University of Florida released varieties. Both Florida and Georgia growers seem to be optimistic about a good crop this year.
This year, Florida House Bill 1033 was introduced with intentions to enforce E-Verify among businesses to confirm immigration status and employment eligibility for all workers. If passed, these regulations and enforcement will go into effect as soon as this summer. There are high levels of uncertainty particularly facing issues of immigration and tariffs that would affect the agricultural industry more than most.
Also of importance, USHBC is proposing an increased assessment fee of $50/ton which is an increase from the current $18/ton assessment fee. FBGA and other states have voiced concerns over the amount and timing of this proposal. The idea behind the increased fees is to get ahead of the “blue wave” of fruit predicted to enter the marketplace each year. This would be primarily from Peru in the fall and winter months. These fees are also intended to keep up with inflation as well as invest in promotions.
By the time this is published, we will know more than I care to try and predict. I wish each and every person the best of luck in this exciting time of year!
