Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Fruit and vegetable growers from across the Southeast gathered in Savannah for the annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference — an event designed to give producers the tools, research, and policy updates they need to stay competitive and sustainable.
In this Farm Monitor report, John Holcomb explores how new technology and precision agriculture are helping growers improve efficiency and profitability. Chris Butts, Executive Vice President of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, explains how initiatives like Innovation Row — developed in partnership with the University of Georgia and Grand Farm — are delivering real, actionable information producers can take back to their operations.
Butts also addresses labor challenges facing the industry, noting recent relief after a nearly 30 percent increase in guest worker wages was scaled back. While progress has been made, he says continued engagement with Congress is critical to protect and strengthen guest worker programs that directly impact farm profitability.
Another major concern discussed at the conference is the surge of imported specialty crops flooding U.S. markets and driving down prices for domestic producers. Bob Redding, President of The Redding Firm, highlights the sharp rise in imports — particularly from Mexico — and explains why the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement represents a rare opportunity to address long-standing issues.
From labor policy to trade and technology, the conference underscored the importance of keeping growers’ concerns front and center in Washington as they work to protect their livelihoods and the future of specialty crop production.
Fruit and vegetable growers from across the Southeast gathered in Savannah for the annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference — an event designed to give producers the tools, research, and policy updates they need to stay competitive and sustainable.
In this Farm Monitor report, John Holcomb explores how new technology and precision agriculture are helping growers improve efficiency and profitability. Chris Butts, Executive Vice President of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, explains how initiatives like Innovation Row — developed in partnership with the University of Georgia and Grand Farm — are delivering real, actionable information producers can take back to their operations.
Butts also addresses labor challenges facing the industry, noting recent relief after a nearly 30 percent increase in guest worker wages was scaled back. While progress has been made, he says continued engagement with Congress is critical to protect and strengthen guest worker programs that directly impact farm profitability.
Another major concern discussed at the conference is the surge of imported specialty crops flooding U.S. markets and driving down prices for domestic producers. Bob Redding, President of The Redding Firm, highlights the sharp rise in imports — particularly from Mexico — and explains why the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement represents a rare opportunity to address long-standing issues.
From labor policy to trade and technology, the conference underscored the importance of keeping growers’ concerns front and center in Washington as they work to protect their livelihoods and the future of specialty crop production.
