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New Extension Vegetable Specialist!

The search is over and a decision was made! The new Vegetable Specialist arrived at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee (SWFREC) and began right away meeting colleagues and growers in the area. Dr. Kent Cushman arrived September 1, just in time to experience three out of the four hurricanes that affected Florida agriculture. "The skill and adaptability of vegetable growers in southwestern Florida is amazing. Under adverse conditions they made critical decisions about abandoning their plantings, replanting, or nursing their crops back to health. Those that kept their crops may be experiencing less-than-ideal yields right now, but they are seeing high prices for their early produce."

Program goals for the new position are in development. The previous Specialist at Immokalee, Dr. Charles Vavrina, was well known for his work with transplant production. With recent retirements among other statewide vegetable specialists, there are several areas of research and extension that need attention. "My goal is to continue visiting with growers, colleagues, and agents in the region to define an area of specialization that fits the long term needs of the industry and university. There are issues currently being addressed in areas such as BMPs and methyl bromide alternatives, but other issues need attention. Some are as "simple" as maintaining current lists of recommended cultivars and some are as complex as increased urbanization and foreign competition."

Florida has a long history of excellence in vegetable research and extension. "I'm thrilled to be located in an area of the state with truly large-scale vegetable production. I'm working hard to establish collaborative projects with industry professionals and university colleagues."

Kent Cushman