News

Carriers increase shipping rates
FedEx and UPS have implemented rate hikes for 2013, and 4.9 percent is the magic number.

Shipping rates for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery increased by a net average of 4.9 percent effective Jan. 7. UPS Ground services also increased 4.9 percent. UPS’ new rates went into effect Dec. 31.

The UPS Ground, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery full average rate increase of 5.9 percent will be partially offset by adjusting the fuel price threshold at which the fuel surcharge begins, reducing the fuel surcharge by one percentage point.

Details of surcharge changes and new rates for FedEx Ground are available at fedex.com/us/2013rates.

Updated UPS rate and service information is posted on www.ups.com/rates.

News Notes

White House pushes immigration change
In early January, the Obama Administration eased visa requirements for thousands of illegal immigrants – those who have a spouse, parent or child with U.S. citizenship. Currently, they must leave the U.S. and apply for a “forgiveness waiver” before they can apply for an immigrant visa. If they don’t get the waiver, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for up to 10 years, which has deterred many from applying.

To qualify, an applicant must be inadmissible only on account of unlawful presence in the U.S. and must demonstrate that being separated from family would mean “extreme hardship” for his or her U.S. relative. Those who qualify can apply for waivers from within the U.S., starting March 4. Although they must return to their native country for a brief period for the visa process, they will do so with the waiver in hand – greatly reducing the risk in applying, because they would still be in the U.S. when they heard the decision.

Rocket Farms fruit plants hit shelves
Rocket Farms will make the year’s first shipment of its small fruit program in mid- to late February. This is the first year Rocket Farms will be making these products available to its customers, and is an example of the expanded product offerings the Nurserymen’s Exchange merger has brought to the Rocket Farms brand.

The program features blueberries, raspberries, thornless blackberries and small pomegranates. These products complement Rocket Farms’ potted edibles line, which includes tomatoes, herbs, and peppers.

For more: www.rocketfarms.com

Coalition addresses labor
Organizations representing a broad cross-section of agricultural employers announced the formation of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC). As the unified voice of agriculture, the AWC’s goal is to seek legislation that ensures America’s farms, ranches and other agricultural operations have access to a stable and skilled workforce.

For more: www.agworkforcecoalition.org

Amethyst is woody winner
Members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Inc. have selected the Fresh, Woody Stem, and Bulb Cut Flowers of the Year for 2013. The evaluation is based on the cultivars’ performance in the ASCFG National Cut Flower Trials, and recommendations from cut flower growers across the country.

Symphoricarpos Amethyst is the winner for the woody category.

This native plant produces small white flowers in summer, and masses of hot pink berries which ripen into the fall. It’s relatively easy to cultivate as a cut flower crop, with fruiting stems as long as 60 inches. Fruit form on the current season’s growth. Plants tend to spread via underground suckers when they settle into a prime spot. Stems are harvested when most of the fruit is well colored; waiting too long might result in the older fruit turning brown.

Fine Americas launches new PGR
In January, Fine Americas introduced Collate, a plant growth regulator that can be used to increase lateral branching, delay flowering and inhibit internode elongation in a wide range of ornamental crops.

For more: www.fine-americas.com