North American

North America 2023 Potato Production Data Released by USDA

Dan Specialty Crops, USDA-NASS

Last week, the USDA released the 2023 North American Potatoes report. These are numbers from the Agriculture Departments in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada reveals the 2023 North American Potato harvest data. Potato production for the U.S. and Canada combined in 2023 is estimated at 570 million per hundredweight, up eight percent from the 2022 estimate. The U.S. potato production …

USDA Provides over $75 Million in State and National Projects Regarding Agriculture and Natural Resources

Dan Agri-Business, Specialty Crops, USDA, USDA-APHIS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced its investment of more than $75 million to state and national projects regarding agriculture and natural resources. More than $5 million will be dedicated to the state of Florida and more than $70 million will be utilized towards protecting the United States from invasive plants and species.   FLORIDA FUNDING   The USDA’s Animal …

natural disasters

Final Payments to be Issued to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters

Dan Economy, Field Crops, Specialty Crops, USDA-FSA

(USDA-FSA/WASHINGTON/Feb. 6, 2024) — The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing these additional payments to eligible producers this week. “In the natural disaster recovery …

vegetable gardens

USDA Spotlight on Specialty Crops

Sabrina Halvorson Specialty Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is putting a focus on specialty crops with new investments and the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative (SCCI) which it announced back in November. USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs, and fifth-generation California farmer, Jenny Lester Moffitt says one goal is to hear directly from producers about ways in which USDA could support the industry.  …

ams

USDA Releases 2022 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary

Dan Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, USDA, USDA-AMS, USDA-EPA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the 2022 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary, which shows that over 99% of the samples tested had pesticide residues below benchmark levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The tests were conducted on 10,665 samples from 23 commodities including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, nuts and grains.   The PDP …

farm bureau

Farm Bureau Backs American Sugar Producers

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Specialty Crops, Sugar

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is backing sugar producers. As part of the policy resolutions set during their recent national convention, the American Farm Bureau continued support for a no-cost sugar policy. Cassie Bladow, chairperson of the American Sugar Alliance says the alliance appreciates farm bureau’s support, and they appreciate having AFBF as a strong partner as they advocate for …

changing climate

Changing Climate Means More Pests for Almonds, Peaches, Walnuts

Dan Climate Change, Environment, Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, USDA-NIFA

How a changing climate could mean more pests for some tree crops. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Department of Agriculture research shows climate change may increase the insect population that poses a threat to the specialty crops industry. Led by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the University of California, the research shows populations …