The Food and Drug Administration is currently drafting food safety regulations for fresh produce and Leanne Skelton, Chief of the Fresh Products Branch of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is currently on a 6 month assignment with the FDA to help the agency better understand the produce industry.
Southeastern Farmer of the Year Recipients
The 10 state winners were on hand for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award luncheon today, and when it was announced, this year’s 2009 overall recipient was Cary Lightsey from Florida. Pictured (l-r) are Alabama state winner David Wright, Jr., Arkansas state winner Orelan Johnson, Florida state and overall winner Cary Lightsey, and Georgia state winner …
School Lunch
Everett Griner tells us how the children are to be getting more fruits and veggies.
El Nino’s Expected Effect on the Southeast
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 2009 Winter Outlook, El Niño is expected to be a dominant climate factor for December through February winter weather.
USDA Announces Specialty Crop Block Grants
USDA has announced funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program with 55 grants awarded nationally, totaling approximately 49-million dollars for 745 projects. AL Report: FL Report:
Sunbelt Expo Celebrating 20th Anniversary of the Farmer of the Year Program
The Sunbelt Ag Expo starts October 20, 2009 and Executive Director Chip Blalock says this year it will celebrate the golden anniversary of the Swisher Sweets Southeastern Farmer of the Year Program.
Details Regarding the Fruit Chemical Use Survey
USDA’s Fruit Chemical Use Survey is underway and Carol House, with the USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service, says not too worry as producers should have most of the information on hand.
Fuel Up to Play 60
USDA and the National Dairy Council are teaming up with the NFL for the Fuel up to Play 60 program.
Industry Reacts to Risky Foods Report
The produce industry has quickly reacted to a study naming a number of fresh fruits and veggies on a list of the most dangerous foods.
Medfly Protection Expands to Broward County
FDACS – TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that Florida has added more troops to its defense against the Mediterranean fruit fly with sterile fly releases over an expanded area of South Florida. The additional release area in Broward County is a proactive measure to expand the coverage of the program with no additional cost. This …