Food and Drug Administration officials say they continue to find produce from Mexico that test positive for different types of salmonella, including the st. paul strain implicated in the outbreak that started at the end of April. Listen to report here:
Thrips Resistance Action
Dow AgroSciences has voluntarily suspended the sale and use of multiple spinosyn insecticides in Broward County and a portion of Palm Beach County. The action was taken in response to evidence that western flower thrips have developed resistance to a product with the active ingredient spinosad. Products affected by this suspension are CONSERVE® SC turf and ornamental insect control, DELEGATEâ„¢ …
Crop Sunscreen
Protecting crops from harmful UV rays is the goal of a new crop sunscreen product from a company called Purfresh.
Controlling Whiteflies
Whiteflies are always a concern for fruit and vegetable producers in the southeast and it can be expensive to control these pests. Because of that, John Altom with Valent says Venom and Knack help growers the most effective control for their dollars.
FL Commissioner’s Spotlight on Salmonella Outbreak
This week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is about the recent salmonella outbreak and its impact on Florida’s tomato industry. Commissioner Bronson appeared before a congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C. on July 31st to discuss the federal government’s handling of the matter. To read the text of the Commissioner’s testimony before the House Committee on Energy and …
Senior Farmers Market Grants
USDA recently announced $21 million in final Fiscal Year 2008 grant awards to states for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. These senior’s markets provide low-income seniors with coupons exchanged for fresh produce at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs.
Fruits and Veggies for School
USDA officials have announced that $49 million will be provided in fresh fruits and vegetables for elementary school children during the school day. All students in participating schools receive fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost where a high proportion of children are eligible to receive free- or reduced-price school meals.
COOL Info Outreach
With implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling just over six weeks away, USDA is working to assist retailers and food industry organizations in implementing mandatory Country of Origin labeling with outreach and information. Suppliers and retailers are invited to a free webinar outlining COOL requirements from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. Pre-registration is required by Aug. …
Bronson Stresses Cooperation in Food Safety
At a congressional hearing last week on the ongoing salmonella outbreak, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson stressed the need to establish the roles and responsibilities of government agencies when food-borne illness strikes.
GA Tomato Grower Losses
Georgia tomato growers saw big losses from the recent salmonella scare, as Tyron Spearman runs through the numbers compiled by the University of Georgia. Listen to report here: