Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin will be asking the state’s congressional delegation to procure disaster assistance for Georgia’s tomato growers. “Part of the blame for the economic disaster to tomato growers could and should be attributed to federal agencies that singled out tomatoes as the sole suspect of the salmonella Saintpaul outbreak,†Commissioner Irvin said. Report (1:00 mp3)
Jalapenos Possible Salmonella Source
The focus of finding the source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 900 people nationwide has now shifted away from tomatoes to jalapeno peppers. Report (1:00 mp3)
Tomato Sandwich Day Success
A “Georgia Grown” Tomato Sandwich Day last week in Atlanta was a juicy success. Charles Hall, executive director of Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, joined Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin and members of the media for the event. Report (1:00 mp3)
Salmonella Traceback Continues
The Food and Drug Administration is continuing its traceback to determine the source of the salmonella outbreak, looking into other possible contamination sources besides tomatoes, especially those contained in fresh salsa. Report(1:00 mp3)
Bayer CropScience 2008 Vegetable Seminar A Hit
Last week about 100 vegetable growers and Bayer CropScience representatives gathered in South Florida for the 2008 Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seminar, where attendees were on hand to celebrate the launch of two key products, Movento and Synapse. Industry experts presented the latest research on managing key pests and diseases, and a good time was had by all while at the …
Oriental Fruit Flies Found In Orlando
TALLAHASSEE – Two Oriental fruit flies have been found in Orange County, Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson has announced. During routine trapping activities on Friday, June 20, a USDA fruit-fly technician collected two suspect Oriental fruit flies from a fruit fly trap hanging in a sweet orange tree in the Winter Park area of Orlando. The fruit flies were confirmed by …
Tomatoes and Farmers Markets
Tomatoes are gradually returning to grocery store shelves and restaurant menus but there is still a great deal of consumer confusion and misinformation as a result of the publicity surrounding the salmonella scare. Meanwhile, farmers markets are benefiting from increased sales. Report(1:00 mp3) In Alabama, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks is reminding consumers they can find FDA approved “safe to eat†…
Bronson Confident in Florida Tomatoes
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson says he remains confident in the safety of Florida tomatoes as the Food and Drug Administration continues to look for the source of tomatoes tainted with salmonella that made hundreds sick in dozens of states, Report(1:00 mp3)
Groups Draft COOL BMPs
The Produce Marketing Association and Western Growers Association have completed their recommended country of origin labeling best practices and made them available for industry review and adoption. The best practices can be found on-line here. Report (1:00 wma)
Farm to University Meeting
Fruit and vegetable producers are invited to a growers meeting next week about opporunities to participate in the “Farm to University Program” at the University of Florida. This meeting is open to all growers of vegetables and fruits, especially smaller growers, and it will be held at the Hillsborough County Extension Office in Seffner from 12:30 – 4:00 pm. Growers …