Boston Market Commits to GAP Animal Welfare Standards

Dan Industry News Release, Poultry

The rotisserie-cooking chain Boston Market announced plans to source chickens certified by the Global Animal Partnership and processed via a controlled-atmosphere system. A Meating Place Dot Com article says the pledge will take effect in 2024. Chief Executive George Michel said the multi-step process is considered the most comprehensive approach to poultry production. At the same time, it also meets …

Farmers Nervous About NAFTA Renegotiation

Dan Industry News Release, Trade

A large part of rural America voted in favor of Donald Trump during the recent presidential election. An Associated Press report says rural voters were drawn to Trump’s ideas on reducing environmental regulations, increasing law enforcement, and redoing health care. But farmers are looking on nervously as the White House announced last week it intends to renegotiate the North American …

Giving Gardeners Information on Potting Media for Trees and Shrubs

Dan Industry News Release, Nursery Crops

With spring here, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists in Alabama have some timely advice for gardeners and homeowners who buy shrubs or trees. Their insight comes from a cooperative study with Auburn University scientists focused on the effects of pine bark and other types of potting media used with many potted shrubs and woody ornamentals. Pine bark is considered …

Agriculture Department Hit By Data Breach

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Technology

From News Service of Florida Nearly 500 people may have had their Social Security numbers obtained in a data breach at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Also, the names of 16,190 concealed-weapon license holders — out of more than 1.75 million in the state — may have been acquired in the hack. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has …

Glyphosate-resistant Johnsongrass Management Webcast

Dan Cotton, Industry News Release

New ‘Focus on Cotton’ Webcast Identifies Key Practices and Programs for Managing Glyphosate-resistant Johnsongrass Glyphosate-resistant Johnsongrass can completely overtake a cotton field if managed improperly. It is one of the most tenacious weeds because of its ability to reproduce and spread through rhizomes. The Focus on Cotton webcast titled “Glyphosate-Resistant Johnsongrass Management” helps cotton growers, consultants, and other industry experts …

USDA Investigating Unapproved GE Petunias

Dan Industry News Release, Nursery Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services is investigating imported unapproved genetically modified petunias. USDA says the GE petunias produce various hues of orange, red and purple colored flowers. The petunias have been imported into the U.S. from Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, South America, as well as the countries of Australia, Israel and Mexico, and …

Canada Defeats GMO Labeling Bill

Dan Industry News Release

Members of Canada’s Parliament defeated a GMO labeling bill last week. The bill was handed a landslide defeat, with 67 members voting yes, and 216 voting no. The bill would have mandated GMO labeling in Canada. Online food industry publication FoodNavigator-USA reports the bill specified that Canada’s Food and Drugs Act be amended to say “No person shall sell any …

Stabenow Expresses Concerns with EPA Scientist Dismissals

Dan Industry News Release

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee has expressed concerns over the dismissal of scientists by the Environmental Protection Agency. Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow specifically voiced her concerns over EPA administrator Scott Pruitt’s move to dismiss nine members of the Board of Scientific Counselors, a major scientific review board within the agency. The board reviews the research carried out …