wine industry

Wine Industry Faces Challenges Over Tariffs and Distribution Rules

Dan Agri-Business, Exports/Imports, Specialty Crops, Trade

The U.S. wine industry is grappling with challenges stemming from international tariffs and complex distribution laws, both of which impact the market for domestic and imported wines. Ben Aneff, President of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance, explains that the unique U.S. “three-tier” distribution system, a structure stemming from Prohibition’s end, mandates that wine is sold through separate importers, distributors, and …

Chiquita

Chiquita Ordered to Pay $38.3 Million in Wrongful Death Case

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Specialty Crops

A federal judge entered judgment today against Chiquita Brands International, Inc. for $38.3 million, confirming a jury’s June 2024 verdict. The compensation is for the wrongful deaths of seven Colombian nationals, which a jury found were caused by Chiquita’s financial and material support to violent terrorist groups in Colombia. The six-week trial concluded with a unanimous verdict against the company. …

specialty crop

USDA Awards $25 Million to Support Specialty Crop Exports

Dan Agri-Business, Exports/Imports, Funding, Specialty Crops, USDA-FAS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $25 million in funding for eight projects under its new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative. The program, launched in January 2024, aims to reduce non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticultural products. USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. …

Hemp

Georgia’s New Hemp Laws Effective Oct. 1

Dan Georgia, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Hemp, Specialty Crops

The Georgia Hemp Farming Act, effective October 1, ushers in a new era for hemp growers and processors. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, the act imposes strict regulations on the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp across the state. Under Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), all aspects of hemp production—including growing, testing, packaging, and retail—are regulated by the …

American Agriculture History Minute

American Agriculture History Minute: Best Remembered for Producing Louisiana’s First Granular Sugar

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Specialty Crops, Sugar, This Land of Ours

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Etienne DeBorre is a little-known figure in American agriculture. Born in 1741 in a small village along the Mississippi River in Illinois. Etienne spent most of his life in Louisiana, and it was there that he’s best remembered for producing Louisiana’s first granulated sugar. His innovation encouraged producers there to plant …

Pecan

USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2024

Dan Specialty Crops, Tree Nuts, USDA-NASS

During the week of September 23rd, pecan growers will receive a survey from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2024.  “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in Georgia and it is crucial for us to have accurate data about this key sector of the …

peach

A Mixed Bag of Fall Fruit Production

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops

What does USDA’s forecasts for this year’s grape, peach, and pear crops indicate regarding production? Rod Bain has a story looking at what each crop, at this point, has in store for us this year. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024