Produce Union Unhappy with USDA’s Cancellation of Food Box Program

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

A trade group in the fruit and vegetable industry is unhappy with the USDA’s decision to cancel the Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution Program. United Fresh says millions of Americans gained access to healthy, fresh produce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the decision by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack “shortsighted.” The group says comments disparaging the program were a slap …

Best Starter Veggies for the Beginner Home Gardener

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

The best starter veggies for the beginner home gardener. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’ve never gardened before, but want to give it a try this year, a great place to start is by choosing the appropriate veggies and fruits to grow that match your abilities. This means taking stock of your outdoor, or indoor, space, the …

What to Plant and More Importantly What Not to Plant Right Now

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

What to plant now, and more importantly what not to plant. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Seeds germinate based on the soil temperature at the seed level. If your area is still experiencing cooler weather, the seeds that can germinate right now are beets, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, leaf lettuce, peas, collards greens, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parsley, …

Farmers to Families Food Box Program Will End Soon

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Herbs, Pecans, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Tree Nuts, USDA, Vegetables

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told House lawmakers Wednesday the Department of Agriculture is ending the Farmers to Families Food Box program. According to a story from Gary Crawford, it will end later this month. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

USDA Invests Millions in Specialty Crops Grants, Incentives to Purchase Fruits and Vegetables, and Help for Cotton Producers

Dan Cotton, Fruits, Specialty Crops, USDA, Vegetables

USDA Also Informs Dairy Producers and Processors about New Dairy Donation Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of more than $330 million to help agricultural producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding announced today is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative launched …

A Few Tips and Tricks for Growing the Tastiest Tomatoes

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Some tips and tricks for the tastiest tomatoes. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The extra attention you give your tomato plants right now could pay off with some of the tastiest tomatoes when it’s harvest time. For healthy plants and soil, use organic fertilizer and compost every week to keep plants supplied with nutrients. Remove damaged plants and any …

GDA Produce Safety Alliance April Virtual Training Session

Dan Coronavirus, Field Crops, Fruits, Georgia, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) wants producers to know they have scheduled another 2-day virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. According to GDA Produce Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator Maggie Brown, sign up for that virtual training is underway. This Grower Training Course satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have …

How to Help in the Fight Against Destructive Pest

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, USDA, Vegetables

How to help in the fight against destructive pests that threaten the nation’s food supply, forests, and natural resources. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is on a mission to stop invasive and hungry pests that can threaten and devastate agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. Some things you can do to help include:  Familiarizing yourself with the …

Warning About Invasive and Destructive Pests

Dan Fruits, Herbs, Nursery Crops, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, USDA, Vegetables

The warning about invasive and destructive pests and why the Ag Department is asking for your help this month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared April “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. And, it needs everyone’s help fighting against invasive pests that pose a threat to the nation’s …