Alabama fruit producers are keeping their eyes on the thermometers, but professionals with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System say producers are used to dealing with cold weather. Dr. Edgar Vinson, an Alabama Extension fruit specialist who works closely with the state’s peach producers, said most are not worried about the frigid weather. “This season’s cold weather has kept peaches and …
Celebrating the Delicious Apricot
Cathy Isom gives us a bit of history and great ways of celebrating a wonderful and delicious orange fruit. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating the Delicious Apricot Apricot lovers from all over the United States observe National Apricot Day every year on January 9th. The apricot’s velvety flesh is similar to that of their relative the …
Eleven States Support Injunction Against California’s Prop 65 Regulation
Attorneys General in 11 states have filed a brief in support of a preliminary injunction that multiple Ag organizations are seeking against California’s Prop 65. Additionally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the California Chamber of Commerce have also filed briefs in support of the injunction. Even though there is no scientific evidence to support Prop 65, it requires that …
New Produce Safety Rule Starts January 26
The Produce Safety Rule, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, will go into effect January 26 for farms with $500,000 or more in revenue. The Food and Drug Administration has emphasized the first year will focus less on regulation and compliance and more on education and readiness. Regardless, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Veronica Nigh says produce growers …
Florida Farmers Brace for Cold Weather
Florida farmers were preparing Thursday for continuing cold weather, with temperatures expected to drop into the 30s overnight as far south as Fort Myers and Homestead. Many of Florida’s crops cannot handle freezing temperatures for long periods. Citrus and strawberry farmers are preparing harvests ahead of time, often running irrigation systems to create small layers of ice over the fruit …
U.S. Sugar Prepares for Cold Weather in South Florida
With South Florida expected to experience some of the coldest weather of the season, U.S. Sugar and its family of farmers have begun making preparations to limit any impact on crops. U.S. Sugar’s Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Judy Sanchez issued the following statement: “As the coldest weather of the winter thus far approaches, like most farmers …
USDA Survey Shows Millennials Prefer Fruits, Vegetables
A recent Department of Agriculture report shows that millennials prefer fruits and vegetables over grains and meats. The USDA report analyzed food-buying data by generation. Agri-Pulse reports that millennials spend the smallest share of their food budgets on grains, white meat and red meat. Millennials, those born between 1981 and the mid-2000s, are now the largest, most diverse living generation, …
Celebrating National Fruitcake Day
Cathy Isom gives us a bit of history about a day celebrated by fruitcake lovers young and old. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating National Fruitcake Day Christmas may by behind us, but one holiday tradition continues across the United States on this day which is known as National Fruitcake Day. Every year on December 27th so many …
USDA Announces National Watermelon Promotion Board Appointments
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 13 individuals to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Members newly appointed to serve three-year terms are: Ernesto Chamberlain, Nogales, Ariz. Christian Murillo, Nogales, Ariz. Dan O’Connor, Pompano Beach, Fla. Chadelle Robinson, Las Cruces, N.M. Gerardo A. Lozano, Edinburg, Texas Ward Thomas, McAllen, Texas Members re-appointed include: Mathew Singletary, Alva, Fla. …
UF study: Farm to School Program Boosts Fruit, Veggie Intake
It’s one thing to offer students fruits and vegetables for school lunch; it’s another for them to actually eat them. Children who attend schools with Farm to School programs eat more fruits and vegetables, new University of Florida research shows. In 2010, Congress passed the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. In approving the legislation, lawmakers wanted to improve children’s nutrition. …