Senators Take Aim at Unfair Trade Practices Hurting Florida Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Dan Exports/Imports, Fruits, Industry News Release, Trade, Vegetables

U.S. Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced legislation to help Florida fruit and vegetable growers combat unfair trade practices. The bill comes amid long-standing and increasing complaints from Florida farmers that Mexican growers illegally flood the U.S. market with subsidized produce during the winter season. Florida is one of the few places in the country that can …

The Fresh Market Expands Local Product Offerings in Georgia Stores

Dan Georgia, Industry News Release, Vegetables

While Georgia might be most well-known for their peaches, The Fresh Market, a leading specialty grocer, is reaching beyond the fuzzy fruit to expand its already extensive local Georgia product offerings by adding 75 new locally-sourced items. With the help of Georgia Grown, a marketing and economic development program of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, guests shopping at any of …

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Appoints Joyner as New President

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Vegetables

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Chairman Paul R. Orsenigo announced today that Mike Joyner has been named as the organization’s new president effective Oct. 15. Joyner’s experience in agricultural and environmental issues runs deep. Most recently, he served as assistant commissioner of agriculture and chief of staff for Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, helping to lead the state Department of Agriculture …

Ornamental Trees You Can Grow that are Edible

Dan Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

Cathy Isom tells you about a few trees that will add a little extraordinary to your garden with an edible ornamental. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Ornamental Trees that are Edible Trees can be ornamental for many reasons: leaf shape, stunning colors, growth patterns, or even the bark. There are also trees with edible leaves, edible flowers, and …

UF Industrial Hemp Program Promotes Industrial Partnerships to Grow

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

The University of Florida’s pilot research program to explore the potential to grow industrial hemp across the state is advancing, with the engagement of an inaugural private partner. The initiative was supported and encouraged by the state but was not appropriated any funding. To move forward, the project needs sponsorships from private industry. Green Roads Inc. has invested $1.3 million …

Foods with Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Dan Fruits, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Cathy Isom continues her series on healthy foods by giving us the best foods with anti-inflammatory benefits. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Foods with Anti-Inflammatory Benefits Now that we’ve learned a recent Swedish study concluded increasing our fruit and veggie intake can lead to longer, healthier lives, it’s important to know which foods to include in our …

Celebrating National Mushroom Month

Dan Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

Cathy Isom explains to us why mushrooms own the month of September. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating National Mushroom Month National Mushroom Month is celebrated each year throughout the month of September. During this time, the USDA takes advantage of the opportunity to educate people on the versatility mushrooms offer, including health benefits. The Mushroom Capital of …

USDA Announces Investment to Expand Markets for Specialty Crop and Other Farmers

Dan Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

Under Secretary Greg Ibach announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $102.7 million to increase opportunities for farmers, ranchers and other growers across the country through five grant programs. The funding supports a variety of locally-led projects intended to expand markets for local food promotion and specialty crops. “Every state has agricultural priorities that contribute to the …