(ACES) — As industrial hemp producers enter their second production year in Alabama, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering informational meetings for interested growers. Alabama Extension’s hemp action team has spent the past year researching and assembling best management practices for new growers in Alabama. Specialists and regional agents will provide informational meetings throughout the state over the next few months. …
What Growers Need to Know About New Hemp Insurance Program
By Clint Thompson The Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) Pilot Insurance Program will not protect producers of hemp if the THC level of their crop is higher than the accepted 0.3 percent range, according to Martin Barbre, administrator of the Risk Management Agency. “We want to make it clear, abundantly clear, hemp that contains THC above the compliance level laid out …
Details of Risk Management Programs for Hemp Producers Announced
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of two programs that protect hemp producers’ crops from natural disasters. A pilot hemp insurance program through Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) provides coverage against loss of yield because of insurable causes of loss for hemp grown for fiber, grain or cannabidiol (CBD) oil, and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance …
United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program Signup Period Open
The signup period for the 26th edition of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program is now open. The program first began in 1995 and more than 250 produce industry professionals have graduated from the program. “As we celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary, I invite our alumni and all those who have supported their journey to pay it forward,” says …
Peaches Need to Get Enough ‘Chill’ Time
Chill hours are important for good peach tree production, but across the Southeast we’ve not seen a lot of those type of conditions this winter. Stephanie Ho reports that peaches need that chill time to produce a good crop. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
Super Fruit for the Super Bowl
There is a super fruit that Americans can’t get enough of during the Super Bowl. Cathy Isom tells us Super Bowl Sunday is famous for this popular side dish. During the Super Bowl, it’s no secret that chicken wings and pizza are the two most popular snacks to have on hand. But let’s not forget the super food and fruit …
Blueberries Get a Plug from Dietitians
Good news for blueberry growers. Dietitians place blueberries near the top of their recommended fruit list. Gary Crawford has the story. For more blueberry-related stories, see http://vscnews.com/?s=blueberries. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
Georgia Hemp Production on Hold
By Clint Thompson Georgia farmers looking to grow hemp can’t do so without the state legislature first authorizing $800,000 to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to oversee hemp production. In response to a hemp production plan submitted by the GDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) required that the Georgia Legislature appropriated funds for oversight, according to the University …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on USTR Commitments to Seasonal Produce Protections
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement regarding formal commitments recently made by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to protect American seasonal produce growers from unfair trade practices harming the industry: “While discouraging that the USMCA and its implementing legislation lacked protections for our seasonal producers, I thank Ambassador Lighthizer for his formal commitments to address this urgent …
Tropical Plant that is Practically Pest Free
Cathy Isom has a bit of information about a wonderful tropical plant that is practically pest free and drought resistant. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Cassava is a wonderful, yet little known tropical root crop. It’s full of starch and carbohydrates, so it provides a nutritious meal, which is why its third-largest source of carbohydrates in tropical areas. …