WASHINGTON (USDA-Oct. 3, 2019) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins announced that the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has invested $11 million in research that will support specialty crop farmers. “This collaborative public-private research effort will focus on applying innovative solutions to pest management problems that often are otherwise not available to specialty …
Storing Fruits and Vegetables Properly for Winter
With winter rapidly approaching, it is time to think about stocking up the food cellar. What better way than with fruits and vegetables from the garden. Cathy Isom has some tips for you about storing fruits and vegetables properly for winter. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Some fruits and vegetables, when stowed away properly, can last for …
Response to FDACS Open Burn Program Enhancements
Clewiston, FL (U.S. Sugar-Oct. 1, 2019) — In response to enhancements announced by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Nikki Fried, U.S. Sugar Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Judy Sanchez released the following statement: “We applaud Commissioner Nikki Fried, her staff and the Florida Forest Service for their thoughtful review of the state’s open …
How to Propagate Spider Plant Babies
Cathy Isom has a few tips for you about how to propagate spider plant babies. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Spider plants—also known as airplane plants—are some of the easiest houseplants to propagate. There are a few methods you can use, but the easiest way is to allow the spider plant babies to become full-grown plants. Spider …
Raised Bed Gardening Kid Friendly Veggies
What better way to teach a child where there food comes from than in a garden. Cathy Isom tells you about some kid friendly veggies to grow in a raised garden bed. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Raised vegetable garden beds are the perfect way to introduce children to growing fresh food on their own. Although you …
Best Edible Mushrooms You Can Grow
If you would like to try a different type of gardening, try growing a delicacy like a mushroom. Cathy Isom tells you about some of the best edible mushrooms you can grow at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing your own edible mushrooms may seem difficult, even for an experienced gardener. However, it’s not that strange …
Alabama Industrial Hemp Program Registration Opens in October
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL (ACES-Sept. 25, 2019) — Registration for the 2020 Alabama Industrial Hemp Program opens Oct 7. Growers, processors, handlers and universities will have until Nov. 14 to submit applications. Documentation Required Dennis Delaney, team leader for Alabama Extension’s Hemp Action Team, said it is important applicants submit all required documentation as well the application fee. “Everyone must submit …
Senator David Perdue Leads Effort to Lower Indian Pecan Tariffs
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of Sen. David Perdue-Sept. 23, 2019) – U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and 11 senators on Friday sent a letter encouraging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to prioritize a reduction in pecan tariffs as the Trump Administration continues trade negotiations with India. Senator Perdue was joined in sending the letter by …
Advantages to Growing Your Own Scallions
Cathy Isom has a few tips for you, as well as lets you know some advantages why you should be growing your own scallions. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are many advantages to growing your own scallions at home, rather than buying them. The flavor is fuller than most scallions you find at the grocery store …
New Suspension Agreement is Step in Right Direction
Washington, D.C. (FTE-September 19, 2019) — The Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) welcomes the signing by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Mexican tomato exporters of a new agreement suspending the antidumping investigation of fresh tomatoes from Mexico. The new suspension agreement includes strong monitoring, enforcement and anti-circumvention provisions, including border inspections, that should help eliminate the injury to American tomato …