Now that the salmonella stpaul outbreak has been officially declared over, officials are evaluating what steps can be taken to avoid a repeat in the future.
Irradiation Approved for Lettuce and Spinach
With continued food safety concerns focused on fresh produce, the Food and Drug Administration is now permitting growers and importers to irradiate spinach and iceberg lettuce.
Soil Fumigant Comment Deadline Extended
In response to requests from groups representing manufacturers and users of soil fumigants, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for reregistration of soil fumigant pesticides including methyl bromide. EPA had opened a 60-day public comment period in July but it has now been extended for an additional 45 days, closing on October 30. EPA is …
Fresh Produce in Schools
The 2008 Farm bill is providing $49 million in fresh fruits and vegetables for elementary school children during the school day under the new Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program – with over 1.6 million allocated for Florida schools.
Figuring Damage From Fay
As all eyes are now on Gustav, officials are still trying to determine how much damage the heavy rains and winds from Tropical Storm Fay caused – from citrus and vegetables in south Florida to cotton and pecans in the tri-state area.
Supplemental Ag Disaster Programs included in Farm Bill
This information from the FL Dept of Agriculture: With T.S. Fay making its way through the state, wanted to make sure everyone is aware that under the new Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Programs included in the 2008 Farm Bill, producers must have crop insurance or non-insured crop disaster assistance (NAP) coverage for the land for which assistance is being requested, and …
US Sugar Breaking Records
Just before Fay hit south Florida this week, US Sugar Corp announced they were on track to set new production records by the end of August. Listen to report here: After Tropical Storm Fay hit, US Sugar reported that sugarcane operations were affected with 8-12 inches of rain and hurricane force winds of 80-85 mph. They have standing water and …
Salmonella Jalapeno Problem Continues
Food and Drug Administration officials say they continue to find produce from Mexico that test positive for different types of salmonella, including the st. paul strain implicated in the outbreak that started at the end of April. Listen to report here:
Thrips Resistance Action
Dow AgroSciences has voluntarily suspended the sale and use of multiple spinosyn insecticides in Broward County and a portion of Palm Beach County. The action was taken in response to evidence that western flower thrips have developed resistance to a product with the active ingredient spinosad. Products affected by this suspension are CONSERVE® SC turf and ornamental insect control, DELEGATEâ„¢ …
Crop Sunscreen
Protecting crops from harmful UV rays is the goal of a new crop sunscreen product from a company called Purfresh.