Farm Bill Debate Goes On

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Specialty Crops, Sugar

All over the nation, the pros and cons of the recently passed compromise version of the Farm Bill are being debated. In the first report posted herein, USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner (photo left) explains some of the factors in the Bill that the administration feels will cause trouble for specialty crop producers down the road. In the second report, …

FFVA Happy With Farm Bill

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Commodity groups are unanimous in their praise for the Farm Bill passed by Congress last week. Among them, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association which is thrilled with the landmark legislation that for the first time addresses the needs and priorities of the U.S. specialty crop industry, according to FFVA President Mike Stuart, who is also co-chairman of the Specialty …

Commissioner’s Spotlight on Farmers Markets

Randall Weiseman FL Commissioner Report, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. More information about the program can be found on the web here. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Farm Bill Passes Senate

Randall Weiseman General, Specialty Crops

The Senate passed the 2007 Farm Bill on Thursday by an even larger margin than the House – voting 81 to 15 in favor of the Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2008, despite the threat of a presidential veto. Senate Ag Committee ranking Republican Saxby Chambliss of Georgia says the bill is good for farmers, better for the hungry. …

Valent Presidio Registered

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Valent USA has received federal registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Presidioâ„¢ Fungicide in leafy vegetables, cucurbits, fruiting vegetables and grapes. Read more from Valent. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Fruits and Veggies Fight Cancer

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Some compounds found in fruits and vegetables appear to help fight certain types of cancer, including leukemia, breast, colon and prostate cancer. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Veggie Consumption Up Last Year

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

USDA reports that consumption of onions, sweet corn, celery, cabbage, carrots, pumpkins and tomatoes were up last year. And melons were up three percent, hitting a record high of 8.5 billion pounds – or over 21 pounds per person. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril …

Indian River Research and Education Center Director Named

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

May 7, 2008 – GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Peter Stoffella has been named director of the Indian River Research and Education Center, an appointment that became effective May 5. Stoffella, a horticulture professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, had served as the center’s interim director for 11 months. He served as an associate director for …

Perpetual Watermelon Month Approved

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops

The U.S. House of Representatives voted last week to officially designate July as National Watermelon Month for many years to come. Report (1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Specialty Crops May Get Their Farm Bill

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Prospects for a new farm bill with provisions for specialty crops are alive again as conference committee members believe they are close to a compromise bill that could be wrapped up by the end of the week. Committee Chairman Senator Tom Harkin updated farm broadcasters meeting in Washington on Wednesday. Report(1:00 mp3) Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR …