MIAMI, Jan. 23, 2008–The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today broke ground for the construction of its new 45,000-square-foot plant inspection facility. At this new location, APHIS inspectors will inspect, process and certify the ever-growing number of imported plants arriving in Miami–the nation’s busiest port of entry for propagative plants.
New Inventions Save Growers Money & Meet Regs Too
Something different in this post that all fruit and vegetable growers will want to hear about. It can be said that farmers know what farmers need. My cousin Mark DuBois grew up in the family vegetable farming business in south Florida. After years in development his family’s inventions are now helping all kinds of growers meet EPA guidelines for portable …
Chambliss Updates Conference on Farm Bill
Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, the ranking Republican on the Senate Ag Committee, talked about specialty crop provisions in the farm bill at the Southeast Fruit and Vegetable conference last week in Savannah, Georgia. Report (1:00 mp3)
Tobacco Farmers Receive Transition Program Payments
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2008 – USDA will issue this year’s installment in the Tobacco Transition Payment Program with more than $950 million in payments to former quota holders and producers today. The transition payments are funded by assessments on tobacco product importers and manufacturers.
Good Fruit & Veggie Show
Tyron Spearman had a chance to catch up with Charles Hall during this past weekends Southeast Fruit & Vegetable Conference held in Savannah, Georgia. Â Report (:30 mp3)
The Color Purple
USDA researchers have found that purple potatoes pack a powerful punch of phytochemicals. Report (1:30 mp3)
USDA Ag Census Provides Valuable Information
As a producer you should of received your Ag Census form in the mail, and you are urged to complete it and return it by the deadline. Tyron Spearman tells us today just how important this census is.  Report (:45 mp3) This post sponsored by: USDA NASS
Fresh From Florida Kids
A new program for teaching toddlers healthy eating habits was unveiled this week by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson. Read more here. Report (1:00 mp3)
Melon Fuel
The National Watermelon Association is still working on making fuel from melons. Executive Director Bob Morrissey says they still believe they hope to get test projects going in Florida and Georgia to make ethanol from melons that go to waste each year. Report (1:30 mp3)
Blueberries as Brain Food
Antioxidant properties in blueberries and other fruits and vegetables could help keep the brain sharper as the body ages. Report (1:30 mp3)