Hearing on Honey Bee Losses

Randall Weiseman General, Specialty Crops

The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, held a hearing last week to investigate Colony Collapse Disorder in honey bee colonies across the United States. Report (2:00 wma)

More Matters in Florida

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

This week Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson helped unveil a new health initiative designed to get Floridians to eat more fruits and vegetables. At an event in the Capitol Plaza, Bronson promoted the nationally sponsored “Fruits & Veggies – More Matters” campaign and told those in attendance that eating Florida produce is one of the easiest ways to improve one’s …

Celery Hard to Sell

Randall Weiseman Vegetables

Despite the fact that it is healthy and nutritious and has almost no calories, celery is not very popular. Report (1:00 wma)

Johanns Promotes Specialty Crops in Farm Bill

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns continues to promote the administration’s 2007 Farm Bill proposal wherever he goes. At a renewable energy forum in Indiana last week, Johanns went over the major aspects of the bill, which includes new benefits for specialty crop producers. Report (1:30 wma)

Commissioner Supports EAT Healthy

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson supports legislation in Congress that would provide Florida farmers with the same level of federal assistance other states have long been provided. The bill would ensure specialty crop farmers — such as those that grow fresh fruits, vegetables and nursery plants — have access to a wide array of federal agricultural programs. The measure, known …

Vidalia Shipping Date Set

Randall Weiseman Georgia, Vegetables

The Vidalia® Onion Advisory Panel has recommended April 10 as the shipping date to begin the 2007 Vidalia Onion Marketing Season. The anel recommended the date after examining this year’s crop and determining the best times to harvest and begin shipping. Vidalia® onions shipped prior to April 10 must have a federal-state inspection certificate stating the onions have met the …

More Matters so EAT Healthy

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

To encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables, the Produce for Better Health Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA have unveiled a new public health initiative, Fruits & Veggies – More Matters. Also this week, a bi-partisan group of congressmen introduced the EAT Healthy America Act. Report (2:00 wma)