Administration’s farm bill proposals include more fruits and vegetables in nutrition and food assistance programs. Report (1:00 wma)
More Detail on Specialty Crop Proposals
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is hoping specialty crop producers will understand the need to allow the planting of fruits and vegetables on program crop acreage as the administration has proposed for the 2007 Farm Bill. I interviewed the secretary yesterday right after he announced the proposals. Report (2:00 wma)
USDA Releases Farm Bill Proposals
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Wednesday unveiled the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2007 farm bill proposals. The more than 65 proposals correspond to the 2002 farm bill titles with additional special focus areas, including specialty crops, beginning farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged producers. Details are available at www.usda.gov/farmbill. Among the proposals are payment limitations and increased conservation funding. Conservation Report …
Applications Being Accepted For Specialty Crop Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications until Feb. 12 for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program which helps open, retain and expand markets for U.S. specialty crops. More information can be found at fas.usda.gov. Report (1:00 wma)
Orange Cauliflower Research
The discovery of a lone orange cauliflower in a field of the ordinary white variety 30 years ago is helping scientists isolate the beneficial beta carotene gene which provides Vitamin A. Report (1:00 wma)
Fresh From Florida 200
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will serve as Grand Marshall of the “Fresh from Florida 200,” a 200-mile Grand Am KONI Challenge Series race Friday, January 26, at Daytona International Speedway. The Commissioner will be riding in a specially designed “Fresh from Florida” vehicle that will accompany the pace car to kick off the event. Get …
Farm Bill Will Depend on Budget
Whether or not specialty crops will get more attention in the new Farm Bill will largely be determined by the budget, according to Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association lobbyist Bob Redding who spoke at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Report (1:30 wma)
Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Health
USDA research is studying how the antioxidant properties in strawberries might affect inflammatory cardiovascular diseases in obese people. Report (:45 wma)
USDA Rules in Favor of UglyRipes
With the popularity of the TV show Ugly Betty, some are saying that ugly is the new beautiful – something the producers of UglyRipe tomatoes have been trying to tell the Florida Tomato Committee for the past three years. Now the US Department of Agriculture has intervened on behalf of the unattractive but tasty tomatoes marketed by Santa Sweets of …
Orange Cauliflower Gene
It was found in a Canadian field nearly 30 years ago – an orange cauliflower that may help scientists find a way to make food crops more nutritious. After eight years of working with the orange gene found in the cauliflower, USDA’s Ag Research service may have found a way to use it to induce higher levels of beneficial beta-carotene …