Following the news of the farm bill signing into law and the legalization of hemp nationwide, Commissioner-elect Nikki Fried offers the following: “Lifting the needless ban on hemp presents an incredible opportunity for our farmers and Florida as a whole. This is an alternative crop which will give Florida’s agriculture community the tools they need to be competitive and successful—it has the …
U.S. Sugar Gives Back at Christmas
With the holidays approaching, the people of U.S. Sugar have been busy spreading Christmas cheer by giving back to nearby communities. Over the past two weeks, representatives from the company have distributed more than 2,000 turkeys, 4,000 bags of sugar, hundreds of crates of sweet corn, and other vegetables grown by U.S. Sugar farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area. “The …
Farm Bill Removes Hemp as Controlled Substance
On Dec. 12, Congress passed the 2018 Agriculture and Nutrition Act, better known as the farm bill, which is awaiting President Trump’s signature. The important legislation amends the classification of hemp as a Schedule I drug. This legislation defines hemp as all parts of the plant less than 0.3% THC, including derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids. Hemp is now deemed an agricultural …
USDA Highlights Opportunities for Producers and Vendors
Apples, Grapes, Oranges, Pork, Fluid Milk and more Earlier, a new USDA Foods vendor delivered 2,000 gallons of fresh milk to the D.C. Capital Area Food Bank. The delivery was one of many taking place at food banks across the country resulting from purchases made by the USDA to provide market support to the dairy industry. USDA Foods are a …
Purple Veggies to Consider Growing
Yesterday, Cathy Isom told you about adding vibrant color to your garden. Today, she lets you know about the purple veggies you should consider growing in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Purple Kohlrabi. It’s like a turnip, only sweeter. Use it raw in a slaw or cooked and purred to add a creamy texture to …
Add Vibrant Colored Veggies to Your Garden
Cathy Isom gives you a few of the healthful benefits of adding vibrant colored veggies to your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Add a little magic to your garden by planting vegetables that are purple. Not only will they add aesthetic beauty to your garden, they are easy to grow, and they’re really good for you! …
Harvesting Homegrown Christmas Trees
Cathy Isom has taken us through each step of raising Christmas trees. In this program she gives us a few great pointers on how to harvest a Christmas tree. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Most people opts for a six to seven-foot Christmas tree. Growing a tree to this height can take approximately six to nine years to …
Planting Christmas Trees for Yearly Harvest
Cathy Isom began her Christmas tree series telling you abou8t the different types of trees, and some of their good qualities. Today, Cathy is letting you know how to get started planting your own Christmas tree. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Planting Christmas Trees for Yearly Harvest The first step is picking your Christmas tree variety. Step …
Winter Gardening Chores for Future Bounty
Everyone wants a good crop from their garden. Cathy Isom has some tips on gardening chores to be done in the winter months. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Winter Gardening Chores for Future Bounty The weather may not be giving many areas a break in these colder months, that doesn’t mean the gardening chores stop. There are …
ADAI Announces Cost-Share Program for Specialty Crop Producers
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is pleased to announce a cost-share program for specialty crop growers to alleviate the cost associated with GAP/GHP certification. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits are voluntary inspections that evaluate how fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored. The goal is to ensure that food is …