Action Follows Recent Blueberry, Strawberry and Bell Pepper USTR Initiatives (GFVGA) — Friday, December 4, 2020. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting investigations into the import of cucumbers and squash and the effect on the domestic seasonal markets. The request is to investigate the monthly price trends, including an analysis and …
Grow Edible, Culinary, and Medicinal Herbs in a Windowsill Garden
How to start a windowsill garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. With an indoor windowsill garden, you can grow all kinds of edible, culinary, and medicinal species. All that’s required to grow most veggies and herbs is at least six hours of sunlight to thrive. A south-facing window is preferable. Aim for an area that isn’t going …
What’s in Store for 2021? UF/IFAS Experts Predict Food and Garden Trends
(UF/IFAS) — No one could have predicted the kind of year 2020 has been. But in late 2019, when UF/IFAS experts were asked to predict the top food and garden trends for the coming year, they made some startlingly accurate predictions. Today, these trends are no longer forecasts but facts of life in a year characterized by a global pandemic …
Fruits and Veggies You Should Never Store Together
Some fruits and veggies you should never store together. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Storing your food properly is one of the keys to extending its life. However, some produce shouldn’t be stored together because of the Ethylene gas that is emitted as the foods ripen. Most plants produce ethylene, but the amount varies based on the …
Cost of 2020 Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a bit different this year because of COVID-19. But, did consumers pay more or less this year for the items that make up the traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner? Rod Bain has a story that answers that question. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton shares the cost of some of this year’s Thanksgiving Day dinner items, per the 2020 …
Farmers Earn 12 Cents of Thanksgiving Food Dollar
(NAFB) — For every dollar Americans spend on Thanksgiving dinner this year, farmers and ranchers will earn about 11.9 cents. The National Farmers Union says that marks a slight drop from 2019 when farmers claimed 12.5 cents of the Thanksgiving food dollar. Though farmers’ smaller share of food expenditures could be blamed on dropping commodity prices in previous years, it’s …
Georgia Congressmen Request Investigation on Squash and Cucumbers
(GFVGA) — Congressmen Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, Rick Allen and Buddy Carter continue to fight for Georgia produce farmers and against unfair trade practices with Mexico. In a letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative, USTR, Robert Lighthizer, the congressmen requested that the current Section 332 investigation for strawberries and bell pepper be broadened to include the impact seasonal cucumber and …
Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down 4%
(AFBF) — Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings are likely to be fewer and farther between, with social distancing and perhaps even remote family get-togethers. One tradition that continues this year is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual cost survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table. …
Time to Consider Growing Your Own Vegetables
Why now is the best time to consider growing your own vegetables. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. We are closing in on almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic sort of halted the world, forcing us to retreat into our homes and forgo physical social contact. Though grocery stores are open for business, government officials have asked …
A Few Natural, Healthy Benefits of Growing Beets
The healthy benefits of beets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re looking for a natural way that may help you lose weight, or lower blood pressure, and improve overall athletic performance, among other things, then beets might be your new best friend. There are so many healthful benefits beets are known for. Including fighting inflammation, supporting …