In a closeknit industry where so many people are considered family, it’s impossible for a website like this to include obituaries industry-wide. Generally we have a policy not to include such milestones in our regular coverage. Once in a while one hits so close to home, however, IN the family AND in industry circles, I choose to plow ahead and …
WIC Fresh Produce Vouchers
All fruits and vegetables are now eligible for the Women Infants and Children nutrition program, giving produce sales a prospective jump that could equate to as much as $600 million a year.
Company Agrees to Raise Farm Worker Wages
(From “News Service of Florida” 9-25-09) Advocates for Florida tomato workers on Friday added the world’s largest contract food provider to the list of companies willing to spend more to improve workers’ wages. Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis in Washington, D.C., the Coalition of Immokalee Workers announced an agreement with Compass Group in which the company would …
Food Safety
Everett Griner explains how this is a tightening for everyone.
AL Supports “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food”
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner, Ron Sparks, commends USDA’s efforts with the new Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative.
Bug and Beetle Invasion
Today, Everett Griner discusses more destructive pest problems.
Leafy Green Marketing Agreement Meetings Started
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has started its series of meetings aimed at gathering input on the proposed Leafy Green Marketing Agreement.
Laser Tattoos Will Assist in Bio-Security
A new laser based technology that creates a permanent label on fruits and vegetables will be a vast improvement from the current industry standard of stickers.
Goals of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
The recent annual conference of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture allowed Ag Commissioners from across the country to communicate the importance of regional issues on a national level. AL Report: FL Report:
Announcement of Farmers Market Promotion Grants
Vilsack has announced the awardees of the 2009 Farmers Market Promotion Program with 86 grants totaling more than 4.5-million dollars awarded to encourage and support the viability of farmers markets and direct marketing projects nationwide.