Irradiation Approved for Lettuce and Spinach

Randall Weiseman Vegetables

With continued food safety concerns focused on fresh produce, the Food and Drug Administration is now permitting growers and importers to irradiate spinach and iceberg lettuce. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Soil Fumigant Comment Deadline Extended

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

In response to requests from groups representing manufacturers and users of soil fumigants, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for reregistration of soil fumigant pesticides including methyl bromide. EPA had opened a 60-day public comment period in July but it has now been extended for an additional 45 days, closing on October 30. EPA is …

Fresh Produce in Schools

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The 2008 Farm bill is providing $49 million in fresh fruits and vegetables for elementary school children during the school day under the new Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program – with over 1.6 million allocated for Florida schools. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Supplemental Ag Disaster Programs included in Farm Bill

Gary Cooper Cattle, Citrus, Florida, General, Sugar, Vegetables

This information from the FL Dept of Agriculture: With T.S. Fay making its way through the state, wanted to make sure everyone is aware that under the new Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Programs included in the 2008 Farm Bill, producers must have crop insurance or non-insured crop disaster assistance (NAP) coverage for the land for which assistance is being requested, and …

Salmonella Jalapeno Problem Continues

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Food and Drug Administration officials say they continue to find produce from Mexico that test positive for different types of salmonella, including the st. paul strain implicated in the outbreak that started at the end of April. Listen to report here: Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, …

Thrips Resistance Action

Randall Weiseman Florida, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Dow AgroSciences has voluntarily suspended the sale and use of multiple spinosyn insecticides in Broward County and a portion of Palm Beach County. The action was taken in response to evidence that western flower thrips have developed resistance to a product with the active ingredient spinosad. Products affected by this suspension are CONSERVE® SC turf and ornamental insect control, DELEGATEâ„¢ …

Crop Sunscreen

Randall Weiseman General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Protecting crops from harmful UV rays is the goal of a new crop sunscreen product from a company called Purfresh. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

Controlling Whiteflies

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Whiteflies are always a concern for fruit and vegetable producers in the southeast and it can be expensive to control these pests. Because of that, John Altom with Valent says Venom and Knack help growers the most effective control for their dollars. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril …

FL Commissioner’s Spotlight on Salmonella Outbreak

Randall Weiseman FL Commissioner Report, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

This week’s Commissioner’s Spotlight from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is about the recent salmonella outbreak and its impact on Florida’s tomato industry. Commissioner Bronson appeared before a congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C. on July 31st to discuss the federal government’s handling of the matter. To read the text of the Commissioner’s testimony before the House Committee on Energy and …

Senior Farmers Market Grants

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

USDA recently announced $21 million in final Fiscal Year 2008 grant awards to states for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. These senior’s markets provide low-income seniors with coupons exchanged for fresh produce at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril …