Commodity groups are unanimous in their praise for the Farm Bill passed by Congress last week. Among them, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association which is thrilled with the landmark legislation that for the first time addresses the needs and priorities of the U.S. specialty crop industry, according to FFVA President Mike Stuart, who is also co-chairman of the Specialty …
Commissioner’s Spotlight on Farmers Markets
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson talks about the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. More information about the program can be found on the web here. Report (1:00 mp3)
Valent Presidio Registered
Valent USA has received federal registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Presidioâ„¢ Fungicide in leafy vegetables, cucurbits, fruiting vegetables and grapes. Read more from Valent. Report (1:00 mp3)
Fruits and Veggies Fight Cancer
Some compounds found in fruits and vegetables appear to help fight certain types of cancer, including leukemia, breast, colon and prostate cancer. Report (1:00 mp3)
Veggie Consumption Up Last Year
USDA reports that consumption of onions, sweet corn, celery, cabbage, carrots, pumpkins and tomatoes were up last year. And melons were up three percent, hitting a record high of 8.5 billion pounds – or over 21 pounds per person. Report (1:00 mp3)
Indian River Research and Education Center Director Named
May 7, 2008 – GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Peter Stoffella has been named director of the Indian River Research and Education Center, an appointment that became effective May 5. Stoffella, a horticulture professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, had served as the center’s interim director for 11 months. He served as an associate director for …
Specialty Crops May Get Their Farm Bill
Prospects for a new farm bill with provisions for specialty crops are alive again as conference committee members believe they are close to a compromise bill that could be wrapped up by the end of the week. Committee Chairman Senator Tom Harkin updated farm broadcasters meeting in Washington on Wednesday. Report(1:00 mp3)
California Freeze Damage
Peaches, prunes, pears, walnuts, lettuce and artichokes are among the crops affected by a freeze last week in California. Report (1:00 mp3)
Safe FEAST Act Introduced
Congressman Adam Putnam of Florida this week introduced legislation to modernize America’s food safety network. The Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act, or “Safe FEAST Act,†would establish new food safety requirements for domestically produced and imported food to identify and prevent potential sources of food-borne illness. Read more here. Report (1:00 mp3)
Latest on the Farm Bill
Big differences still remain between congress and the administration over the Farm Bill, and agriculture Secretary Ed Shafer says unless they get closer to a compromise by next week, a long term extension of the current farm bill is likely. Report(1:00 mp3) Meanwhile, the House has finally named members for a farm bill conference committee. Report 1 (:30 mp3)   Report 2 (1:00 …