Commissioner Supports EAT Healthy

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson supports legislation in Congress that would provide Florida farmers with the same level of federal assistance other states have long been provided. The bill would ensure specialty crop farmers — such as those that grow fresh fruits, vegetables and nursery plants — have access to a wide array of federal agricultural programs. The measure, known …

Vidalia Shipping Date Set

Randall Weiseman Georgia, Vegetables

The Vidalia® Onion Advisory Panel has recommended April 10 as the shipping date to begin the 2007 Vidalia Onion Marketing Season. The anel recommended the date after examining this year’s crop and determining the best times to harvest and begin shipping. Vidalia® onions shipped prior to April 10 must have a federal-state inspection certificate stating the onions have met the …

More Matters so EAT Healthy

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

To encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables, the Produce for Better Health Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA have unveiled a new public health initiative, Fruits & Veggies – More Matters. Also this week, a bi-partisan group of congressmen introduced the EAT Healthy America Act. Report (2:00 wma)

South Florida Organic Certification Workshop

Randall Weiseman Florida, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Purpose: To help growers and other individuals interested in pursuing Organic Certification with the USDA National Organic Program. Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Time: 9:00 a.m. –1:30 p.m. Location: University of Florida IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center 18905 SW 280 Street, Homestead, FL 33031, tel: 305-246-7001 Registration cost – $15.00 per person (Lunch, coffee break and educational materials included …

Upbeat Potato Producers

Randall Weiseman Vegetables

2006 was a pretty good year for potatoes so growers who met with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns last week in Washington were pretty upbeat and so was the secretary. Report (:40 wma)

House Subcommittee Discusses Specialty Crops

Randall Weiseman Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture met Feb. 28 for a hearing focusing on the Bush administration’s farm bill proposal as it relates to specialty crops and organics. USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Connor answered questions from subcommittee members about the specialty crop title to the USDA 2007 Farm Bill proposals the agency released on Jan. 31. Report …