Archives: News
Senate committee expects to take up farm bill this week
Among the specialty crop considerations in the Senate version is the establishment of a Specialty Crops Coordinator to address the needs of producers.
Illinois Extension: Postharvest orchard care is key to next season’s yields
Illinois Extension is encouraging apple growers to continue managing orchards after harvest, because healthy trees going into winter dormancy are crucial for maximizing next year’s crop.
5 questions with Michigan’s new tree fruit IPM extension educator Martin Brubaker
Brubaker is a native of Lowell, Michigan, and he joins us to discuss pest management, grower outreach, H-2A workers and his goals for Michigan’s fruit industry.
New e-commerce platform streamlines 1-MCP purchases for U.S. apple growers
Fresh Inset Solutions has launched a digital platform providing direct access to MaTri 1-MCP solutions and treatment planning tools.
NC State expands research to combat devastating strawberry disease
Researchers say continued collaboration among growers, nurseries, extension specialists and plant breeders is critical to developing effective management strategies for Neo-P.
Cornell study looks at PGRs and better harvest timing for cider apples
Recent research shows strategic use of PGRs helps growers balance fruit maturity, limit preharvest drop and boost harvest efficiency.
2026 IFTA Summer Tour: Hudson Valley orchards showcase agritourism, innovation and resilience
Tag along for a photo tour of the International Fruit Tree Association’s 2026 Summer Tour in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Niqo Robotics, Sabanto added to Great Lakes Tek Flex lineup
Great Lakes Tek Flex is expanding its roster of companies demonstrating robotics, AI and precision agriculture technologies for specialty crop growers.
Rest in Peace: Virginia fruit industry icon Henry Montague Chiles passes away
Learn more about the lifelong advocate for fruit growing and rural enterprise. Chiles helped shape Virginia’s apple and peach industries over more than seven decades.
July AppleTracker: Fresh inventories tighten, Honeycrisp and Cosmic Crisp supplies rise
Also of note: processing inventories are currently up year-over-year while overall apple movement remains strong.
Georgia officials warn farmers about online farm equipment scams
Buyers should first verify online equipment sellers are legitimate after reports surface of sophisticated scams that impersonate legitimate dealerships and steal payments.
USDA fertilizer access grant program taking applications through August 17
$500 million is available to expand domestic production capacity and increase fertilizer availability, according to a news release.
New York revamps Nourish New York portal to link farmers, food banks
New York’s redesigned Nourish New York portal includes improved search tools, producer profiles and expanded product listings to better connect farmers with food organizations and institutional buyers.
Specialty crop growers adapt harvests, crop protection during extreme heat
Fruit and vegetable growers are adjusting harvest schedules, protecting workers and investing in heat-mitigation strategies as prolonged periods of extreme weather challenge specialty crop production.
CDC, FDA investigating Cyclospora outbreak across 17 states
The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate Cyclospora outbreak affecting 17 states. Officials have not identified the source of the foodborne illness, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Market report: California grape season ramps up, tomato supplies tighten
The report notes steady supplies of organic strawberries from California at promotable pricing. Meanwhile, Pacific Northwest organic blueberry production is expected to ramp up.