Apples
Streptomycin will not be allowed in organic orchards
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has voted not to extend use of streptomycin in organic apple and pear orchards beyond the current deadline. That means organic apple and pear growers will not be allowed... more »
United Fresh 2014 New Product Award finalists announced
United Fresh announced a record 40 fresh fruit and vegetable innovations as finalists for the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2014 New Product Awards. This year’s finalists will compete in five categories for the title of... more »
Rutgers breeding program puts science first
The process leading to the release of breakthrough cranberry varieties at Rutgers University represents a nearly 30-year evolution. Driving the program to these heights has been Nicholi Vorsa and his colleagues. After starting the cranberry... more »
Marketers share winning sales ideas
In 2007, Giff and Mae Burnap, who run Butternut Farm in Farmington, N.H., tried something new: They gave out free u-pick apple bags at a local elementary school. The half-peck bags were given to the... more »
Retirements, funding cuts impact Cornell programs
Key personnel have left, or soon will leave, Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), and with them goes decades of experience that have benefited New York state’s fruit industry. The changes have... more »
SWD management viewed for Southeast berry crops
The impact of spotted wing drosophila is being seen throughout the United States. It’s a primary target for those involved with the management of insect pests in berry crops. Hannah Burrack, associate professor and Extension... more »
Disaster assistance available for tree fruit
USDA has announced that growers who experienced losses from natural disasters that occurred on or after Oct. 1, 2011, can now sign up for the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). TAP was authorized by the Agricultural... more »
Amendments made to Export Apple Act
According to USDA, two amendments have been made to the Export Apple Act. The first amendment exempts apples shipped to Canada in bulk containers from USDA inspection and certification. The second amendment adds a definition... more »