News
Help sought for California farms impacted by illegal dumping
Illegal dumping on private lands in rural communities is an issue that has plagued farmers and ranchers for many years. Old mattresses, sofas, appliances, tires and household garbage are routinely discarded along roadways, causing an unsightly mes... more
EFI hires Michael Lacey as business development manager
Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, has added produce industry veteran Michael Lacey to the position of business development manag... more
Botryosphaeria stem blight of blueberry a concern in Southeast
Recently, the number of Botryosphaeria stem blight infected blueberry bushes is increasing in Alabama farms. Blueberry stem blight (Botryosphaeria dothidea) is a fungal disease known as the primary disease limiting establishment of blueberry plant... more
Disease resistant, size-controlling ‘MP-29’ rootstock for Alabama peaches viewed
A damaging soilborne fungus called Armillaria root rot and the peach tree short life disease complex are currently the leading causes of peach tree mortality in Alabama. These diseases result in annual losses for the peach growers. Estimated lif... more
Forced labor of Mexican agricultural H-2A workers brings charges
A woman in Florida pleaded guilty on April 6 to a federal racketeering conspiracy that victimized Mexican agricultural workers admitted into the United States under the H-2A temporary visa program. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the ... more
Agricultural Leadership Program planned in Washington state
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University are launching the Agricultural Leadership Program. The Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) to be held May 6-June 3 in Yakima,... more
Cold effects on pollination, fruit set and hardiness in apples, cherries eyed
On April 12, Washington State University's Matthew Whiting, professor in the Horticulture Department, and Bernardita Sallato, WSU Tree Fruit Extension specialist, hosted a meeting that brought the tree fruit industry together to discuss challenges an... more