Crop Management

Organic strawberries are better — in some ways — researchers say

Consumers who buy organic fruits and vegetables because they think they're tastier, more nutritious and better for the environment are getting at least some of what they're paying for, according to a study published online.... more »

Tall or super spindle? A matter of space

The difference between tall spindle and super spindle is simply a matter of space. Tall spindle trees have 3 feet to 1 meter of space between them, whereas super spindle trees are laid out with... more »

North Carolina Farm Sells an Experience

By Derrek Sigler, Assistant Editor “You’re not just selling fruits and vegetables anymore, you’re selling an experience,” said Doug Carrigan of Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, N.C. “I could sell a gallon of strawberries, but if... more »

U.S. Apple Committee Testifies on Farm Bill

U.S. Apple Association (USApple) Board member Mark Nicholson recently urged a U.S. House subcommittee to continue its full support of specialty crop programs in the next Farm Bill. Sharing specific examples of the positive impact... more »

California Growers Don’t House Their Workers Anymore

By Matt Milkovich Managing Editor This is part of an FGN series on migrant labor housing conditions in different states. This story examines the situation in California. Few growers in California provide housing for their... more »

Florida growers don’t have to provide migrant housing

By Everett Brazill III, Southern Correspondent This is part of an FGN series on migrant labor housing conditions in different states. Housing in Michigan was covered in the previous issue. This story examines conditions in... more »

New York state still fighting plum pox

New York state field survey crews place collected leaves directly into a cooler. Leaves are kept chilled from the time they are collected in the field to the time they are tested in the lab... more »

Variable Rate Irrigation provides precision application

VRI can be mapped out to provide the right amount of water to each section of a field. Photo: Valley Irrigation By Derrek Sigler, Assistant Editor Valley Irrigation entered into an agreement with Computronics Holdings... more »

One doesn’t have to come at the expense of the other, experts say

By Scott ChristieManaging Editor Agriculture is a naturally sustainable industry, but growers in California are finding it harder to be sustainable in light of food safety guidelines. But the two don’t have to be mutually... more »

PMA adds to Food Safety Team

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) announced in early January that it was reorganizing the staff to better implement its strategic plans. The staff changes, and the addition of food safety expert Johnna Hepner, will further... more »