Fruits

Growers Turning To Federal H-2A Labor Program Despite Its Flaws

An increasing number of growers are turning to the federal foreign labor program to find workers. They’re not signing up because it’s a great program, however. They’re signing up because they’re desperate, said Craig Regelbrugge,... more »

Time Cover Story Kicks Off E-Mail Conversation

Time magazine boasts a circulation of more than 2.6 million, with another quarter million in newsstand sales, plus circulation worldwide in several languages. But in many ways, it’s a local magazine. Its editorial material often... more »

Federal Programs Are Worth Billions To Specialty Crops

We’ve been hearing a lot about specialty crops lately, thanks in large part to the 2007 Farm Bill. In anticipation of the new bill, specialty crop representatives have been making their case to lawmakers in... more »

A ‘Grape’ Relief for State Wineries

James River Cellars, a small winery near Ashland, used to personally deliver its Montpelier Blush, Hanover White and other wines to retailers. The Free Lance-Star more »

Washington’s Mid-Columbia Region Taking to Blueberries

In recent years, Columbia Basin growers have planted hundreds of acres of the sweet berries that traditionally are found in foggy valleys of Western Washington and Oregon. Seattle Post Intelligencer more »

Brown Rot Shrivels Prune Production in California

Brown rot is one of the most economically and ecologically important diseases affecting California's $100 million prune industry, say plant pathologists with The American Phytopathological Society (APS).According to Themis Michailides, plant pathologist with the Department... more »

EPA Grants Section 18 for Gentamicin on Fire Blight in Michigan

EPA has granted a Section 18 emergency exemption for the use of the antibiotic gentamicin (Agry-Gent 10-W) on apples for control of fire blight in four Michigan counties. EPA notified the Michigan Department of Agriculture... more »

Michigan Cherry Producers Vote To Continue Promotion Program

Michigan's cherry producers approved a referendum March 13 to continue the Michigan Cherry Promotion and Development Program, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture.Established in May 1972, the Michigan Cherry Promotion and Development Program was... more »

Bee Shortage Could Sting Maine Blueberry Growers

Honey Bees are disappearing across the country. That's bad news for blueberry growers in Maine who count on the Bees to pollinate 60,000 acres of their crop. WCSH6.com more »

Bayer Sells Guthion to MANA

Bayer CropScience has sold the insecticide Guthion (azinphos methyl) to Makhteshim Agan Industries, Israel (MANA).MANA purchased the European rights to Guthion several years ago. The recent divestiture includes North and South America.Bayer (BCS) is selling... more »