Labor
Illinois Orchard Draws from Chicago Suburbs
The “Jonamac” in Jonamac Orchard doesn’t just stand for the apple variety, even though the orchard grows plenty of them. It also stands for Johnson-McArtor, the last names of the two families that have owned... more »
Guthion Use Set To End Sept. 30, 2012
The decision by EPA in mid-November to phase out all remaining uses of azinphos methyl (Guthion) by Sept. 30, 2012, will hit various sectors of the fruit industry differently. Three Michigan State University entomologists, speaking... more »
The Tall Spindle System: Apple Orchard Design For The Future
After years of experimentation, Terence Robinson believes he knows what a modern apple tree should look like. It’s taller than people once thought it would be, 10 feet tall, but the trunk is really small... more »
IFTA helped growers bring fruit trees down to size
On March 5, the International Fruit Tree Association observed its 50th birthday – marking a half-century of fruit growers working together to bring trees down to manageable size. Logically, such an organization should have been... more »
Primocane Raspberries Fit Just Fine on Maryland Farm
If managing raspberries were easy, would they still sell for $4.50 a pint? Nathan Milburn hopes so. In 2001, Milburn Orchards ventured into raspberries for the first time. The Elkton, Md., family was expanding the... more »
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 »
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 »
Blueberry Farm Agrees to Pay $45K for Labor Violations
A blueberry farm in a town known as the blueberry capital of the world has agreed to pay $45,000 in penalties for violating federal labor laws. AM New York more »
More Fruit Growers Ready to Use Guest-Worker Program
Anticipating another tight labor market and fearful of immigration enforcement that could lead to heavy fines, local growers are expected to expand their use of a federal guest-worker program in the upcoming season. Yakima Herald-Republic more »
Wine, Grape Industry Has a Heady Bouquet
With 935,000 acres of vineyards and grape farms, nearly 5,000 wineries and 1.1 million jobs, the wine-and-grape industry sends an estimated $162 billion rippling through the U.S. economy each year, a consulting firm said. The... more »
Current Issue
On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions
Data collection tool expands farm management
Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard
IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights
IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees
Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals
Fresh Views 40 Under 40
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