trade

‘Brutal’ wine market leaves farms in peril

Steve Perrin and his family have grown winegrapes on the land around their Lodi farmhouse for four generations. Behind the house stand a towering oak, a workshop and 150 acres of grapevines, mostly zinfandel, some... more »

Markon hosts annual Markon Summit

Markon Cooperative recently brought some of its customers together at its annual Markon Summit. The three-day event brought together more than 200 representatives from their exclusive member companies that include Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon... more »

USDA not expecting port strike to bring immediate shortages

The USDA isn't expecting immediate problems related to the East Coast and Gulf Coast port workers strike. In a statement released Oct. 1, the USDA said it does not expect labor disputes at the ports... more »

Organic industry presses Congress to fund USDA Farm Bill programs

With the clock running down on the Farm Bill, which is set to expire on Oct. 1, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is urging Congress to find the funding to safeguard critical organic programs that... more »

Presidential candidates provide positions to American Farm Bureau

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump revealed their priorities for American agriculture in responses provided by their campaigns to a questionnaire distributed by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). Farm Bureau asked... more »

Fruit, nut exports increase in shadow of U.S. ag export deficit

Though the overall U.S. agricultural trade deficit is increasing, exports of fruits, vegetables and nuts are on the rise and expected to offset losses in other ag export sectors, according to the latest U.S. Department... more »

New members sought for agricultural trade advisory committees

The USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are seeking new members to serve on the agricultural trade advisory committees. Committee information The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives... more »

USApple forecasts 2024-25 apple crop at 260 million bushels

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is predicting the 2024-25 calendar year (CY) apple crop will be 259.5 million bushels, a 10.1% decrease compared to the 2023-24 season. After record production last year, apple growers expect... more »

Fresh produce import inspection fee changes proposed

Imported produce fees may see changes. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing altering the regulations governing the inspection and certification of imported fresh fruits, vegetables and other products. The proposed changes, announced on... more »

Tree fruit, berries, grapes receive USDA market promotion funds

Apples, cherries, pears, cranberries, table grapes and watermelons are among the commodities receiving federal funds for promotion and market development funding. The funding is part of $300 million allocated to 66 U.S. organizations under the... more »