USDA
USDA clarifies organic label use for hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics
Let there be no doubt: hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics growers can earn organic certification. The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on January 25, 2018, clarified some longstanding issues for the National Organics Program, announcing that... more »
$17.5M of emergency funds tapped for fighting spotted lanternfly
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Feb. 7 announced $17.5 million in emergency funding to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly in southeastern Pennsylvania. "We've seen a dramatic expansion in the range of this... more »
Perdue addresses legislative options for ag labor reform
However discouraged growers feel about ag labor policy, the country’s top agriculture official is upbeat about the future. During a Feb. 1 visit to Michigan, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue discussed legislative work that’s shaping... more »
Perdue unveils Farmers.gov, a government ‘one-stop shop’
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today unveiled Farmers.gov, a grower-friendly, “one-stop shop” maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Purdue unveiled the website Thursday morning, Feb. 1, at a breakfast hosted by the... more »
Growers group argues soil essential for organic growing
The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) is raising concern with the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent statement that soilless growing techniques are allowed in the National Organic Program. The statement, released by the USDA’s Agriculture... more »
USDA launches ‘MARS,’ a new digital platform for market reporting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the launch of a new electronic data platform to deliver market price information to the commodities industry. The new web-based platform, Market Analysis... more »
Farm Bill priorities, legislative principles of the USDA highlighted
The USDA’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018, were addressed Jan. 24 by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, during a town hall at Reinford Farms in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. “Since my first day as... more »
USDA proposes cranberry seasonal volume control
The USDA is announcing a proposed change to the percentages of free and restricted volume control for the 2017-18 crop year for cranberries grown in 10 cranberry-producing states. The proposed change would designate 85 percent... more »
USDA cites Florida’s J&R Fresh Produce for failure to pay
J&R Fresh Produce LLC, operating out of Tampa, Fla. has been cited by the USDA for failure to pay for produce. The company failed to pay $281,225 to seven sellers for 30 lots of produce... more »
U.S. fruit exports total $6.3 billion
U.S. agricultural exports totaled $140.5 billion in fiscal year 2017, climbing nearly $10.9 billion from the previous year to the third-highest level on record. As it has done for well over 50 years, the U.S.... more »
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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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