USDA
Organic standards experts fight fraud, advocate for industry
Respected organic industry advisors and specialists Gwendolyn Wyard and Kim Dietz have launched Strengthening Organic Systems LLC. The advisory firm is focused entirely on organic fraud prevention, supply chain investigations and compliance with the USDA’s... more »
USDA ends Washington apricot marketing order
The USDA is terminating the marketing order that regulates the handling of Washington apricots. The marketing order was established in 1957 but has been operating without handling requirements since 2014, when they were suspended to... more »
USDA names OTA as national partner in organic initiative
The USDA has chosen the Organic Trade Association (OTA) as a national partner for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, part of an initiative to provide direct support and technical assistance to producers. Rodale Institute,... more »
Spotted lanternflies in crosshairs of USDA working group
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced a strategic plan to battle spotted lanternflies, pest that harms many fruit, vegetable and nut crops. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Spotted Lanternfly Strategic Planning... more »
Near-extinct native pollinator may be saved by genome map
Scientists posses a new tool to help save the Rusty patched bumble bee, a native pollinator, from extinction. A detailed, high-resolution map of the rusty patched bumble bee's genome offers approaches for bringing the pollinator... more »
USDA corrects Emergency Relief Program policy
Grape growers can benefit from a change the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making with the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). The USDA is updating the ERP Phase Two to provide a method for valuing losses... more »
USDA sets dates for fall NOSB meeting
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has scheduled its fall 2023 meeting, along with two virtual comment sessions for people unable to attend in person. The meeting is Oct. 24-26 in Providence, Rhode Island, with... more »
Food Safety Culture: A foundation for best practices
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a growing interest in looking at a company’s culture of food safety whether it’s a farm, packing and distribution operation or fresh-cut fruit and vegetable processor. Officials from... more »
USDA offers webinar on agricultural research facilities
The USDA is offering support to construct and renovate agricultural research facilities. The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture will lead the webinar, which starts a 2 p.m. Eastern on June 8. The Research... more »
Organic growing web seminar scheduled
Organic growers or those transitioning to organic looking for help from the USDA can learn more about the process in a June 6 USDA web seminar. The Growing Organic with USDA web seminar is designed... 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
see all current issue »
