The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for the newly reestablished Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). Eligible nominees include anyone actively working in the fruit and vegetable industry as growers, shippers, wholesalers, distributors, brokers, retailers, restaurant representatives, processors, fresh cut processors, foodservice suppliers, representatives of state departments of agriculture and members of trade associations. Written nominations must …
Secretary Perdue Issues USDA Statement on Plant Breeding Innovation
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued a statement providing clarification on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) oversight of plants produced through innovative new breeding techniques which include techniques called genome editing. Under its biotechnology regulations, USDA does not regulate or have any plans to regulate plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional …
USDA Announces $8.4 Million to Support Veteran and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) announced up to $8.4 million in available funding for training and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program). …
Secretary Perdue Outlines USDA Services in the Event of a Government Shutdown
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Friday outlined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) services available in the event of a government shutdown. “USDA is committed to safeguarding life and property through the critical services we provide – and should the government shut down, we will continue to do just that,” said Secretary Perdue. “I am proud of …
Commissioner Simpson Extends Deadline for Producers to Apply for Over $600 Million in Hurricane Disaster Relief
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced an extension on Thursday for Florida’s agricultural producers to apply for more than $600 million in disaster assistance for impacts from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. Florida producers now have until January 1, 2027, to apply for the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program. Eligible agricultural producers can apply for …
Yellow-Legged Hornet’s Ongoing Threat to Honey Bees, Region’s Agricultural Industry
By Clint Thompson The ongoing threat of the yellow-legged hornet (YLH) to honey bee populations in the Southeast should concern the region’s fruit and vegetable producers, says University of Georgia Honey Bee Program Director Jamie Ellis. “Honey bees are incredibly important providers of pollination services. Many of the crops grown in Georgia, for example, blueberries, watermelons, cucumbers, cantaloupes, squashes; are …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Producers Speak Out on Skyrocketing Production Costs
By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Inflation has touched consumers and businesses across the spectrum in the United States. It has been particularly problematic for farmers trying to remain profitable in a business where margins are tight. “Inflation is a very concerning problem and has impacted all of agriculture in a significant way,” said Tony DiMare, president of DiMare Fresh. …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Building a Stronger Future for Georgia’s Specialty Crop Industry
By Tyler J Harper Georgia’s specialty crop growers are the backbone of a diverse and resilient agricultural economy. From fruits and tree nuts to vegetables, specialty crops play a critical role in feeding families, supporting rural communities and strengthening Georgia’s position as a national leader in agriculture. In 2024 alone, specialty crops contributed a massive $1.5 billion farm-gate value and …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Farm Bill Lurches Forward
By Frank Giles It has been a long process to get a new farm bill in place since the 2018 legislation expired in September 2023. But in June, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee entered the fray with the release of its farm bill 2.0 text. The text drew praise from a broad spectrum of agricultural organizations, including the Specialty Crop …
‘Little Tweaks’ Needed to Make Good Farm Bill Better
By Clint Thompson The draft text for the Senate’s version of the farm bill was well received by specialty crop groups. But there’s always room for improvements. That’s a view shared by Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA). Following the draft’s recent release, Quarles provided some “little tweaks” …