Hemp is gaining traction as a versatile crop, particularly in livestock feed, following the legal framework established by the 2018 Farm Bill. However, there are concerns about the safety of …
Application Window Closing Soon for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering grants for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 for projects that …
Harvest Expectations for Apples and Cranberries
How is harvest looking for two fall favorites? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Does this year’s harvest indicate plenty of fruit from two fall-time favorites … apples …
USDA Report Highlights Slowing Specialty Crop Trade with China
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that American specialty crop trade with China has been on the decline over the past several years. In 2023, the …
RMA Continues Making Improvements for Specialty Crops
The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) continues making improvements for specialty crops. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger says recent crop insurance changes give specialty crops some of the benefits that other …
Michigan Cherry Production Keeps National Totals Up
It’s cherry pie season, and Michigan is the nation’s top grower of tart cherries – the favorite pick for those pies. Nationally, the outlook for production this year is 222,000,000 …
More Maple Syrup This Year
Some would call it a breakfast staple. Why there’s more maple syrup coming this season. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The latest USDA outlook on maple syrup …
Sweet Cherry Production Report
There’s good news for cherry lovers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. How does the addition of a state impact this season’s sweet cherry production forecast from USDA? …
Wildfires Threaten CA Wine Country
Wine enthusiasts around the nation know the reputation of wines from California’s Napa Valley, but those wine grapes and the farmers who grow them, are in constant peril each summer …
ASCE Program Accepting Applications
USDA’s new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative, ASCE, is now accepting applications. Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor says the projects addresses challenges within the specialty crop …
Bill Seeks to Bolster the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Legislation has been introduced to help better support the specialty crop industry. The Specialty Crops Security Act of 2024 seeks to bolster the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), increasing …
US Sugar Production Strong
The University of Missouri Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute recently released its 2024 Outlook for U.S. Agriculture (.pdf). They project that American sugar production remains strong and expect production …
2024 Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus Formed
Specialty crops are once again getting a special focus in congress with the bipartisan 2024 Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus. Co-chairs include Republicans David Valadao of California and David Rouzer of …
USDA Seeks Nominees for Mushroom Council
Want to joint the national Mushroom Council. Now’s your chance. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA wants nominations for the Mushroom Council to fill three seats …