The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to make up to $200 million in assistance available to specialty crop producers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced plans to provide funding support …
Tea Tree Oil Applications in Agriculture
Using tea tree oil to fight agricultural problems. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Tea tree oil is a home remedy for many things, everything from acne to insect bites, …
Celebrate Avocados in June
A ten-year milestone for a certain fruit. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Ten years ago, the California Avocado Commission first observed June as the official California Avocado Month and …
Growing a Little Berry with a Big Impact
A little berry with big impact. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Aronia berries have been around for hundreds of years, but they’re just now coming into the …
Quinoa Bacteria Research
Expanding the possibilities of quinoa. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Quinoa is increasingly popular as a high-protein, slightly nutty flavored grain-like seed that can be made into flour for …
Avocados Are Good for More Than Guacamole
It’s a Cinco de Mayo favorite, but avocados are good for more than just guacamole. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating …
Boosting the Nutritional Bounty of Carrots and Onions
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are looking to beef up your salad—not with complementary slices of tender chicken, steak or other meat but rather new, improved varieties of carrots and …
Soy Products are Plentiful
Soybeans are used for much more than just food and fuel. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Synthetic grass made from U.S. soybeans is just one of many …
Finding The Truth About Pesticides in Produce
Finding the truth about pesticides in produce. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Each year, an anti-conventional farming organization puts out a list of fresh produce products that they …
Vidalia Onions Ready for Grocery Store Shelves
It’s a favorite time of year for those who love a certain type of onion. That’s coming up on this land of ours. One of America’s favorite types of sweet …
USDA Researcher’s Role in Cacao
There are many roles in agriculture. Hear how one researcher found her path to working on saving chocolate. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA researcher Doctor Alina …
Rising Chocolate Demand Means More Plant Health Research
As demand for chocolate rises, so does the need for agricultural research. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When was the last time you had a bite of …
Protect Chocolate Supply by Not Transporting Plants
Following rules about plant transportation can help the world’s chocolate supply. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are rules in place about not transporting soil and plants …
Combating Viruses in Cacao Plants
Researchers are working to battle a virus that affects the world’s chocolate supply. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Up to 40 percent of the world’s cacao beans, …