A report from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows that the amount of specialty crops enrolled in federal risk management programs has nearly doubled in the last ten years. The value of specialty …
Strawberry Season Lasting Longer
Peak strawberry season is lasting a little longer in one growing area. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. California strawberry production is expected to hit its second-highest season …
RMA Insurance Options for Specialty Crops, Organics
The USDA is targeting specialty crop, organic, and urban ag producers for listening sessions on two insurance options, Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and the Micro Farm insurance options. WFRP and Micro Farm are two …
Candy is Big Business in U.S., Sugar Industry Concerned about Policy
American candy makers are doing quite well, but is there a threat to the sugar industry? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. It seems the U.S. has a …
New Tomato Variety Approved by APHIS
There may someday be a new tomato in the produce department. That’s coming up on this land of ours. Norfolk Plant Sciences requested approval from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal …
Specialty Crop Priorities for 2023 Farm Bill
Comprised of more than 200 specialty crop organizations, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has highlighted areas of importance for the next farm bill. The alliance representing producers of …
Weed Management Technology Survey Seeking Grower Feedback
A collaborative project involving several universities across the country seeks to further the development of non-herbicide weed management technology and approaches. As part of the project, industry members are being …
California Receives Nearly $24 Million in Specialty Crop Support
California is receiving more than $23.4 million for specialty crop support for Fiscal Year 2022 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) awarded the funding …
Standard of Identity for Olive Oil Would Be ‘Significant Advancement’
A petition has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a Standard of Identity for olive oil. The joint petition was submitted by American Olive …
Sugar Alliance Meeting Underway
Leaders from the U.S. sugar industry are meeting in Colorado this week for the 37th annual International Sweetener Symposium. The Symposium is an annual event hosted by the American Sugar Alliance. …
High Oleic Soy Oil for Cooking
Promoting a certain type of cooking oil for chefs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. United Soybean Board farmer-leaders recently met with a group of professional chefs to …
Popcorn’s Effects on Gut Microbiomes
Eating popcorn may be good for your digestive health. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. A new study, published Thursday in the leading journal Frontiers in Microbiology, focuses on how …
Specialty Crop Producers to Receive Food Safety Assistance from USDA
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, …