…strengthen. While USDA continues working to eliminate the remaining restrictions on U.S. beef exports that were instituted by some trading partners as a result of the December 2003 BSE detection,…
European Grapevine Moth Eradicated From California
Agricultural officials confirm eradication of grape pest, lift quarantine restrictions Agricultural officials from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in…
Food Scraps
…are actually lots of fantastic (and healthy) vinegar’s we can make from organic fruit scraps. In addition to apples and pears, pineapples, plum, raspberry, and even tomato can be used…
Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers
…like the Iowa-based National Farmers Organization (NFO) that will use $588,948 in funding to assist 900 beginning organic dairy and grain producers over the next three years. NFO will provide…
Economic Analysis of the 2016 California Drought for Agriculture
…Joaquin Delta in these circumstances was less available due to environmental restrictions on Delta pumping. Some concerns also remain for water supplies north of the Delta regarding temperature releases from…
Ranchers, Loggers Express Concerns About Forest Plans
Concerns over tree health and possible new restrictions on grazing and logging surfaced during the final public meeting on plans to reshape management of the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra national…
Grains Council Promoting U.S. Sorghum in Peru for Export
…products, specifically dried distiller’s grain and sorghum. Starting January first, the duty and quota restrictions on U.S. sorghum have been lifted under the free trade agreement, and a recent port…
USDA to Approve Non-Browning GM Apple Variety
…or organic varieties. APHIS received thousands of comments on the two varieties of apples that had been approved earlier for commercialization, and many were negative. However, Duarte Nursery of California…
CA Free of TB Testing for Cattle Movement
Federal restrictions lifted on movement of cattle California has regained its “accredited-free” status for bovine tuberculosis (TB), allowing cattle and bison to move to other states without the federal requirement…
Going Against the Ancient Grain
Kandarian Organic Farms Owner Larry Kandarian produces some age-old crops on beautiful land in Los Osos. He says some of his crops should be referred to as a forgotten crop…
A GMO “Buycott”
…provide this basic information, and so will we.” In the meantime, almost 500,000 people have signed on to the campaign from the pro-labeling group Organic Consumers Association to stop buying…
Specialty Crop Research and Extension Investments
…are small or large, conventional or organic.” Vilsack USDA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) develops and disseminates science-based tools to address the needs of specific crops. The funded projects address…
Beef Exports Reopen to Brazil
…the United States’ negligible risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (in-sef-o-lop-athy), commonly known as mad cow disease. Since last year alone, USDA has eliminated BSE-related restrictions in 16 countries, regaining…
Survey Shows Cover Crops Boost Yields
…crop loss due to stress. Cover crops also reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and increase organic matter in the soil. From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service….