Vidalia onion growers launched the 2017 season this week, marking the 25th anniversary of the Vidalia onion trademark. Vidalia onions, grown in unique soil and climate conditions found only in 20 South Georgia counties, are revered by some of the world’s best chefs and home cooks for its sweet, distinctive flavor. The Visalia is Georgia’s official state vegetable, grown on …
Illinois HerbFest Celebrates Earth Day
The Illinois Herb Association will celebrate this month’s Earth Day festivities during the 2016 HerbFest. The event will be held April 16 in Chillicothe, Illinois, at Chillicothe Public Library. “The annual HerbFest was previously held in June and September, but this year will be moving to April in order to celebrate Earth Day and build nature into the program,” said …
USDA Offers $90 Million in Competitive Grants
The USDA will be making $90 million in competitive grants available to strengthen local food systems, develop market opportunities and support growers specialty crops. The grants will be run through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, and the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. “Over the past seven years, USDA …
USDA Awards $20 Million for Citrus Research
The citrus greening crisis in Florida and across the U.S. is receiving $20.1 million dollars to bring growers closer to a solution. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded the grants to university researchers and extension projects working to fight Huanglongbing (HLB) or greening disease. “Citrus greening has affected more than 75 percent of Florida citrus crops …
UF Helps Launch Olive Groves in Florida
Buying extra virgin olive oil from olives grown in Florida may soon become a reality. Richard Williams is one of 50 growers managing 300 acres of olive groves in the state where his in-laws have been growing citrus for six generations. “Planting olives is not for the faint of heart by any stretch of the imagination. This is so new …
John Deere Unveils 5G Series Tractors
A new, narrow and highly-manuerverable tractor has been unveiled by John Deere. Their new 5G series tractors offer compact power solutions for specialty crops like orchards and vineyards. The new tractors meet the final Tier 4 engine emissions requirements. “The 5G Series Tractors build on the success of the 5EN Series to offer customers more choices for their specialty applications,” …
CFWF Discovers PEI Products
Cheese, mussels, potatoes and preserves were just a few of the many Prince Edward Island products that Canadian Farm Writers learned more about during the 2014 CFWF conference. Bruce MacNaughton and his wife operate the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company, located in an old butter factory, which uses local produce to make a variety of tasty preserves, marmalades, jellies, honeys, …
USDA Invests in Specialty Crop Producers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack while in Miami, Florida announced nearly $118 million in grants to strengthen markets for specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. The grants were authorized through the 2014 Farm Bill as part of an effort to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and provide resources to strengthen American agriculture. Sales of …
Everglades Ag Conservation in Action Preview
If you have ever wanted to see the Florida Everglades up close and personal – here is your chance. The Conservation Technology and Information Center’s 2014 Conservation in Action Tour is exploring the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) October 14-15 to hear the tale of farmers working with the entire ecosystem in mind. CTIC executive director Karen Scanlon says the tour …
On Track with Bayer CropScience Biologics
The California Railroad Museum was the venue for Bayer CropScience to gather with friends and dignitaries in the warm up show for the grand opening of the new Biologics and Vegetable Seeds Research & Development Center in West Sacramento, California. Liam Condon, CEO of Bayer CropScience and Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience AG, made a connection …