News

UGA study looks to lettuce microbes for food safety solutions

By studying the interactions between EcO157 and the lettuce microbiome, researchers hope to better understand how the microbiome may affect the pathogen’s fate during produce processing.

President Biden appoints key USDA role for California

President Joe Biden appointed Maria Herrera as USDA state director of rural development for California on May 19. Maria Gallegos Herrera is a proud daughter of farmworker parents who grew up in the rural agricultural communities in the heart of Ca... more

Growing a better strawberry in North Carolina

Chances are, that deep red, plump, ripe strawberry bursting with flavor that you picked fresh off the plant at your local farm was a Chandler. Or possibly a Camarosa. In a couple of years, it might be a Rocco, or a Liz. Perhaps a Ruby June. Wait a de... more

TX1015 Sweet Onions hosts inaugural restaurant week in Rio Grande Valley

The Texas 1015 Sweet Onion marketing campaign wrapped up the inaugural TX1015 Sweet Onion Restaurant week promotion on May 8. The historic marketing campaign, currently in its second year, was focused directly on Texas consumers to increase awareness... more

California growers face new water cuts

With 60% of the state now in extreme drought conditions, state officials are warning water-right holders that they should expect more curtailments during peak irrigation season in June and July. In a statement last week, the state Division of Wate... more

H-2A temporary ag worker demand surges

Recently released data from the U.S. Department of Labor reflects surging demand for temporary agricultural employees under the H-2A program. DOL data for the first two quarters of Fiscal Year 2022 indicate that program applications increased 17.5... more

Watermelon association seeks successor to long-time executive director

Bob Morrissey, executive director of the National Watermelon Association since 2005, is planning to retire in 2023. Morrissey officially retires Feb. 26 at the end of the NWA’s annual convention in Asheville, North Carolina. [caption id="attachm... more