News

First biocontrol from Biotalys demonstrates efficacy for growers

Biotalys, an agricultural technology company focused on addressing food protection challenges with protein-based biocontrol solutions, announced Nov. 15 the strong performance of its first biofungicide Evoca for grapes and strawberries in independent... more

Material collection systems, mechanical grapple added to Frontier by Deere

John Deere has added new material collection systems and a mechanical grapple to its popular line of Frontier equipment. The new PTO-driven Frontier MC2014 and MC2120 Material Collection Systems offer 14- and 20-bushel capacity respectively for John ... more

New seed potato lab will benefit Idaho’s spud industry

The University of Idaho is close to opening a new Seed Potato Germplasm Laboratory, which is the place where most Idaho potatoes are “born.” The new $5.5 million facility is located on the university’s Moscow campus and is a major upgrade fr... more

Produce packaging and PLU stickers a priority for PMA

Produce Marketing Association has announced a breadth of efforts to advance innovation and industry involvement with regulators on PLU stickers. This follows the decision for many countries across Europe to pass regulations that ban non-home composta... more

New countries eligible for the H-2A, H-2B visa programs, including Haiti

The Department of Homeland Security announced Nov. 9 that it was reinstating Haiti in the H-2A and H-2B guest worker visa programs for the coming year, which allows farmers, hotel workers and other laborers to apply for temporary work in the U.S. ... more

Jose Emilio Esteban nominated for Under Secretary for Food Safety

President Joe Biden announced Nov. 12 his intent to nominate Jose Emilio Esteban for Under Secretary for Food Safety at the USDA. According to a news release, Esteban is currently the chief scientist for the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Ser... more

Steady growth continues in US fresh vegetable import volume

Recent USDA data shows U.S. fresh vegetable import volumes continue to witness a steady growth. Last year, 77 million pounds of fresh vegetables came in from Mexico.The chart above compares annual changes in volumes of fresh vegetable imports from Me... more