Melons

USDA seeks watermelon board nominees

USDA is seeking nominations for the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Applications for 13 open seats are due by June 2.The 37-member board includes producers, first handlers and importers nominated by their peers, and one member... more »

Voters amend watermelon plan

USDA has announced that watermelon producers, handlers and importers have voted to amend the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan importer eligibility requirements for service on the National Watermelon Promotion Board.USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service conducted the... more »

Watermelon board members appointed

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed 13 members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board on Jan. 14. Appointments began immediately.Newly appointed board members, serving three-year terms of office, include producers Autumn Freeman of Bruceville,... more »

Referendum set for watermelon growers

USDA has scheduled a referendum for eligible watermelon producers, handlers and importers.The referendum, scheduled for Jan. 13 through Jan. 27, 2014, will allow watermelon producers, handlers and importers to vote on amending the Watermelon Research... more »

California growers fighting tomato bindweed

Most of California's processing tomato growers have had their fair share of weeds to contend with. But in the past couple of years, field bindweed has become an increasingly difficult weed to deal with using... more »

Seed industry sees continued growth

The commercial production and sale of vegetable seeds continue to be bolstered by increased market demand for most varieties.A report issued in August by Transparency Market Research indicated that the global commercial seeds market was... more »

Jensen brothers charged in cantaloupe incident

Cantaloupe growers Eric and Ryan Jensen were charged in federal court Sept. 26 with six counts of allegedly introducing adulterated cantaloupe into interstate commerce. Eric Jensen, 37, and Ryan Jensen, 33, brothers who owned and... more »

Use of protected culture is widespread in Vermont

Long, harsh winters pose particularly stark challenges for vegetable producers in the fertile Connecticut River Valley.The weather obstacles are being met by a proliferation of greenhouses and high tunnels, which are used to extend the... more »

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