Full Belly Farm balances the practical with the ecological
Diversification and sustainable growing practices are key elements in the recipe of success for Full Belly Farm, which grows a large mix of fruit, vegetables and nuts in California’s picturesque Capay Valley west of Sacramento.... more »
Exploring the possibility of growing scotch bonnet peppers in the Midwest
During a family vacation in Jamaica, we fell in love with the food, spices and condiments that go with the cuisine. Back in the mainland U.S., I said to my wife that Scotch Bonnet peppers... more »
Tomato Suspension Agreement ends
The Tomato Suspension Agreement has officially ended. On July 14, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it was withdrawing from and terminating the 2019 agreement suspending the antidumping duty investigation on fresh tomatoes from Mexico. ... more »
EFI launches Pollinator Week toolkit
Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) celebrated Pollinator Week by launching a free toolkit with educational resources, downloadable graphics and actionable tips to raise awareness and assist with supporting pollinator populations. A toolkit focused specifically on pollinators... more »
Five state coalition demands USDA AEWR transparency
Five states and 30 grower and produce organizations have organized to press the USDA on how it calculates the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which determines minimum wages under the H-2A agricultural guest-worker program. The... more »
Bedner Growers: Popular South Florida agritourism, farm market destination
Agritourism and farm markets have helped Bedner Growers survive and expand as a South Florida vegetable growing operation in its fifth generation. Based in Boynton Beach, Florida, the Bedners grow a variety of vegetables, including... more »
TIPA voices concerns about tomato agreement termination
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is warning that ending the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA) could bring economic chaos and higher tomato prices across the U.S. “If the U.S. Department of Commerce terminates the... more »
Tomato growers applaud tomato suspension agreement termination
American tomato farmers nationwide and the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) applauded the April 15 announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce to terminate the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, effective July 14. “This is a... more »
From seed to store
When Banny Oakes started a produce stand in South Florida in the 1930s, he likely could not have foreseen that his no-frills business would grow into the largest independently owned agribusiness in the region. Under... more »
Sensory help: Equipment tech saves water in fields
Because managing irrigation can be difficult, Extension researchers are developing equipment that can improve water flow management to more efficiently irrigate fruit and vegetables. By helping growers reduce pest and disease spraying, the sensors being... more »
