Archives: News
Fresh produce powers growth in $80 billion U.S. organic segment
Fresh produce continues to power the organic boom. See which categories — from berries to eggs — are driving the next wave of growth.
MSU Extension guidance for navigating volatile input markets
As growers finalize input buys, Michigan State experts share practical strategies to help protect margins this season.
$26.8M in USDA grants aims to strengthen farmers markets nationwide
Federal funding boost will support farmers markets, agritourism and local food distribution. See how the programs help grow sales.
2025 USDA bridge payment applications due Friday, farm bill advances
The deadline to report 2025 acreage for USDA bridge payments to producers of specialty crops and sugar is March 13. Learn more.
House committee approves farm bill with specialty crop focus
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee expects to mark up a farm bill draft following a weather-related delay. Learn more details.
Florida passes new Farm Bill: How it impacts specialty crop growers
The Florida Legislature advances a new farm bill affecting land use, equipment and safety rules. See what it means for growers.
Sym-Agro, Biofungitek sign U.S. distribution deal for Berezi fungicide
Sym-Agro and Biofungitek sign a U.S. distribution deal for the Berezi fungicide. Learn how it targets powdery mildew and botrytis.
Spudman: Michigan grower named National Potato Council president
A Michigan farmer is following in his father’s footsteps as National Potato Council President, learn about the new leader here.
USDA, MSU Farm Market Survey open now through end of March
Help the USDA understand the unique realities of farmers markets in your state and region, take the survey now!
Price spreads explained: What USDA’s 2024 farm-to-retail data means for specialty crop growers
Scan new USDA food retail data, see which crops return the most to growers and find ways to capture more value.
Living mulch 101: How vegetable growers can boost soil and suppress weeds
Discover practical tips to build healthier soils, support beneficial insects and grow more resilient crops via living mulch.
Ag Wage Reform Coalition petitions Congress for farm wage stability
Farm groups urge Congress to codify the AEWR interim rule and provide wage stability. Learn what permanent reform could mean for growers.
SCOTUS blocks tariffs, ag groups urge trade policy stabilization
Farm groups welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to press pause on tariffs. Find out what it means for growers and input costs.
Powerful partnership: How Jamaica’s H-2 workers withstood Hurricane Melissa
Learn how a devastating natural disaster demonstrated the teamwork that powers the H-2 program partnership between Jamaica and U.S. farmers.
Researchers unlock how plants regulate root growth
A key protein controls plant root length can be modified, paving the way for drought-resistant crops. Learn about this research breakthrough.
Deep freeze saddles Florida vegetable growers with hundreds of millions in crop damage
The storm caused $700M+ in losses to tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers and more. See the full breakdown and why grower support is needed.
House agriculture leaders advance farm bill draft with new support for vegetable growers
A draft farm bill has emerged from the House Agriculture Committee. See what the proposal means for your farm and follow the February 23 markup for updates.
USDA announces $1B aid package for vegetable growers
Fresh-market and processing vegetables are eligible for government aid payments. Verify your crops and submit acreage reports now.
Michigan Agritourism Convention marks 20th anniversary with education, farm tours
Michigan’s 20th Agritourism Convention in Frankenmuth will feature farm tours, workshops and expert speakers. Get details on the event now.
Specialty crop groups join coalition to preserve USMCA, strengthen ag trade
Farm and produce groups have formed an advocacy coalition ahead of the 2026 USMCA trade agreement review. Find out what renewal may mean for your bottom line.