Agriculture
Organic certification gains traction amid tighter margins and rising import competition
With profit margins tight and cheap imported produce causing consternation among many specialty crop growers across the country, fruit and vegetable growers are taking a hard look at bringing one of America’s premium brands into... more »
Farm groups rally for specialty crop relief in 2026
Among the many key policy priorities for farm advocacy groups in 2026 is securing additional economic relief for specialty crop growers. With specialty crop producers largely left out of a $12 billion grower aid package announced in... more »
Southeast Michigan vegetable and field crop winter meeting set for Feb. 4 in Dundee
Vegetable growers across the Midwest can sharpen their production and pest management knowledge at the upcoming 2026 Southeast Michigan Vegetable Grower and Field Crop Grower Winter Meeting. The all-day event is scheduled for Feb. 4... more »
New USDA dietary guidelines reset federal nutrition policy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins have released all-new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030). The shift marks the most... more »
North Dakota farmer Barry Vculek takes the reins at National Onion Association
The National Onion Association (NOA) has elected Barry Vculek, owner of Four Star Ag (Oakes, North Dakota) as its incoming president for the 2026–2028 term. Vculek succeeds Jared Gutierrez and brings decades of hands-on farming... more »
California farmers face new regulations in 2026 from agritourism to wages
In California, the new year has ushered in a handful of new rules and regulations affecting agricultural operations throughout the state. Caleb Howard with AgAlert.com writes, “As of Jan. 1, there are new laws pertaining... more »
2026 vegetable industry outlook: How labor, technology and trade will shape the year ahead
With the dawn of the new year, America’s vegetable and leafy-green growers find themselves balancing steady consumer demand with rising operational pressures. The past year reinforced a familiar truth for the sector: while produce remains... more »
Spray drones: best practices for specialty crop use
Seeking to improve efficiencies, growers are turning to county Extension agents and university researchers to learn more about using drones for spraying and other chores in fields, orchards and vineyards. While drones can supply aerial... more »
Greenhouse labor outlook 2026
The U.S. horticulture industry has been hit hard by labor challenges. Farm owners are getting older, seasonal workers are harder to secure, the allure of owning a greenhouse growing operation is waning and fewer young... more »
Rolling out a new way to water: Sumisansui irrigation system
A new kind of irrigation is finding its way onto vegetable farms, and it looks a lot like drip tape — until you turn it on. The Sumisansui system, made by the Japanese company Sumika... more »
