Trade
USDA aid to help growers recover from natural disasters
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced programs designed to help specialty crop growers recover from natural disasters, including a trio of hurricanes that this fall struck the Southeast. The new programs are also developed... more »
Port strike not expected to bring immediate shortages
The workers strike on the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports isn't expected to bring immediate supply problems. That's the view of the USDA. In a statement released Oct. 1, the USDA said it does... more »
Congress pressed to fund USDA organic Farm Bill programs
Congress is being reminded by the organic industry to fund USDA Farm Bill programs. With the clock running down on the Farm Bill (set to expire on Oct. 1) and funding for key organic programs... more »
Presidential candidates provide positions to American Farm Bureau
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has queried Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on their priorities for American agriculture. Farm Bureau asked the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees to respond with... more »
Vegetables, potatoes counter expanding U.S. ag export deficit
Despite an increasing overall U.S. agricultural trade deficit, exports of fruits, vegetables and nuts are helping balance losses in other ag export sectors, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture report. Horticultural product exports,... more »
USDA ag trade advisory committees seek new members
New members to serve on USDA ag trade committees are being solicited. The USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are seeking growers to serve on the agricultural trade advisory committees. Committee... more »
Markon annual summit attracts foodservice customers
A foodservice cooperative's annual summit attracted customers. Markon Cooperative recently brought some of its customers together at its annual Markon Summit. The three-day event brought together more than 200 representatives from their exclusive member companies... more »
IFTA’s Robert Guenther heads Florida tomato groups
Robert Guenther, a longtime produce industry leader, has been named as head of Florida's tomato trade associations. Guenther will serve as the executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange and Florida Tomato Growers Exchange,... more »
Changes proposed for fresh produce import inspection fees
Changes are coming to imported produce fees. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing altering the regulations governing the inspection and certification of imported fresh fruits, vegetables and other products. The proposed changes, announced... more »
Vegetable groups receive USDA market promotion funds
Watermelons, potatoes and sweet potatoes are among the commodities receiving federal funds for promotion and market development funding. The funding is part of $300 million allocated to 66 U.S. organizations under the USDA’s new Regional... more »