News
Canadian researchers try to reduce nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions
A team at the University of Alberta is looking at ways to reduce nitrogen fertilizer loss to boost yields and reduce contributions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Guillermo Hernandez Ramirez, an assistant professor at the University of Albe... more
Webcast helps growers manage corky ringspot
In its latest video aimed at helping growers, the Plant Management Network has released a presentation by Michigan State University professor of nematology George W. Bird on management practices for corky ringspot. The disease is caused by the tob... more
FDA delays parts of FSMA rollout, seeks input on water regulations
The FDA is proposing changes to how it will implement provisions of the Produce Safety Rule of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the coming years, including delaying some rules and asking for more public input. At the National Associatio... more
Japan allows import of Idaho chipping potatoes after 11 years
The Japanese government has lifted an import ban on Idaho potatoes after confirming a lowered risk of pest invasion, according to Japan Today (JT). President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, Frank Muir, said it’s rewarding to see the Jap... more
Vanmark rebrands, launches new website
Vanmark, a commercial potato and produce processing equipment manufacturer, recently rebranded and unveiled a new website (screenshot above). The rebranding focuses on over 60 years of quality and enduring commitment to providing the best equipment a... more
New FDA steps enhance FSMA collaboration with states
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., has outlined a number of immediate next steps in a comprehensive approach to ensuring successful implementation of the Produce Safety Rule established by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). In a spe... more
Harvest conditions prompt Idaho Potato Commission to warn of blackspot bruise
The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is advising growers that an unusually warm harvest season may lead tubers to be especially susceptible to bruising. The IPC is giving producers tips on how tuber condition can affect a crop’s chances of falling vic... more
USDA pledges additional funds for nematode research
Researchers at Cornell University will receive new tools to help fight two species of nematode thanks to money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Associated Press reports that U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced Friday, Sept. 1, that the... more
Produce Safety Rule compliance guide issued for small businesses
The FDA has issued a Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG), to help small businesses comply with the Produce Safety Rule mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) standards. The "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding... more
Sustainable farming group wants grower feedback on crop insurance
A national farming conservation nonprofit wants to find out why more specialty crop farmers aren’t taking advantage of recent changes to the federal crop insurance program. The 2014 Farm Bill required the USDA to create new insurance products fo... more
