News
Dyer new agronomist for MPB
The Maine Potato Board (MPB) has hired Jake Dyer as its agronomist and crop and variety development specialist.Dyer will work with the University of Maine's potato breeding program to develop and field trial new varieties.He will also work with devel... more
Potato growers select 2016 NPC leadership
The National Potato Council (NPC) announced Jim Tiede from James Tiede Farms of American Falls, Idaho, was elected to serve as president for 2016 and to lead the council's Executive Committee. Tiede was elected at the NPC's 2016 Annual Meeting, held ... more
License to Farm documentary on GMOs released online
License to Farm, a documentary on how sustainability, regulation and food safety affect farmers, is now available online. The documentary explores the truth behind common misconceptions of agriculture production in Canada, while empowering farmers to... more
Study: high pollinator density, diversity benefit small farms
Higher numbers of pollinators can significantly increase crop productivity of small-sized farms, according to a paper in the latest issue of Science." The study found large farms can experience increased yields if they have both a high number of poll... more
Understanding exemptions under Food Safety Modernization Act
New rules are here for produce growers. As many growers are aware, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for the first time regulates the growing of fresh produce under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FSMA spans over 500 pages and is ... more
United Fresh announces food safety training courses
United Fresh is launching a new training program to assist produce industry members in complying with the Produce Safety Rule and Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act. United Fresh will deliver FDA-approved ... more
Counting all farmers for the 2017 Census of Agriculture
The 2017 Census of Agriculture is still two years away but, at the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), we work hard to continually improve the data we collect. The agriculture census conducted every five years is the one time we col... more
USDA expands microloans to include farmland purchases
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will help beg... more
Syngenta looking at merger options
Syngenta is continuing its talks on merger options with various companies, according to Michel Demare, chairman on the board of directors.Syngenta is in talks with China's state-owned ChemChina, Monsanto and other companies, Demare said.Here's more f... more
Okray Family Farms receives NPC Environmental Stewardship award
Mark Finnessy and his father, Mike Finnessy, of Okray Family Farms, from Plover, Wisconsin, were awarded National Potato Council's 2015 Environmental Stewardship award.The award was presented during the NPC annual banquet at the Mirage Hotel in Las V... more
