Fresh Produce Discussion Blog

NCFC supports legislation on spill prevention

2013-05-08T08:53:00.004-05:00

Washington, D.C. (May 7, 2013)—The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) today signaled its support for the inclusion of S. 496, the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act, as an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act currently being debated on the Senate floor. The amendment seeks to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency’s pending Spill Prevention,

Mother's Day facts: Census Bureau

2013-05-06T16:11:00.002-05:00

Mother’s Day: May 12, 2013 The driving force behind Mother’s Day was Anna Jarvis, who organized observances in Grafton, W.Va., and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Farmers Shoulder Nearly $17 Billion in Losses in 2012

2013-05-06T16:07:00.002-05:00

(OVERLAND PARK, Kan.) — Before farmers received a single dime in crop insurance indemnity payments, they shouldered $12.7 billion in losses as part of their deductibles to crop insurance policies, according to a guest editorial published today by Tom Zacharias, president of National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS). “When combined with the $4.1 billion farmers paid out of their own

80 Million Americans to Have Restaurant Meals This Mother’s Day, According to the National Restaurant Association

2013-05-06T16:03:00.001-05:00

(Washington, D.C.) New research from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) shows that more than one-quarter of American adults will celebrate Mother’s Day by dining out, and nearly one in 10 will rely on restaurant takeout or delivery for their special Mother’s Day meal. Overall, the NRA projects that 80 million American adults will enjoy restaurant meals on May 12, 2013. “Restaurants

USDA Announces Final Call for 2012 Census of Agriculture

2013-05-06T15:42:00.002-05:00

Don't Miss Your Chance to Provide the Facts Straight from the Farm WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 – With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing on May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. USDA has already received more than 2

One SNAP-Step At A Time

2013-04-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

From reading Tom Karst's post in the Fresh Talk Blog from February 26 entitled "Food Stamp Fraud: $800,000 Here $700,000 There Adding Up", and most recently yesterday's "Food Stamp Reform Would Have Huge Impact On Millions", it's apparent from Tom's initial blog that the federal program most needed towards helping to feed low-income families remains rife with abuse in those

USDA Rural Development Celebrates Earth Day by Promoting Water Quality Projects in 32 States

2013-04-22T09:15:00.002-05:00

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 – As part of USDA's Earth Day celebration, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced support for projects that will improve water and wastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment across the country. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget

American Farm Bureau Picks 7th Leader Class

2013-04-12T14:46:00.002-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 2013—The American Farm Bureau Federation has chosen a group of 10 young agricultural leaders to participate in the seventh class of the Partners in Agricultural Leadership honors program. Participants selected for the 2013-14 program are: Jillian Beaty, Wisconsin; Jason Bunting, Illinois; Joy Davis, Texas; Shannon Douglass, California; Stacey Forshee, Kansas; Joshua

National Restaurant Association Calls on Congress to Reform Renewable Fuel Standard

2013-04-11T06:15:00.001-05:00

National Restaurant Association Calls on Congress to Reform Renewable Fuel Standard Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act would help cut food costs (Washington, D.C.) As a long-time advocate of reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the National Restaurant Association today commended four Congressmen for introducing the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act, which would help protect

ABC Research Laboratories renews offer of travel funds for scientists to attend 4th annual CPS Produce Research Symposium in Rochester, NY

2013-04-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

Davis, CA, April 3, 2013 - ABC Research Laboratories is proud to offer three research travel awards to attend the upcoming CPS Produce Research Symposium on June 25-26, 2013, in Rochester, NY. This grant is available to all researchers working to improve produce safety. "We are thrilled to once again partner with CPS, opening the door for researchers to participate in this fantastic

Nano Labs Announces Assignment of Provisional Patent for LED Intelligent Lighting Systems for Agricultural Greenhouses

2013-03-22T10:30:00.002-05:00

Novel Innovation in Programmable Lighting Systems for Greenhouses Improves Crop Yields and the Quality of Produce, While Maintaining Low Energy Consumption and Minimizing Environmental Impacts DETROIT, March 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nano Labs Corp. (OTCQB:CTLE) is pleased to announce it has been issued a provisional patent number for the Company's "

National Restaurant Association Launches Pizzeria Industry Council

2013-03-15T10:19:00.002-05:00

One of First Events Includes White House Meeting on Menu Labeling (Washington, D.C.) The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has launched a new Pizzeria Industry Council to engage the operator community and address the concerns and issues specific to pizza operators. The group is modeled after the NRA’s Fast Casual Industry Council, formed in 2009. The NRA’s Industry Councils address

National Restaurant Association Statement on Ruling to Overturn New York City Beverage Ban

2013-03-12T07:44:00.002-05:00

(Washington, D.C.) The National Restaurant Association released the following statement about the decision by a New York state judge who today struck down the New York City beverage ban. The ruling by State Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling in Manhattan came down just one day before the ban was supposed to take effect. Tingling said he found the ban to be arbitrary and capricious.

Family Farmers and Organizations Ask FDA for More Time to Analyze New Food Safety Rules

2013-03-09T20:47:00.002-06:00

Joint Letter Says Comment Period Too Short for Complex 1,200-Page Proposal http://www.cornucopia.org/2013/03/family-farmers-and-organizations-ask-fda-for-more-time-to-analyze-new-food-safety-rules/ AUSTIN, Texas – Over 270 organizations, food businesses and farms requested an extension today of the comment period for two major proposed food safety rules. The groups seek more time to

State Department of Agriculture Joins with Maryland Public Television to Showcase Maryland Agriculture Thirteen-Part Television Series to Air this Fall

2013-03-08T09:00:00.002-06:00

State Department of Agriculture Joins with Maryland Public Television to Showcase Maryland Agriculture Thirteen-Part Television Series to Air this Fall ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 8, 2013) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) in cooperation with Maryland Public Television (MPT) is co-producing a 13-part television series showcasing many facets of Maryland farming. The series of half-hour

Curtis Stone: Ultimate brunch

2013-03-06T13:41:00.003-06:00

The latest issue of The Saturday Evening Post features Chef Curtis Stone and his tips for the Ultimate Brunch. Curtis’ Bruch Tips 1. For the freshest, fluffiest pancakes and waffles, prepare batters just before cooking. If the batter sits too long, it will start to ferment, giving these breakfast goodies a sour flavor. 2. Outdo O.J. by juicing other fruits that are in season. Summer peaches

Fish in Rivers, Game in the Woods: But Not to Eat Congressional Briefing to Address Changes in Alaskan Natives’ Legal Rights to Food

2013-03-05T09:57:00.002-06:00

Washington, D.C. —Alaska Native Chiefs and hunter/fishermen are speaking in Washington D.C. March 6, 2013 at the Congressional Visitor’s Center. The 5:30PM briefing will address traditional hunting and fishing rights critical to families across the state. The Briefing will take place in Theatre South. Speakers will address the ongoing legal morass and harassment endured by the Koyukon and

Opening Statement of Chairman Frank D. Lucas Committee on Agriculture Public Hearing To review the state of the rural economy March 5, 2013

2013-03-05T09:46:00.002-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2013 MEDIA CONTACT: Tamara Hinton, 202.225.0184 tamara.hinton@mail.house.gov Opening Statement of Chairman Frank D. Lucas Committee on Agriculture Public Hearing To review the state of the rural economy March 5, 2013 As prepared for delivery Thank you Mr. Secretary for appearing before the Committee today. I am pleased the President asked you to continue in

House Lawmakers Push to End Extra Permit Requirement for Ag Producers

2013-03-05T08:32:00.000-06:00

WASHINGTON – Today, a group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced H.R. 935, The Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013. This bill would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) to clarify Congressional intent and eliminate the requirement of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the use of pesticides already

USDA Kicks Off National Nutrition Month by Highlighting Breakfas

2013-03-04T14:16:00.002-06:00

t School Breakfast Week, International School Meals Day and Childhood Nutrition to be Celebrated Throughout March WASHINGTON, March 4, 2013 — Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off an exciting National Nutrition Month by marking the start of National School Breakfast Week (March 4-8), a time that highlights the importance of promoting healthy choices for our nation's children

DeLauro Responds to Reports USDA Will Approve Horse Slaughter Facility

2013-03-02T16:56:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today regarding reports the Department of Agriculture (USDA) will have to approve federal inspection at a horse slaughter facility in New Mexico. DeLauro, former chair of the subcommittee responsible for funding the USDA, authored a provision prohibiting federal funds for the inspection of such facilities in

Acclaimed Parisian Chef Daniel Rose Brings Spring to AnQi Restaurant inMay

2013-03-02T16:50:00.002-06:00

Acclaimed Parisian Chef Daniel Rose Brings Spring to AnQi Restaurant inMay Helene and Elizabeth An of House of An Restaurants to host Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner (Costa Mesa, CA) – For one night only on May 1, Southern California gourmands and Orange County fashionistas will have an opportunity to experience one of the most sought-after restaurant reservations in Paris when

FDA Issues Environmental Assessment Report Following Outbreaks Linked to Cantaloupe

2013-03-02T16:48:00.001-06:00

FDA Issues Environmental Assessment Report Following Outbreaks Linked to Cantaloupe March 1, 2013 FDA has released its environmental assessment inspection report on the factors that potentially contributed to the contamination of fresh whole cantaloupe linked to a multi-state outbreak of salmonellosis in the summer of 2012. According to the report, the initial contamination of the

DeLauro Statement on Sequestration Going Into Effect Indiscriminate, Across-the-Board Cuts Will Harm Middle, Working Class Families

2013-03-01T10:38:00.002-06:00

DeLauro Statement on Sequestration Going Into Effect Indiscriminate, Across-the-Board Cuts Will Harm Middle, Working Class Families WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the indiscriminate across-the-board cuts known as “sequestration” that are now going into effect due to Republicans’ refusal to negotiate a balanced solution. DeLauro is the

Lucas Statement on Failure of Senate Democrats to Pass a Sequester Replacement Bill

2013-02-28T16:09:00.002-06:00

Lucas Statement on Failure of Senate Democrats to Pass a Sequester Replacement Bill WASHINGTON – Today, Chairman Frank Lucas released the following statement after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a replacement bill for the sequester that is slated to take effect March 1. "It is disappointing that the Senate has failed to pass a replacement for the sequester, and more importantly has failed to