The USDA is now offering a new certification program designed to assist small and mid-sized producers and cooperatives meet food safety requirements. This new GroupGAP program will be handled through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). “We know that GAP certification can sometimes be cost-prohibitive for smaller farmers,” said AMS Administrator Elanor Starmer. “GroupGAP allows these farmers to demonstrate compliance with … Read More
NCGA Joins with SoAR for the Future of Ag
The National Corn Growers Association recently told us of their new strategic plan to increase demand and improve productivity and sustainability. Now they’re showing us just what it is they plan to do about it. The organization has now joined the Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR), a coalition of scientific, consumer and producer groups that seek out sound research policies … Read More
Research Leads to More Food with Fewer Resources
Science and agriculture have been working together to feed a rapidly growing population and increasing yields is one of the most important factors in that food production. Because yields are largely determined by a plant’s reaction to the stresses of drought, climate change and salinization of fields researchers at Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences, the University of … Read More
Debate Begins on Food Labeling Bill
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, has announced that the Senate has proceeded to floor debate on his proposed food labeling bill. The bill was created to set a national standard for providing consumers with information about biotechnology. “This legislation is a true compromise,” said Chairman Roberts. “I have worked with my colleagues … Read More
Global Food Security Forum At World Ag Expo
The Farm Journal Foundation has asked key panelists to discuss global food security and agriculture policies during the “Global Food Security Forum” today at the World Ag Expo. The discussion will focus on balancing the challenges of feeding a growing population and developing policy to ensure food security. “I’ve met many inspirational farmers from around the world, and while the … Read More
USDA Awards $30.1 Million in Food Security Projects
The USDA and the Food Research Initiative (AFRI) have made possible $30.1 million to fund research projects pertaining to food safety, antibiotic resistance, and resilience of plants facing climate change. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and President Obama’s Science and Technology Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. John P. Holdren recently announced that, after … Read More
Potato Board Offers Innovative Ideas
Blair Richardson, CEO for the United States Potato Board took time to share with Chuck Zimmerman at the recent Potato Expo about some big news announced at the event– the unveiling of the Spud Nation food truck. This latest project by the Potato Board is a self-funding marketing program that is unlike anything attempted by a commodity board before. Food trucks are … Read More
Walther Farms Adds Value With iCropTrak
Walther Farms, a potato operation that covers more than 12,000 acres across the country, has been working with iCropTrak to develop a potato template for their farm management platform. Josh Reeves, with Walther Farms, worked with iCropTrak to develop the template and spoke with Chuck Zimmerman while at the Potato Expo. With Walther Farms covering a large amount of acres … Read More
Feed A Bee Plants Over 65M Flowers In 2015
Bayer’s Feed A Bee campaign successfully planted over 65 million flowers in 2015 thanks to the support and contributions of consumers and industry partners. More than 250,000 consumers joined the initiative to feed pollinators as the Feed a Bee website and #FeedABee hashtag went viral. By the end of the year, more than 70 organizations joined the fight pledging thousands … Read More
Food Security Policy Event Takes Place In PA
The “Importance of Global Food Security to Pennsylvania and America” will take place on January 11 in PA, 2016 courtesy of the Farm Journal Foundation and the Pennsylvania Dept of Ag. Mr. Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture will introduce the session, which includes many other agriculture leaders. “While agricultural researchers work hard to increase yields, an often overlooked area … Read More