fruit

America’s specialty crop growers often face challenges that are unique to their segment of agriculture.

The value of U.S. exports of so-called bulk commodities, such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton continue to struggle.  The USDA says the export of those high-profile commodities are down 14% year-over-year.  Department of Ag economist Bart Kenner says more exports of high value products are helping to make up the difference.   “We have s...

Starting Thursday, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will accept applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant.  Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $250,000 per project and projects may last for up to three years.  WSDA’s ...

Oregon State researchers developing spray to protect grapes from wildfire smoke

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is now accepting concept proposals for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant.

Agroforestry as a climate smart practice...yes.  But Keefe Keeley Executive Director of the Savannah Institute, says there are multiple opportunities for farmers implementing agroforestry practices beyond climatic benefits.   “It really about integrating multiple enterprises into the same farm into the same landscape so that can be high value fruit and nut crops that can be timber and non-timber f

According to ERS, the value of U.S. agricultural imports grew an average of 4% a year between fiscal years 2012 and 2022.  Total U.S. agricultural imports rose from $139 billion to $194 billion, with growth concentrated in select commodity groups.  Horticu...

A month-over-month drop in prices received by crop producers led to an overall decline in the latest USDA agricultural prices report.  The overall index was down 2.7% in October while the crop price index was reduced by 4% from the previous month.   ...

In fiscal year 2021, the value of U.S. fruit and vegetable imports rose to a record level.  That record is projected to rise another 9% in FY 2022 (October–September) to $42.6 billion, according to ERS.  Import volumes are also expected to grow 3% in 2022 to 29.4 million metric tons.  T...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is currently accepting proposals for the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  Roughly $1.5 million is expected to be available to Ag industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, non-profits, for profits, and local government agencies in Oregon.  Funding ...