fruits

The USDA’s latest Agricultural Prices Report shows growers, overall, are receiving more for their commodities from a price perspective.

Oregon berry farmers will start hiring for summer in just a few months, but some worry new federal immigration policies will lead to a labor shortage.  Narendra Varma grows a variety of vegetables and berries at his Sherwood farm and said it’s always a challenge to ramp up hiring ahead of summer.  But this seas...

Oregon State University’s “Grow This Oregon Garden Challenge” returns for another year.  Professor Lauren Tobey said teachers get whole classrooms involved, but anyone living in the state can also request free seeds.   “For the household...

The USDA is out with the latest trade data for the current fiscal year.  Agriculture Department economist Bart Kenner takes a look at the latest export and import projections from October to January.   “Agricultural exports for fiscal year to date were $64 billion, up 2% from the previous year," he noted.  "Agricultural impo...

There's just a few days left to apply for the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant.  This grant aims to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of Washington's specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.  Grant awards ...

Last week, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, introduced the Helping Optimize Markets and Encourage Generational Resilience through Ownership, Workmanship, and Nurturing (HOMEGROWN) Soil Health Act.  The Southwest Washington democrat says the legislation will support small, generational farm ownership, long-term soil health, and the production of specialty crops here at home, at a time when 4

The USDA and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are accepting applications for new members to serve on the agricultural trade advisory committees.  The Agricultural Trade Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives from across the U.S. a...

A 2012 change in school meal nutrition standards drove changes in the type of foods schools purchased.  According to data released by ERS this week, following the change in standards, schools obtained more fruits and vegetables through USDA Foods and especially through USDA’s Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.  While there w...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent in September on a seasonally adjusted basis.  The food index increased 0.8% in September, the same increase as August.  The food at home index rose 0.7% in September as ...

The application period for the 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is now open in the Gem State. For the current year, the USDA allocated over $2 million to the Idaho state Department of Agriculture to award to projects that enhance the competitiveness of Idaho specialty crops ...