specialty crops

The Oregon Department of Agriculture accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding.  In 2025, USDA will make approximately $2 million available to Ag industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, non-profits, for-profits, and local government agencies in Oregon.  Funding...

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products.  The programs will also help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events.   ...

What is behind a recent adjustment in minimum crop acreage reporting dimensions? The explanation by USDA Farm Service Agency acting deputy Administrator John Berge starts with why acreage reporting is important for producers.    “The best way to gain entry into our programs, whether it's risk management or finance or disaster payments, is to utilize an acreage report in order to do that.”    Yet .

The USDA announced last week it has awarded more than $25 million to support eight projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Imports (ASCE) Initiative.  USDA launched the initiative in January 2024 as part of the agency’s commitment to create more and better markets for U.S. producers an...

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 ...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and USDA have announced this year’s recipients of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds.  In Oregon, nearly $2 million will fund 11 projects to help boost the competitiveness of the state’s fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, and other specialty crops.  Winners include:  ...

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

When it comes to addressing and removing weeds, growers across the Northwest and across the county could soon get some much-needed help.  Solinftec, an ag company that focused on artificial intelligence and robotics for agribusiness, is offering a new tool for farmers wanting to control weeds.  At the ...

Last week, the USDA announced grant awards for two programs focused on the specialty crop industry.   “USDA is announcing $82.3 million in grants to enhance specialty crop competitiveness overall, and that is through two different programs," noted the USDA's Jenny Moffitt.  "One is ...

Oregon’s Department of Agriculture will host buyers from Europe and Australia next month, to meet with local producers and discuss importing Oregon food products.  ODA’s Erick Garman said he expects four to five buyers from each continent.   "On the prod...