Saturday, November 14, 2009

USDA announces $2B to strengthen specialty crops sector

U.S. agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products, and help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events, including recent hurricanes. Specifically, the new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative will provide $2 billion to assist specialty crop growers in maintaining a strong domestic supply and expanding market opportunities for their crops.

Cross-Canada panel to address threats to farmland

The British Columbia Agricultural Council (BCAC) is hosting a high-stakes panel discussion at the BC Young Farmers’ Farm Fest 2024 on November 19 in Abbotsford.  

BC government announces new ag minister

British Columbia’s NDP premier David Eby, who eked out a slim one-seat majority, introduced his new cabinet on November 18. The minister of agriculture and food is Lana Popham. 

Little Leaf Farms introduces Sweet and Crispy blend

Little Leaf Farms, a packaged lettuce brand grown through controlled environment agriculture, has expanded its line of leafy greens with the launch of a new Sweet and Crispy lettuce blend. Featuring two of the brand’s fan-favorite varieties — baby crispy green leaf and sweet baby butter leaf — Sweet and Crispy offers a delightful blend of crispy and buttery textures with a touch of sweetness, the company said in a news release

AGT Food and Ingredients Announces Sale of MobilGrain

AGT Food and Ingredients of Regina has entered into an agreement to sell all its shares in MobilGrain to a Chicago-based global alternative asset management firm.