LANSING – A referendum to determine whether to establish a Michigan Tree Fruit Research & Development Program will be conducted from February 17, 2014 through February 28, 2014 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).

The referendum of Michigan tree fruit producers was authorized by MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams after her review of testimony given at two public hearings held in Comstock Park and Traverse City on November 25 and 26, 2013, and from written testimony received by MDARD. (more…)

DOVER – Delaware’s community farmers’ markets set a new sales record in 2013, with shoppers buying more than $2.1 million in fresh produce and other goods, the Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

WORCESTER – On January 11th, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) will hold its 27th annual Winter Conference at Worcester State University (WSU). Mark Shepard, Restoration Agriculture author, offers this year’s keynote and all-day seminar.
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PIKETON, Ohio – An innovative program offered by the Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences is looking to recruit, mentor and grow a new crop of fish farmers.

The Ohio Center for Aquaculture Research and Development at the Ohio State University South Centers is offering 25 new and beginning fish farmers a hands-on approach to aquaculture and the business of fish farming through a year-long program that gives participants the opportunity to study the issue at the Piketon facility. (more…)

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced the coverage availability for Tart Cherry Actual Revenue History and Table Grape Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) programs for the 2014 crop year.
Tart Cherry (for processing) Actual Revenue History (ARH) Insurance is available in Adams, Franklin, and Grant counties in Washington.
Table Grape Crop Insurance is available in Canyon County, Idaho.
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