Critics blast EPA for lowering Syngenta pesticide fine

In this Saturday, May 20, 2017, file photo, protesters carry banners during their march against the multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology companies Monsanto and Syngenta in Basel, Switzerland. After a February 2018 announcement, critics are blasting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for dramatically lowering a fine on agribusiness company Syngenta for violations of pesticide regulations.

Critics blast EPA for lowering Syngenta pesticide fine Source: AP

Critics are blasting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for dramatically lowering a fine on agribusiness company Syngenta for violations of pesticide regulations. Syngenta, under a settlement announced this week, will pay $150,000 for improperly using the pesticide chlorpyrifos at a seed corn field in Hawaii in 2016 and 2017.

Cornell receives $35M to support cassava development for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa

Cassava is vital to the food security of millions of Africans who eat some form of the root crop daily. Although cassava breeders are making progress, they still face significant challenges in developing disease-resistant varieties that also increase overall yield and respond to the needs of smallholder farmers and processors.

Top StoryUSDA sanctions $1.3M PACA violator, three others

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on four produce firms for failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, including one for more than $1.3 million. Taylor Produce LLC, Rigby, Idaho, is restricted from the produce industry for failing to pay a $1,327,478 award in favor of an Idaho seller, with Alan Taylor Produce and Alan Taylor listed as members of the business.

USDA proposes replacing food stamps with delivery service, increase work requirements

The Trump administration is proposing a drastic change to how millions of people in the U.S. receive food stamps by replacing cards with an equivalent cash value with a "Blue Apron-type" delivery box of food purchased by the government. Unlike Blue Apron, which includes meat and produce, the food delivery box would include only shelf-stable foods like canned goods, rice and pasta, and other processed foods.

Whole Eggs Better for Muscle Building and Repair than Egg Whites, Researchers Find

People who consume 18 grams of protein from whole eggs or from egg whites after engaging in resistance exercise differ dramatically in how their muscles build protein, a process called protein synthesis, during the post-workout period, researchers report in a new study. Specifically, the post-workout muscle-building response in those eating whole eggs is 40 percent greater than in those consuming an equivalent amount of protein from egg whites, the team found.

Blue Apron? ‘Um, No.’ Anti-Hunger Advocates Decry…

A girl pays for her mother's groceries using Electronic Benefits Transfer tokens, more commonly known as food stamps, at a farmers' market in New York City. benefits-about 80 percent of eligible families-would receive half of their benefits in the monthly food boxes, which would contain shelf-stable milk, juice, grains, cereals, pasta, peanut butter, beans and canned meat, fruits and vegetables.

Cruz lays off the corn, turns on the gas

Ted Cruz is holding up the confirmation of a key agriculture nominee to help oil refiners in his home state of Texas - infuriating some of the Iowans who fueled his rise in the 2016 presidential primary. Cruz is up for reelection this year in Texas, where oil and gas is king and employs hundreds of thousand of people.

At boot camp, Marine Corps working to integrate training in the #MeToo era

At one high school in Winnetka, Illinois seeing double is part of their daily routine.That's because the sophomore class at New Trier High School in ... -- Seung Yup Woo has a small go-bag with him at all times.

Edible oil of choice in South Korea is palm

Palm oil has become the most popular edible oil in South Korea, according to a Feb. 7 Global Agricultural Information Network report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture . The report said that while soybean oil and corn oil was used predominantly in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s, the industry has shifted to meet the changing demands of the country's cosmetic, food and biofuel industries.

National Farmers Union Says Projected 2018 Farm Income Shows Need For …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service today projected net farm income to decrease $4.3 billion from 2017 to $59.5 billion in 2018, a 52 percent drop since 2013. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says the projection elevates the need for an increase in funding for farm programs: "The farm economy has been on a sharp decline for five years, and projections do not indicate we'll get much relief any time soon.

Boulder’s Black Cat Farm gets county OK on its meat processing

Eric Skokan, chef and owner of the Black Cat Restaurant and the Black Cat Farm, cuts away part of a corn cob for his pigs in October 2014. Boulder County officials have issued a clean bill of health to Boulder's Black Cat Farm, which provides farm-to-table produce and meat to two popular Boulder restaurants, following a brief investigation prompted by a tip that raised questions about its meat processing.

Meatballs sold in Texas, 8 other states recalled due to listeria concerns

More than 3,400 pounds of meatballs sold in nine states are being recalled due to listeria concerns. The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service said the recall is for Rich Products Corporation, a Vineland, N.J. establishment and includes the ready-to-eat frozen beef meatball items produced on Dec. 17, 2017.

Wholesale market meeting rekindles partnership with USDA

From local food to food safety regulations, a lot of ground was covered in a meeting that brought together federal officials and wholesale market leaders. The Jan. 25 meeting at the U.S. Department of Agriculture offices in Washington, D.C., was organized by the National Association of Produce Market Managers and the United Fresh Produce Association.

Beloved Organic Brands Make Unprecedented Protest: Stop Attacking Organic

WASHINGTON: The nation's organic food movement, representing dozens of brands, thousands of organic farmers and millions of organic consumers, as well as retailers, certifiers, and organizations, published an open letter in the Washington Post. The cosigners are demanding that the USDA stop interfering with the public process that has created clear standards for animal welfare in organic food production.

Florida observes Prescribed Fire Awareness Week

Florida's Prescribed Fire Awareness Week is being observed to call attention to the need for slow-moving, low-grade fire to decrease wildfire danger. "Following one of the most active wildfire seasons in recent history and a devastating hurricane season, forecasts predict an extremely dry spring," said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

Regional Grape Program welcomes new specialist to its staff

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County's Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is pleased to announce the addition of Jackie Dresser as the viticulture extension specialist. Dresser is the newest member of a four-person extension team, which assists area grape growers with the implementation of research-based information, in the areas of Integrated Pest Management , Business Management and Viticultural Production Practices in their vineyard operations.