Announcements

Job offersmore »

Specialsmore »

Recent commentsmore »

Top 5 - yesterday

Top 5 - last week

Top 5 - last month

Remaining news more »

Economic newsmore »

Exchange ratesmore »

US: Pumpkin shortage could mean empty shelves after Thanksgiving
Heavy rains have pretty much destroyed this year's small harvest, says food giant Nestle, which controls about 85% of the crop for canning. Supermarkets say supplies are tight.Mother Nature may have sneaked off with a sought-after slice of Thanksgiving.Recent heavy rains in the Midwest are putting pumpkin..... 0 comments

Jamaica: Increased food production results in less imports of fresh produce
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Christopher Tufton (centre), reporting domestic food crop production figures to journalists attending a press conference at the Ministry, in Kingston today (November 16). Others (from right) are : Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Donovan Stanberry..... 0 comments

Malta imports more fruit & vegetables
Malta imported from the EU over 23 million euros worth of fruit and vegetables in the first nine months of this year, but with only 17 million euros worth of local fresh produce.The National Statistics Office reported that the Pitkali market had seen 33.6 million kilos of local produce sold, the value of..... 0 comments

Most tomatoes grown on a single truss-Graham Tranter sets world record
Farmworker Graham Tranter grew a truss with 304 tomatoes which sets the new world record for the most tomatoes grown on a single truss.Independent witnesses helped confirm the total after it was picked, although Graham points out that a further 20 fruits fell off it before and during picking, so the figure..... 0 comments

Bulgaria: Demand of Shopian fruit soars across markets
Srinagar: Despite low production, the apple crop of South Kashmir’s Shopian district is in huge demand across the country.Reports reaching Press Bureau of India said that different varieties of Apple crop particularly delicious from South Kashmir’s Shopian district are in huge demand in almost all the fruit..... 0 comments

US: Arizona Agri-Weekly report
The latest Arizona agriculture update from the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Phoenix, Ariz., field office:• Field CropsCotton harvesting is 70 percent complete, ahead of last year at 59 percent, and ahead of the five-year average of 65 percent. Cotton conditions remain fair to excellent.The..... 0 comments

Haitians targeted, fired illegally at three Immokalee tomato packing houses, suit claims
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has sued three tomato packing companies in Immokalee, charging that they discriminated against Haitian workers and fired them illegally because of their race.The suit is against Six L’s Packing and two related companies, LFC Agricultural Services Inc. and..... 0 comments

Cucumber Growers' Association conference to take place in Peterborough next week
Pest control and growing in alternative media are just two of the topics due to be discussed next week at the annual Cucumber Growers' Association (CGA) technical conference.The conference is taking place at the East of England Showground in Peterborough on Thursday 26 November and is featuring guest..... 0 comments

India: Cheaper veggies from Junnar farmers
A group of farmers from Junnar tehsil has devised a way to make available vegetables to the city at a cheaper rate — direct marketing.On Friday, a stall run by farmers was inaugurated at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) at Market Yard in Gultekdi. The stall, along the lines of the Narayangaon..... 0 comments

US: Gibson grows veggies to be a better person
Hollywood actor Mel Gibson says he is always looking to improve himself and insists the best suggestion he ever received was to take up gardening.The ''Braveheart'' actor - who recently became a father for the eighth time when girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva gave birth to daughter Lucia Anne - says the best..... 0 comments

Botswana: Agricultural sector in upward turn
President LtGen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has applauded the agricultural sector for showing commendable strides since the establishment of the Agricultural Hub.In presenting the State of the Nation address on Friday at the National Assembly, Gen. Khama said the agricultural hub had been established as a..... 0 comments

California agricultural organizations receive more than $33.7 million
USDA Announces promotional funding to support exports of California grown products
California trade organizations are receiving more than $33.7 million to support the international promotion of food and agriculture products as part of a USDA program. Funding allocated under the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program will help California trade..... 0 comments

German consumer describes cucumber as calorie-low, healthy, fresh and juicy
Calorie-low, healthy, fresh and juicy: that is how the German consumer describes a cucumber. The belief that they are healthy and 'calorie-low' are really strong. Terms and associations which can be used well when advertising and positioning cucumbers. More assortment choices desirableThe lack of..... 0 comments

Canada: Ontario farmers work to integrate ethnic produce alongside traditional Canadian crops
Farmers feed cities.But what happens when many of the people in those cities are immigrants who crave the ethnic foods of their homelands? Recent emphasis on reducing one’s carbon footprint and consuming safe, sustainable local produce has inspired Ontario’s food growers to experiment with crop varieties..... 0 comments

Smaller Brussels sprout crop Flanders due to dry summer
The Brussels sprout season will come at 'cruising speed' next month. The high temperatures and low rainfall during this summer have caused a somewhat smaller crop and smaller sprouts. "But they are firm sprouts of very good quality and in addition have first class storing qualities," Lava, the head..... 0 comments

India: Broccoli, cauliflower may help treat cystic fibrosis
A dietary antioxidant found in vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower can protect cells from damage caused by chemicals generated during the body’s inflammatory response to infection and injury, a new study has found .Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine say their finding has..... 0 comments

Norfolk County : Fruit & Veggie Growers will ask council for support
Norfolk County is about to find out just how dire the situation is for local fruit and vegetable growers. Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Brenda Lammens will be before council Tuesday night to make them aware of the financial situation Ontario's Tender Fruit sector is in...... 0 comments

Dutch cooperative blurs food prejudices
Johan Schut pulled a folding knife from his hip pocket, inserted the tip into the base of a bright, crispy head of romaine lettuce and severed it in two.“See there, the little brown specks with black legs?” He lifted one of the busy beasts onto the tip of his blade. “It’s a family of aphids. This is a..... 0 comments

Exporting Afghanistan
The 60 hectare stretch of farmland in north Kabul's Badam Bagh neighbourhood looks much like farmland all over this country. Colourful rows of neatly planted crops stretch out from a dusty road and up the gentle slope of an arid ridge.But look a little closer and it becomes clear that this isn't the average..... 0 comments

Hopes cooked: the heatwave has put paid to the asparagus harvest
AU: Asparagus season cut short
The asparagus harvest in Victoria has been cut short by this month's extreme hot, dry weather.The run of high temperatures has sped up growth of the crop, but the heads are opening at a much earlier stage, reducing the length of stems by up to 30 per cent.Growers in the Sunraysia region have stopped..... 0 comments

U.S. lettuce is pricey this week
It's an expensive week for vegetables, and next week will be no cheaper.Romaine has soared in price; one produce marketer said the stores are having to pay $2.50 per head, and the high wholesale price has pushed retail rates into the record class.Other U.S. lettuce varieties are pricey, too. We're lucky to..... 0 comments

AU: Wind damages Hillston lettuce crop
Windy conditions have wiped out almost half the lettuce crop at South Pacific Seeds at Hillston in Far West NSW.The strong gusts have snapped many of the seedlings off at ground level.The company's farm manager, Luke Johnson, says the lettuces, which are grown for seed, will be replanted, but not in..... 0 comments

Ghana: Tomato farmers appeal to government to curb imports
Tomato growers in the Brong-Ahafo Region and some parts of the Ashanti Region have decried challenges including unfair trade regulations and unfair prices that militate against the industry and called on the government to help them to solve these problems problems.Mr. Paul K. Mensah, Secretary of Tomato..... 0 comments

EU: Over €23m of fruits and vegetables imported
Over €23 million worth of fruit and vegetables were imported from the EU in the first 9 months of this year, compared with just €17 million worth of fresh local produce.Replying to a Parliamentary Question by MP Carmelo Abela, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said that a total of 23.5 million kilograms of fruit..... 0 comments

Mekong Delta farmers focus on quality
The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, the largest farming area in the country, needs to create stronger brand names to fully tap export potential, according to experts.Despite strong growth in recent years, much more needs to be done to exploit the rich abundance of rice and fruit grown in the area.Many farmers’..... 0 comments

China to purchase NT$1.25 billion worth of Taiwan farm products
China's largest retail chain is expected to buy NT$1.25 billion worth of agricultural products from Taiwan through the end of 2010, the single largest such purchase made by a Chinese entity in Taiwan, the Council of Agriculture (COA) said Tuesday.The commitment was made by a delegation of the All China..... 0 comments

Reservoir levels are healthy but wet winter not forecast
US: Drought losses top $19 million
For the second year in a row, Mother Nature has dealt a heavy blow to agricultural producers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, according to an economist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Weslaco.“Last year it was Hurricane Dolly that helped rack up losses of just over $25 million,” said Dr. Luis Ribera...... 0 comments

"Spring onions, cherry tomatoes, pomegranates and chili peppers"
Holland: It's Egyptian season at Kohl Fruit Trading
The Egyptian season has begun again at Kohl Fruit Trading. The first containers of spring onions, cherry tomatoes and pomegranates have arrived and this week the first container of chili peppers will be sent. "If we turn over same volumes as last year we will be pleased", says Geoffry Kohl...... 0 comments

Biotechnology in Bangladesh
Bangladesh seriously took up biotechnological research only recently. Earlier it did not take genetic technology seriously although Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) had a programme on 'genetic improvement of industrial micro-organisms since early 1970's.Genetic improvement of citric acid fermenting..... 0 comments

Forecast of 6% growth for Moroccan agriculture in 2009
Morocco data sheet
With a vast area of 8.7 million hectares dedicated to agriculture, Morocco is the 11th largest agricultural country in the world. This sector is one of the pillars of the Moroccan economy, representing 19% of GDP.Agriculture employs 42% of the population either directly or indirectly (2008: 34 million..... 0 comments

US: Crop report
Small grains and other field crops: Alfalfa is getting close to the dormant season.Many growers are trying to cut and bale at least one more time, but a few are already starting to sheep-off fields. Corn silage and sorghum harvest are nearing completion, but continue throughout the county. Winter forage and..... 0 comments

London skyline recreated in fruit 'n' veg
An edible model of London's skyline has been recreated using fruit and vegetables.The project, which was commissioned by the Good Food Channel and photographed by Carl Warner, features 26 different types of produce.The Houses Of Parliament have been made from asparagus, beans and baby sweetcorn, while Big..... 0 comments

Singapore: Prices for vegetable, egg imports from Malaysia rise due to rainy weather
Continuous rainfalls have caused egg and vegetable imports from Malaysia to increase in price.Egg prices have jumped four times since October but the rate of imports from Malaysia stays at three million eggs per day. This accounts for 75 per cent of the local supply of fresh eggs. Currently, a batch of ten..... 0 comments

AU: Horticulture industry proposes climate change levy
Fruit and vegetable growers could pay a climate levy on fertiliser under a proposal developed by the horticulture industry.The plan by Queensland horticulture group Growcom recommends farmers pay about 5 per cent more for fertiliser, with the money raised funding climate change research.The details come as..... 0 comments

Philippines: New agri technology eyed to farmers to improve production
A new dawn opens up for vegetable growers in the Bicol region devastated by the recent super typhoons Pepeng as the provincial government of Camarines Sur, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFU) in Bicol and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) are jointly spearheading a seminar..... 0 comments

Greens to be gorgeous: Why eating your five fruit and veg a day makes you
Eating fruit and vegetables can make you look more attractive, scientists suggest.In a study, volunteers were asked which skin tone made people appear most healthy and desirable.The researchers at St Andrews University in Scotland found that Caucasian men and women both preferred the 'rosy' look created by..... 0 comments

India: Odd rainfalls damage rain fed, irrigated crops in MH
The odd rainfalls with higher intensity of wind at the major crops fields in Indian state of Maharashtra have damaged cultivation of major crops such as grape, pomegranate, mango, cashew, coconut and banana.However, the state government has announced aid at the rate of Rs 2,000 per hectare for rain-fed crop,..... 0 comments

Switzerland: The "Domaine des Loveresses" building new greenhouses
After hail damage, the "Domaine des Loveresses" in Swiss' s Vaud region was left with nothing but a ghost of a greenhouse. After several months of looking for architects and contractors, Mr. Philippe Cornu, company G.M., has decided to start the re-construction.The "Domaine des Loveresses" is a family owned..... 0 comments

Morocco fruit and vegetable sector seeks UK partners
Morocco is currently aiming to create an environment which will facilitate stronger agricultural trade with the UK.For the first time this year the Moroccan fruit and vegetable products were showcased in London at the ‘World Fruit and Vegetable Show’ which took place at the ExCel Centre on 21-22 October.The..... 0 comments

Thailand: "Grennday" Broccoli chips by Greenday Family Co., Ltd.
Broccoli chips a new healthy and tasty choice from Greenday Family is now available.Green Day Family, a Thailand based manufacturer and exporter of snacks from tropical fruit is introducing a new healthy snack namely Greenday - Broccoli Chips.Greenday – Broccoli Chips has been developed under the Healthy..... 0 comments

Mozambique: China's farming ambitions take shape
China is sending its farming expertise to Mozambique in a drive to increase the African country's agricultural productivity.The Chinese Agricultural Technology Research and Transfer Centre is being built on a 52-hectare plot near the Umbeluzi Agricultural Station, close to the capital Maputo. It will open in..... 0 comments

Washington awarded specialty-crop grants
Washington state organizations will receive $2.6 million in federal assistance as they work to expand economic opportunities for specialty crop farmers and develop more efficient farming practices.Grants from the USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are being administered by the state Department of..... 0 comments

Philippines: Experts bare health hazards of imported vegetables
Experts from the Benguet State University (BSU) warned the public on the health hazards of imported vegetables which are now flooding the local markets, saying that continuous consumption of the heavily contaminated products could cause cancer.The warning was issued by the experts after over P16 million of..... 0 comments

Lack of mushroom experts in UK is causing life-threatening delays to treatment, warns professor
The professor who identified a toxic mushroom that left the author of acclaimed novel The Horse Whisperer seriously ill has warned of a critical shortage of similar experts.Nicholas Evans, 59, and his brother-in-law, Sir Alistair Gordon-Cumming, 55, fell ill after eating the deadly webcaps, which they had..... 0 comments

India: Tomato prices see record hike
The prices of tomato have witnessed a hike of whopping 200 per cent in the last three days in the leading markets of central Uttar Pradesh. The recent heavy rains in Nashik in Maharashtra and parts of UP have prevented the timely harvesting of the produce, resulting in dearth of supply and consequent..... 0 comments

6th Mindanao Vegetable Congress
6th Mindanao Vegetable Congress Jovic Santos, president of the Central Mindanao Vegetable Industry Development Council (CEMVIDEC), briefs delegates at the recent 6th Mindanao Vegetable Congress on how to improve the competitiveness of their farmers’ organizations. Zamboanga City hosted this year’s congress..... 0 comments

Bangladesh: Vegetable export prospects
Bangladeshi businessmen despite slow growth in exports of fresh vegetables and fruits are optimistic of the potentials of these sectors. According to the recent media reports, they believe they would be able to export more fresh produces provided they get 'one modern processing centre' for testing, sorting..... 0 comments

Indonesia: Government stricter on fruit and vegetable imports
On the grounds of helping to prevent imports of fruits and vegetables potentially carrying hazardous chemical residues, the Agriculture Ministry has imposed a ministerial regulation requiring the products to meet internationally-recognized safety standards.The regulation was first introduced in August but..... 0 comments

Switzerland: Pesticides warning over imported vegetables
Basel’s cantonal laboratory says a number of vegetables imported from Asia have too many pesticides.Officials in Basel-City tested 32 samples from four Asian grocers. Over a quarter of them had levels that significantly exceeded safety standards. Pesticide in one sample of curry exceeded allowable levels..... 0 comments

Poland: prices of imported tomatoes
This year’s season for Polish greenhouse tomatoes is almost finished. First imported tomatoes appeared on the market.On Friday, November 13 on the wholesale market in Bronisze, the price of 6 kg Spanish tomatoes size G was 18 PLN (4.38 euro)/6 kg. 0 comments

North China's vegetable prices soar due to snow
Vegetable prices are up drastically in north China due to the snowy weather, with Tianjin municipality, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan and Shaanxi provinces at the top of the vegetable prices list, the Economic Information Daily reported.The heavy snow has stranded transportation of vegetables from other provinces,..... 0 comments

India: IIM-A grad sells vegetables, fruits online
Every alternate Sunday Akrosh Sharma drives his tempo to the wholesale market to buy fruits and vegetables for his outlets in the diamond city ofSurat. Sharma, 29, an IIM-Ahmedabad graduate of the class of 2004, has designed an online portal (mandionwheels.com) where urban consumers can buy fruits and..... 0 comments

US: Californian water deal no quick fix for struggling farms
When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was promoting a complex legislative package to rebuild California's water system, he often appeared alongside farmers who were unable to cultivate their land amid a third year of drought and federal pumping restrictions.Yet agricultural relief from the bills signed into law by..... 0 comments

Malaysia: Vegetable sellers fined for overusing pesticide
Five vegetable sellers were fined a total of RM7,600 in court this year for excessive pesticide residue in their produce.State Assistant Minister for Food Industry Datuk David Teng Lung Chi said 2% of the 243 vegetable samples (both imported and locally grown) tested by the Health Department this year were..... 0 comments

Henk Kuipers of HeCo Fresh:
Holland: “Hopeful about Moroccan import season"
From 1st October the team at HeCo Fresh will occupy new premises in Nieuw-Amsterdam, Holland. "We have occupied an area of 2,700 m2 about 200 metres down the road" Henk Kuipers says. HeCo Fresh is at present busy marketing the last greenhouse vegetables and the change-over of import products. At..... 0 comments

Market prospect for December 2009 (week 49 to week 52 inclusive)
Market prospect for the main Flandria products
This market prospect for the main Flandria products is applicable for December and was drawn up on Friday 16 October. The forecasts are based on the expected deliveries at that time. The current auction prices are compared with the prices in the same period last year. The average prices are also compared...... 0 comments

Namibian grapes from Cool Fresh International
Cool Fresh Namibia is a unique and ground-breaking project within the global activities of Cool Fresh International of Ridderkerk, The Netherlands. The Namibian organisation of Cool Fresh International is responsible for a large scale agricultural operation in excess of 700 hectares, and this..... 0 comments

Mucci father and son featured in Farm Credit Canada’s AgriSuccess Journal
With only 50 years in Canada, the Mucci family has effectively made their mark on greenhouse farming. Starting with field farming in 1961, Tony and his brother Gino first rented land before purchasing their first 34 acre farm in 1963. Adapting to market changes, the brothers later turned to greenhouse..... 0 comments

Garcia wants Koreans to enjoy Peruvian foods
Peruvian President Alan Garcia asked Korea to ease conditions on imported Peruvian agricultural products Thursday.In a news conference in Seoul, Garcia insisted that Korea keep the level of conditions imposed on Peruvian agricultural products moderate in order to create a win-win free trade agreement between..... 0 comments

AU: Qld company unveils ‘intense' tomato
In a move set to bring an end to the age-old soggy sandwich dilemma, Australia’s largest supplier of fresh field grown tomatoes has this week introduced a new product to the market.SP Exports Managing Director Andrew Philip explains ‘Intense’ tomatoes have been selectively bred in response to consumer..... 0 comments

Web stats help artichoke growers provide seasonal recipes
Fresh artichokes spice up fall meals
Fall is the time to bring out the crock-pot, at least that is what the number of people searching recipes online showed the artichoke growers at Ocean Mist Farms.Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of fresh artichokes in the country, has been tracking consumer recipe demand and trends since starting an..... 0 comments

Intergrow US: Tomatoes to be featured at the New York Wine and Culinary Center
Located along the shores of Canandaigua Lake, the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes in New York State, sits the New York Wine and Culinary Center (Center). Founded by Constellation Brands, Wegmans Food Markets Inc., the Rochester Institute of Technology, and The New York State Wine and Grape Foundation, the..... 0 comments

AU: Fruit and vegie producers tackle contamination issues
Australia's horticultural industry is bedding down a new plan to manage its food contamination issues.Horticulture Australia Ltd product integrity manager, Richard Bennett, says the plan addresses a range of modern issues that fruit, vegetable, nut and flower industries didn't have to contend with earlier.He..... 0 comments

Lasting profit from Iceland, also in 2009
Gathering of cucumber growers from eight countries
Last weekDe Ruiter Seeds, Philips Lightingand Koppert Biological Systems together organised a gathering of cucumber growers from eight countries, namely The Netherlands, Russia, Belarus, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland. This was the fourth time that a get-together for the growersfrom the..... 0 comments

AU: Fruit & veg the key to cheaper food bills
Families wanting to cut their food bills should include more fruit and vegetables in their diet.That's the view of horticulture body Growcom as it weighs into the debate about rising Australian grocery prices.Growcom chief advocate Rachel Mackenzie said that Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Cost Price Index..... 0 comments

NZ: Growers blame supermarkets for high grocery prices
There was more evidence today about what's happening to food prices, and more dark muttering about what the supermarkets are up to.Overall the price of food dropped 1.5 percent last month, as measured by the Government's Department of Statistics. And it noted that for the first time this decade prices fell..... 0 comments

Fiji: Farmers aim to increase produce for Australian market
Farmers in the Western division are aiming to increase their output for the Australian market.This is after Australian importers indicated that they are interested in buying more products from Fiji and as early as the first quarter of next year the first container of mixed products is expected to be shipped..... 0 comments

India: Food inflation at 13.68% as vegetable prices soar
Food inflation edged up to 13.68 percent for the week ended October 31, from 13.39 percent in the previous week mainly on account of soaring vegetable prices.On an annual basis, prices of potatoes have more than doubled, while onions were expensive by about 40 percent.During the week, prices of bajra..... 0 comments

US: Vegetables provide the best diabetes defense for your baby
Why do pregnant women crave foods? Ask nutritionists this question, and they'll probably tell you that it's the body's way of telling the mother that it's "craving" a particular vitamin or nutrient. While this explanation certainly sounds reasonable, it loses its reasonableness when you consider the fact..... 0 comments

Cool weather delays cauliflower exports into Europe by 10 days
A drop in temperature has delayed cauliflower exports into Europe by 10 days. Southern England Farms Ltd started to harvest winter crops at the beginning of November but has only managed to supply orders to its UK Domestic customers so far, due to slightly cooler temperatures. It is thought that Exports will..... 0 comments

Fred Koelewijn of Helena
"Positive development in import of Cypriot herbs and vegetables"
Fruit and vegetable company Helena specialises in the sale of tropical vegetables. The company deals with their own growers, both locally and abroad. In this way Helena has its own cultivation company with an area of about 100 HA on Cyprus. "The cultivation in Cyprus is on the increase. I expect to expand..... 0 comments

6 colours of winter carrots, bunched carrots and mini carrots
Coloured carrots available from Rungis
From the traditional Dutch regional product, winter carrots, the most original and creative dishes are being prepared. With favourably priced, 'unforgettable vegetables' such as winter carrots, available in 6 different colours, lovely and colourful dishes are being presented. 6 Years ago Rungis..... 0 comments

Production in Spain and the Netherlands increasing
Disappointing prices for aubergine growers
In 1999 the production of aubergine in the Netherlands reached an all time high of 38 million kgs. As a result of the low prices the acreage and the production decreased, but from 2001 increased again. The better part of the Dutch aubergine production isexported, mainly to Germany and the United Kingdom...... 0 comments

GardenHerbs from Colombia
GARDENHERBS is a family owned and managed Colombian company, based in Bogotá and Tenjo; dedicated to growing, packing and distribution all year round, the finest aromatic fresh herbs for culinary and medical use as well as other specialty produce, with 10 years of experience in the field.We grow in our own..... 0 comments

US: Bad weather causes local lettuce shortage
When you're food shopping this week, you may notice a lettuce shortage.Signs are posted at Martin's and Giant food stores warning shoppers that the lettuce and bagged salad mixes that are available may not last as long as usual.They say that's because of cold, rainy weather in California. The good news is,..... 0 comments

AU: Lower fruit and vegetable prices are good news for consumers but disturbing for industry
Peak horticulture body Growcom weighed into the debate about rising Australian grocery prices today, arguing that families who wished to reduce their food bills should switch to a greater consumption of fruit and vegetables in their diet.Chief Advocate Rachel Mackenzie said that Australian Bureau of..... 0 comments

India: Bt Brinjal can awaken a sleeping poison
What, you may ask, is common between potatoes, tomatoes, brinjal, chilli, datura, tobacco and the deadly nightshade (belladonna)? They all belong to a plant family called Solanaceae. The Solanaceae family contains a number of important agricultural plants as well as many psychoactive and toxic plants...... 0 comments

UK: GM gaining in popularity among growers and consumers, experts claim
Controversial genetic modification is gaining more widespread acceptability among growers and consumers, according to some of the UK's leading experts.Dr Julian Little, chair of the Agricultural Biotechnology Council, told a conference on 21-century farming that 125 million hectares of land was used for GM..... 0 comments

Fruit and vegies not reason for food hikes - Hort NZ
The national horticulture body is questioning the Government's view that the dramatic increase in the price of food is due mainly to the rise in the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables.An Australian study found the price of food in New Zealand has gone up by more than 42.5% since 2000, the second highest..... 0 comments

NZ: Receivership alarms growers and workers
More than 80 vegetable growers and hundreds of seasonal workers on the East Coast are fearing for their futures as one of New Zealand's largest processing plants has gone into receivership.The news about Gisborne-based Cedenco comes on the back of a tough year for the region.Gisborne grower Ron Prebble is..... 0 comments

Malaysia: Restaurateurs in a quandry over vegetable prices
Restaurant owners in the Klang Valley are in a dilemma over whether to raise the prices of food following the severe shortage of vegetables.Prices of all vegetables have gone up and in some cases are in short supply, no thanks to the rainy weather.The manager of a restaurant in Petaling Jaya, Sarah Hassan,..... 0 comments

Malaysia: Traders say they have no choice but to raise prices of vegetables
Consumers should not be quick to blame traders for the rise in vegetable prices, says the Pudu Traders and Hawkers Association.Association president Jeff Tan said traders had no choice but to raise prices depending on the prices set by wholesalers.“Traders have to set the price for red chilli at RM12 to RM13..... 0 comments

Ireland: First direct measurements of trace pollutants in fresh vegetables using laser plasma spectroscopy
High-resolution, time-lapse camera helps researchers make quantitative measurements of trace elements with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)A high-resolution, time-resolved spectroscopy system has helped researchers make the first quantitative measurements of trace elements in fresh vegetables..... 0 comments

Lebanon: Pesticide producers pressed to label products
Pesticide producers should place warning labels on their products and farmers should abide by them, said the president of the Confederation of Farmers Unions Antoine Howayek during a news conference on Tuesday. Howayek held the conference to tackle the recent concerns that have spread about poisonous..... 0 comments

Bangladesh: Hybrid vegetables take hold
Bangladesh is slowly coming out of a seasonal barrier in vegetables production mainly, helped by consistent growth in sales and cultivation of hybrid seeds that offer farmers scope to profit from off-season vegetables.Consumers now get bitter gourd, bottle gourd, carrot, cucumber, eggplant and tomato..... 0 comments

US: Farmers markets post record earnings
The 2009 Delaware farmers market season ended as the most profitable season ever, with 15 markets earning more than $1.1 million, a 40 percent increase over last season. This season kicked off in April and ended in October for participating farmers.“It is refreshing and gratifying to see the growth of..... 0 comments

Uganda: Facing the challenge of food scarcity, high prices
The shilling is appreciating against the US dollar but food is scarce and food prices continue to soar abnormally overturning the belief that Uganda is the food basket for the region.Consumer spending power is the thin line between those who can afford to feed themselves and others like Bwapale who barely..... 0 comments

Philippines: Davao-trained veggie farmers to link up with SM Supermarket
Some 220 backyard vegetable farmers in Davao trained at Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers Training Program (KKFTP) of SM Foundation, Inc (SM) and its partners are working to link the farmers' and their market.In the recent closing activity of the farmers training held at the Entertainment Plaza of SM City..... 0 comments

Nepal: Veg arrivals down Potatoes selling cheaper as supplies improve
Despite the major harvesting season, the amount of vegetables arriving in the market has not gone up. The arrival of vegetables in Kalimati wholesale market has dropped significantly, going down well below the volume recorded in lean season.However, consumers have one thing to cheer about. Price of potatoes..... 0 comments

Why buy a glass house when polycarbonate is stronger and increasingly affordable?
UK: Greenhouses: why polycarbonate beats glass
I suppose I am a bit of a traditionalist at heart and if challenged would defend glass as the best material for greenhouses, cold frames and the like. Any ''working’’ garden with a brimming and beautiful greenhouse and some cold frames complete with clusters of plants in various stages of training or..... 0 comments

Year of truth for Canary Island lettuce and tomatoes?
This season is important for growers and exporters of lettuce and tomatoes in the Canary Islands. The last two seasons were difficult as a result of rising transport costs, rates of exchange and quality problems. Steve Cornwell of SpanishFresh calls this season: "The most important ever. Last year our supply..... 0 comments

India: Vegetable prices may start easing by January: Montek
Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia said he expected vegetable prices to ease by January."At the end of a bad monsoon, the big pressure is on vegetables. I hope the pressure will come down by the end of this fiscal year," Ahluwalia said at the World Economic Forum's India Economic..... 0 comments

Gebr. de Mooij Amsterdam optimise product presentation of Fino Fresco salad varieties
The salad varieties and mixes which Gebr. de Mooij Amsterdam supply under the Fino Fresco brand are now also available in tubs printed to match the product. The packaging has been brought into line with the overall design of the brand. Fino Fresco is a premium label for salad varieties, which are grown..... 0 comments

UK: Woman diagnosed with fear of vegetables
Vicki Larrieux, a 22-year-old student from Portsmouth, claims she is unable to keep to a healthy diet because she is frightened of vegetables.She suffers from a fear known as lachanophobia, which leaves her sweating and stricken with panic attacks at the merest sight of a sprout or a pea.Miss Larrieux..... 0 comments

AU: Lettuce grower wins national award despite queries over labour practices
Leading lettuce growers whose farms are under notice for using ''gangmaster'' labour contractors - who allegedly hire lowly paid illegal workers - have won a national agribusiness award sponsored by National Australia Bank and Monash University.Wholesale vegetable market identities Frank and Joe Ruffo own..... 0 comments

Malaysia: Prices of greens double in some parts of KL
Vegetable prices in Kuala Lumpur have gone up by 100% in some areas.Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Whole- salers Association president Soo Cheng Kee said the rainy season has caused a supply shortage.“The increase is inevitable due to the bad weather but it is only temporary, until the rainy season ends,” he told..... 0 comments

Malaysia: Flood situation worsens; Veggie and fish prices soar
The situation in flood-hit Kelantan and the northern states is worsening — more people have been evacuated from their homes.In Kedah, a total of 1,924 people were still being sheltered at 18 evacuation centres as of 5pm yesterday.In neighbouring Perlis, floodwaters continued to rise in several low-lying..... 0 comments

NZ: Fruit, vegetable price rises behind food cost increase - minister
The competition watchdog, the Commerce Commission, is indicating its hands are tied over grocery prices.An Australian study using OECD figures found the price of food in New Zealand has gone up more than 42% since 2000, the second highest increase among OECD countries.South Korea had the highest food price..... 0 comments

Vietnam: HCMC distributors link up vegetable farms in Lam Dong
Major vegetable retailers in Ho Chi Minh City are tying up with growers in Lam Dong Province to ensure a steady supply.Supermarket chains Saigon Co-op, Big C, and Metro have signed long-term deals with cooperatives and individuals in the mountainous province to buy vegetables. They will also provide..... 0 comments

US: Mann Packing launches three budget-friendly winter items
Mann Packing is launching three new budget-friendly items to capitalize on fresh produce sales for winter seasonal cooking and entertaining events.Just in time for football and holiday parties, Mann’s Sunny Shores new Dip Combo platter features two of America’s most popular dips, Home-style Ranch and Creamy..... 0 comments

Malta: Gozo’s fresh fruit and vegetable crop down 23.6% in 3rd quarter
During the third quarter of 2009, the overall volume and wholesale value of fresh fruit and vegetables declined by 9.1 and 4.6 per cent respectively, when compared to the corresponding period in 2008. In Gozo the volume dropped by 23.6% and the wholesale value fell by 10.1%.The overall supply of fresh fruit..... 0 comments

AU: Buy local, urge Glenlyon spud farmers as prices drop
Buy local: that's the message Glenlyon potato grower Denise Leonard wants to spreadPlummeting vegetable prices are making it difficult for local potato farmers to break even.Ms Leonard said due to cheap overseas imports there would be a 10 per cent drop in prices this season.The Leonards, who grow potatoes..... 0 comments

Growers' views needed for survey examining the decline in UK fruit and vegetable production
The survey is being conducted by English Farming & Food Partnerships (EFFP) for Defra, which aims to halt the decline in domestic production across all sectors (apart from sweet peppers) as UK producers struggle to compete effectively with imports.EFFP is examining business collaboration, environmental..... 0 comments

Bangladesh: Vegetable exporters in Chittagong protest realising of 'illegal' charges by CAA
Vegetable exporters today alleged that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Chittagong realised Tk 5.0 million (50 lakh) from export of non-traditional items like vegetables as weighing charges through Chittagong Shah Amanat international airport over the last three years.They said there are no additional..... 0 comments

EU and Israel sign new agricultural agreement
The European Union and Israel have signed an agricultural agreement under which 80 percent of Israeli exported fresh products are totally exempt from all taxes and levies.The agreement was signed last week by Israel’s ambassador to the European Union, Ran Curiel, and his Swedish counterpart, Christian..... 0 comments

Raising energy efficiency in tomatoes
In the coming years the gas prices are expected to rise. This will make tomato growers try to save more energy in the growing process to keep costs down and keep the process profitable. Using means already available it is possible to make a big impact. An important part of this is growing under..... 0 comments

US: High tunnel agriculture means longer growing season
New kinds of sustainability were the topic at this year's National Small Farm Trade Show and Conference.Among the ideas offered is High Tunnel Agriculture. Farmers practising HTA grow their crops inside a plastic covered structures similar to a greenhouse. Only the "tunnel" can be temperature controlled..... 0 comments

UK: Plant winter radish for unusual crop
Winter radishes are not often grown in the UK, although they are popular in the Far East. You can buy the long white mooli, a type of winter radish, in larger supermarkets and Asian/Caribbean stores.They can grow large and may be very hot, but are a good follow-on crop from other harvested veg as they are..... 0 comments

US: White carrot mystery stumps Greeley gardener, local experts
Norm Fisher has a problem, and it's an issue he's been trying to solve for most of the summer.Fisher, you see, has had white carrots pop up in his garden behind his central Greeley home, right along with the normal orange ones.“I've been gardening out here in the same spot since 1973 and this is the first..... 0 comments

Rare Chinese mushroom collection comes home
A Chinese scholar condemned during the Cultural Revolution for moving a unique compilation of mushrooms out of China was celebrated on Saturday when his extraordinary collection finally came home.At a service at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cornell University President David Skorton presented the..... 0 comments

US: CK International named Iowa Exporter of the Year
Bill and May-May Ng were the recipients of the Exporter Excellence Award presented by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Business Record and RSM McGladrey of Des Moines.The Ngs have been long time supporters of several Newton organizations, utilized the Newton Intermodal on a daily basis in shipping..... 0 comments

Lebanon: Politicians' squabbles lead to poisonous produce
Toxic substances could be present in fruit and vegetables and Lebanon should revive the food-safety law of 2003, warned MP Atef Majdalani on Thursday. Majdalani issued a statement in which he voiced his concern that all Lebanese were in danger of poisoning from fruit and vegetables due to the government’s..... 0 comments

India: 5 hi-tech poly greenhouses planned
To enhance productivity of horticulture/agriculture crops and ensure appropriate returns to growers, the Department of Horticulture plans to set up as many as five hi-tech poly greenhouses for the first time in ‘Tirupur block’ at an outlay of Rs 32.5 lakh this fiscal.The structures will help the farmers to..... 0 comments

PBH's New Survey Comparison Data is Now Available
US: Year-to-year comparison of Gen X Mom survey data available in one report
Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), the nonprofit entity behind the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters national public health initiative, has released a comprehensive, year-to-year comparison of it's annual survey of Moms. This is the fourth year PBH has conducted their Gen X Moms survey, and the..... 0 comments

US: Local mushroom farm plans to lay off 260 workers
A local company is planning mass layoffs.Creekside Mushrooms sent out a letter to employees saying they plan to lay off about 260 workers.The cuts will happen at the company's farm in Worthington.Company officials say they're cutting back production because of falling demand and more competition from eastern..... 0 comments

US: Laser spec detects vegetable contaminants
A high-resolution, time-resolved spectroscopy system has helped researchers make the first quantitative measurements of trace elements in fresh vegetables using a technique based on the detection of optical emission from a laser-induced plasma.Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a sensitive,..... 0 comments