News Update - Growing for Market

Stay informed about local food with Growing for Market's news update. You'll find a regular summary of market farming news from around the web. Check back often, or click the RSS button at the bottom of the screen.

These articles have recently been added to Growing for Market Online

USDA seeks reviewers for Farmers Market grants May 16, 2012: WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture invites individuals to share their expertise in reviewing project proposals for the 2012 Farmers Market Promotion Program grants.

Troubles in the floral industry Nov 2, 2011: New statistics show sharp declines in the numbers of cut flower growers and retail florists. But those numbers don't show anything about the state of local flower production.

Learn more about flowers at winter conferences Oct 31, 2011: Attend a farming conference this winter to learn more about cut flowers. Here are the conferences holding special sessions on flowers.

Funds to help flooded farms Sep 2, 2011: In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, many small farms lost crops and structures. Here is a list of organizations that will provide assistance to small farmers in need.

Strategies to help you beat the heat Aug 1, 2011: Despite record high temperatures that are scorching much of the U.S. this summer, market farmers keep working. They have to harvest, plant, and sell their products, whatever the temperature. Growing for Market recently asked readers to share advice for dealing with heat, and got a great response from people across the country who have figured out strategies for keeping themselves and their crops cool. Here are some suggestions that might help you beat the heat:

Contest winners: Save time and money Jul 17, 2011: In our summer 2011 reader contest, we asked for tips about saving money and time. Here are our three winners.

Wine tasting at farmers markets Mar 11, 2011: Washington state is considering a bill that would allow beer and wine makers to offer samples at farmers markets. A few states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, do allow sampling at markets. But most states, including the #1 wine-producing state, California, still prohibit it. Winemakers say they should be allowed to sample their products just as any other vendor can. Opponents of the bill argue that public wine and beer tastings set a bad example for children.

Here's an Associated Press article on the controversy.

Our favorite new software Mar 10, 2011: We have been impressed by the flood of new software designed to help farmers and support the cause of local food. Here are our top choices; if you know and like others, let us know.

USDA allows planting of GE sugar beets Feb 8, 2011: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a decision to continue to allow planting of Roundup Ready sugar beets despite a court order to complete a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before making any decision.

Service program to build school gardens Feb 8, 2011: Food Corps, a new national service program, is accepting applications for its first group of workers who will build school gardens and work to improve food in schools.