CDFA partners with center for produce safety to invest in food ... - FreshPlaza
09.04.09
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the UC Davis-based Center for Produce Safety (CPS) have signed a no-cost agreement to enhance the department’s food safety grants process and leverage additional funding.
“The Center for Produce Safety’s exemplary grant-review process adds substantial technical expertise to this program,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “Add to that their ability to provide matching funds for these projects, and it’s easy to see how this agreement will help strengthen the safety of our food supply.”
“Food safety is a focal point for consumers,” said CPS Executive Director Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli. “Both of our organizations are dedicated to ensuring the highest possible confidence in California’s food supply, and this partnership will accelerate the research and other projects that will help us achieve that common goal.”
CDFA recently announced a specialty crop grants program that
Source: FreshPlaza, Netherlands
Floriculture survey deadline approaching
Dr. Charlie Hall posted the following information on his "Making Cents" Blog.
Floriculture producers in the following states who generate $10,000 or more in gross annual sales are urged to complete the U.S. Department of Agriculture's annual Floriculture Production Survey by mid-January. Surveys were mailed on Dec. 8, 2008.
The states included in the annual survey include California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.
The survey provides the only detailed information about the production and sales of cut flowers, flowering, bedding and foliage plants, and cultivated florist greens. Without grower input, the government is left without the necessary data to gauge these crops' contribution to the nation's economy. In 2007, the combined wholesale value for the 15 states surveyed was $4.1 billion.
Growers can use the information as a benchmark to identify state and national trends. Government policymakers use the data at the state and national levels to appropriate resources. Reliable data is also crucial to obtaining research funding, government support and ensuring the industry receives its fair share of limited funding. Ten major floriculture organizations have endorsed this effort and their presidents have signed the letter accompanying the survey.
If you have received one of the surveys, please take the time to complete it if you have not already done so. Producers who fail to return a completed questionnaire by Jan. 20 will be contacted by telephone or in person to complete the survey.
Source: East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program