Organic checkoff draws supporters, detractors AgMinute for May 21, 2015

The Organic Trade Association has petitioned USDA for a checkoff program for organic after more than 5,000 organic farms and businesses weighed in on the proposal and supported it 2 to 1. Click here for the full story.
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Growers thankful USDA gobbling up surplus cranberries - AgMinute for November 28, 2014

The USDA will buy more cranberries than New Jersey grows in a year. For that, a Washington farmer is grateful. Click here for the full story

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WSDA hunts for wine grape pests - AgMinute for June 25, 2014

The Washington Department of Agriculture is on the hunt for several species of moths and a couple other pests that could wreak havoc with the state's wine industry. Click here for the full story

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Apple commission gains MAP money - AgMinute for March 19, 2014

The Washington Apple Commission will receive more federal export promotion money in the next fiscal year and adopts an increased budget. Click here for the full story

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GMO apple comment period opens - AgMinute for November 12, 2013

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments on its environmental and plant risk assessment documents on GMO apples for the next 30 days. Click here for the full story

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Vilsack rejects biotech labels — AgMinute for Jan. 18, 2013

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said he knows of no health reasons for foods containing genetically modified ingredients to carry special labels.

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Organic testing mandate — AgMinute for Nov. 16, 2012

The USDA will require organic crops to be regularly tested to ensure farmers aren't treating them with conventional pesticides, over the objections of some certifiers who worry about costs. Starting next year, organic certifiers must collect and test samples from at least 5 percent of the farms they inspect.

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AgMinute for Sept. 17, 2012

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has slightly lowered its forecast for the nation's drought-damaged corn crop to the lowest yield since 1995.

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AgMinute for Sept. 4, 2012

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, which faces growing opposition among livestock groups, has several upsides. Critics say it has driven up the cost of livestock feed.

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