Author: staff

Image by F Armstrong Photography, Shutterstock Today, the Department of Labor announced a final rule targeting vulnerability and abuses experienced by workers under the H-2A program that the federal agency says undermine fair labor standards for all farmworkers in the U.S. The H-2A program allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers when the department determines that there is a lack of able, willing, and qualified U.S. workers to perform agricultural labor or services and that employing temporary labor will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. “H-2A workers too frequently face abusive working conditions…

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Colombia’s decision to restrict beef imports from certain U.S. states due to concerns about avian influenza in dairy cows marks a significant development in the global response to the virus. This move reflects the broader economic impact of the avian flu outbreak, which has already affected poultry trade worldwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the restrictions in a notice on its Food Safety and Inspection Service website on April 22. These restrictions apply to beef and beef products from states where dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza. The affected states listed include Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico,…

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The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement recently awarded a total of $315,000 in scholarships to 39 students. The scholarships — valued at $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 — are awarded based on each individual’s commitment to academics and leadership, and aid in their pursuit of a career in the agriculture industry. “We are thrilled to award these outstanding young individuals with scholarships to help make their dreams a reality and support their further education as they prepare for exciting careers in agriculture,” says Travis Hastings, Chair of the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement. “Investing in the future generation of…

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Nestled amidst the pristine shoreline of Gokarna, Om Beach is a spellbinding destination that appeals to travelers from near and far. Named after its remarkable resemblance to the sacred Hindu symbol ‘Om’ this exemplary beach has mesmerized people with its serenity and beautiful scenery. Whether you are a nature lover, a thrill seeker, or are seeking spiritual fulfillment, Om Beach Gokarna has something to offer for everyone and the amazing landscape, combined with the spiritual peace, is something that you will never forget. Come with us as we embark on an exciting trip to discover the charming and mesmerizing Om…

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With origins dating back to the mid-1990s, Tennessee has one of the oldest agricultural specialty license plates in the United States. The state, long known as being a top producer of tobacco and cotton, has a beautiful landscape of western mountains, idyllic rolling hills in the midsection, and expansive flat and fertile areas toward the western boundary with the Mississippi River. Across that span, roughly 79,000 farms cover almost 11 million acres. The agricultural specialty plate, known as the Ag Tag, has the rich history to match. Launched in 1996, the design was created by Cynthia Kent, a former creative…

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A rapidly spreading virus threatens the health of the cacao tree — and, potentially, your chocolate supply.  About 50 percent of the world’s chocolate originates from cacao trees in the West African countries of the Ivory Coast and Ghana. The damaging virus is attacking cacao trees in Ghana, resulting in harvest losses of between 15 percent and 50 percent. The cacao swollen shoot virus disease, spread by small insects called mealybugs that eat the leaves, buds, and flowers of trees, is among the most damaging threats to chocolate’s root ingredient. “This virus is a real threat to the global supply…

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