Molinar initiated the set-aside effort, which he believes will be a boon to researchers "because there is a need due to the growing interest in organics and sustainable agriculture. Molinar said it is not uncommon for organic acreage to be contiguous with conventionally produced crops in commercial settings. We needed to have a place to test methods and ideas on ground designated organic, so that we're not comparing oranges to apples. We need to be involved in organic agriculture. That...

Burns farmer Dale Sandberg said his organic sunflowers are used in organic cooking oils, while food processors around the country buy organic wheat and oats in bulk for a variety of food products. Sandberg said it's a whole other process to get meat verified as organic, including confirming that everything going into the feed also is organic. With larger retailers getting in on the trend, there are more organic products to choose from. But some buyers aren't interested in organic products...

The agriculture secretary says corn that farmers use for feed is increasingly being diverted to ethanol production. Well thanks to the ethanol boom, one thing corn farmers shouldn't have to worry about is a demand for their crops. The recent cold, wet weather has Wisconsin corn growers a little concerned about their spring planting schedule. That means feed will be more expensive, and so consumers will likely pay more for their meat and dairy products. An agriculture report predicts that...

The Executive report showed Scottish farmers are now producing enough to meet 70 per cent of the demand for local organic food - twice the level of five years ago. And north of the Border, where almost as much land is farmed organically as in England, farmers and producers are cashing in on an increasing demand for locally-grown, pesticide-free products. Mr Cornelius, who opened Iglu just over a year ago with two young chefs trained at the Ballymaloe Cookery School based on an organic farm...

Korea could be sweet for citrus industry. The citrus industry continues to suffer from the effects of disease and the 2004-05 hurricane seasons. The agreement is expected to eliminate South Korea's current 30 percent tariff on orange juice within one year and a 30 percent tariff on fresh grapefruit within five years. Congress could finalize the deal in two months. Sparks also noted that the deal would reduce the tariff on oranges out of season, March 1 to Sept. A free trade agreement...

Scientists have developed a test that can detect if unscrupulous traders are trying to pass off fruit and vegetables as organic to boost their profits. The chemical test relies on identifying a "nitrogen signature" that is left in food by the conventional fertilisers used in intensive farming. Organic food, which is a 15 billion global market, is currently regulated by a system of certification and inspection. Test will leave organic cheats feeling green. advertisement Simon Kelly, of the...

The diseases of concern to the Texas citrus industry, citrus tristeza virus and citrus greening, are both spread by insects. Not only will you have a healthier tree, you'll help the Texas citrus industry stay healthy, and it's the law. Sweet citrus budwood is grafted, or tightly spliced, onto hardier sour orange rootstock to produce bountiful, healthy trees that do well in Texas soils, Watson said. Since 2001, the Citrus Center has made virus-free budwood available to commercial growers...

Chemical fertilizer, which is used in conventional agriculture, is forbidden in organic farming. Kelly and colleagues at the Norwich Research Park have found differences in the nitrogen isotope composition of tomatoes, lettuces and carrots grown organically and conventionally. Kelly says the test could protect both consumers and honest organic growers. However, the test would be supplementary and not eliminate existing organic certification and inspection programs. NORWICH, England, April...

The declaration will allow farmers affected by the freeze that wiped out citrus and other crops to apply for federal disaster unemployment assistance and food commodities. Members of California's congressional delegation also are working to include money to help citrus farmers and. confirms state citrus industry help Bush to issue declaration after $1. According to bill language circulating Tuesday, the bill includes $20 million to help citrus farmers with clean-up, and billions more for...