OF NOTE

USDA TO CONDUCT FIRST WIDE-SCALE SURVEY OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

According to a recent news release, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will survey more than 20,000 producers nationwide who indicated in the 2007 Census of Agriculture that they are currently engaged in organic agriculture or are making the transition to organic production. The survey forms will be mailed in early May and responses are due by June 17.

Survey questions include information on production practices, water management, buffer zones, marketing practices, value-added production, and other issues. According to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the Organic Production Survey is in direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers and businesses. Read the full text of the news release.

 

CONFERENCE EXHIBITOR/SPONSOR REGISTRATION OPENS

Online exhibitor and sponsor registration for the 2009 Almond Industry Conference begins promptly at 8 a.m. PDT, Wednesday, May 27.

Registration will also be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by fax (209-549-8267). Previous sponsors/exhibitors should expect to receive their conference information packets this month. As the only conference dedicated entirely to the almond industry, this venue is now more important than ever as a center for industry communication.

 

TELONE IN SHORT SUPPLY

One of the many consequences of the downturn in the automobile industry is the loss of Telone production.

Telone is a byproduct of car paint production. With Dow Chemical idling its car paint production, its manufacturing of Telone for this growing season is also extremely limited. Telone is a primary soil fumigant alternative to methyl bromide, which is currently being phased out under the Montreal Protocol, and also only available in limited amounts for almonds.

 

LAST YEAR FOR GUTHION

This summer marks the last time California almond growers will be able to use Guthion (azinphos- methyl or AZM) on their crops under terms of the EPA phase-out of the organophosphate compound. As of Oct. 31, 2009, stocks of Guthion can no longer be used on almonds, pistachios, or walnuts. Applications can only be made in June, July or August for almonds, and with specific mitigation requirements for nearby waterways and applicator exposure.

 

CONTROLLED BUYS

To ensure compliance with the Salmonella treatment program, controlled buys may be initiated.

 

GREEN ACRES, BLUE SKIES

The “Green Acres, Blue Skies II” conference will be held June 1-2 in Davis, CA. Agricultural producers and industry leaders will gather with researchers, policymakers, legal experts, regulators, environmental groups and green-technology providers to discuss topics regarding agriculture and air quality. The conference is coordinated by UC Davis’ Air Quality Research Center and Agriculture Air Quality Center. For additional information on topics and speakers, and to register online, click here.