After what felt like a long winter, it seems safe to say that spring is around the corner. I hope everyone’s pruning season is going well, this is the home stretch for sure. I often recommend that growers look for … Continue reading →

Hello everyone: There are two regulatory issues happening now that apple and grape growers should keep an eye on and consider getting involved in the process. The first is a bill in the Vermont legislature, H.466, which has already passed … Continue reading →

The growing season is just around the corner after what I suspect was a last-gasp snowfall over the past weekend. This should start my toughly weekly notices, but please, send me any questions to hae\ve in the meantime. A few … Continue reading →

There is a slight schedule change in the last few Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium webinars. Register for any/all at: https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/news-events/northeast-extension-fruit-consortium Tuesday, March 15, 2022 – 12:00pm (new date) Plum Curculio Research- Update and Management Online Free Speaker(s) / Instructor(s): Dr. … Continue reading →

Passing this on from the VT Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets. This rule will affect nearly all produce growers once it is fully implemented.-TB From: Sweet, Kristina (she/her) Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2022 2:57 PM To: VTVEGANDBERRY Subject: Northeast … Continue reading →

The call is open for producers, processors, cooperatives, associations, and similar firms to apply for USDA Value-Added Producer Grants. For more information, go to: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants. Proposals are due at the end of April. The VAPG program funds business and market … Continue reading →

The Lake Ontario Fruit Program released an excellent video that details precision pruning of mature tall spindle trees to help reduce biennialism and reduce subsequent thinning need. See it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29cF8yOKup0

Passing this on from Jake Jacobs at UVM Risk Management. -TB As I mentioned [in the VTFGA meeting] today, there are proposed changes to RMA Apple Crop Insurance and USDA has extended the comment period to April 15, 2022. Would … Continue reading →