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...

The federal agency also generally doesn't track where such crops are grown, only where farmers conduct initial tests of such crops in their fields. It also would declare gene-manipulated plant contaminations that cause more than $3,500 in losses to be a nuisance, making it easier for organic farmers and others. Agriculture experts say farmers in the state are testing genetically altered lettuce, grapes, apples, strawberries, peppers and squash, among other produce. Assemblyman Jared...

More pet owners are switching to organic products. The pet food recall is expanding to now include dog biscuits. The expanding recall is making pet owners change their buying habits, which is benefiting some companies. Menu Foods expanded its original recall to include a broader range of dates and varieties. More pet owners are asking about the benefits of naturally-made products. Pet owners spend more to buy these types of foods, but they say you can't put a price on the health of their...

As agricultural officials across the state declare the first citrus bloom period since the January freeze, mandarin growers are stepping up efforts to protect their groves. While many of the states mandarin growers were hard hit in January by one of the most devastating freezes ever to hit California, honey bees visiting mandarin groves this month in the San Joaquin Valley citrus belt could spell disaster for next years crops, said Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual. While...