Conner Announces $34.6 Million in Rural Technology Development Funds for Rural America
by USDA

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner today announced the approval of $34.6 million in USDA Rural Development funds to support the development and expansion of rural telecommunication technologies in targeted rural areas in the states of Alabama, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire and Virginia.

Control Measures Begun for Giant Salvinia in Leaf River
by Kenneth Calcote

Giant salvinia, Salvinia molesta, is a floating aquatic fern on the federal noxious weed list and Mississippi’s noxious weed list. Giant salvinia is native to South America and has been found in South Carolina, Texas, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and more recently, Mississippi.

Control Strategy Being Developed for New Insect, Disease that Threaten Louisiana Citrus
by Linda Foster Benedict

A new insect has joined the population of pests in Louisiana that can potentially destroy an agricultural crop.

Controlling Weeds after Fall Harvest
by University of Illinois Extension

Horseweed is becoming more prevelant, including glyphosate-resistant populations.

Corn Protein Polymers Inspire Diverse New Uses
by Jan Suszkiw

Zein, a major corn protein, is primarily used in specialty coatings.

Countries Work to Develop Labeling System
by David Kuack

What if the entire world used the same chemical labeling system? The United Nations hopes this will be a reality.

Court Rules Individuals Can Sue Pesticide Makers
by The Weekly Dirt

U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued last month upholds the right of individuals to sue pesticide manufacturers. A 7-2 ruling on Bates v. Dow Agrosciences permits a lawsuit brought by farmers whose crops were damaged by pesticides. The ruling will also open the door for suits by consumers seeking redress for damages caused by pesticides. Previously, chemical companies have thwarted many lawsuits asserting that rigorous reviews of their products by EPA shielded them from being sued. The Supreme Court said that EPA review does not give pesticide manufacturers immunity.

Crop Protection Portfolio Strengthened by Further Biological Product: Bayer CropScience Acquires Biofungicide from AgroGreen
by Bayer CropScience

Applied pre- and post-harvest, Shemer helps to protect many different crops. It prevents infection and the development of many fungal pathogens.

CropLife America Expresses Disappointment Over New Use Limitations
by CropLife America

CropLife America (CLA) strongly opposes Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plans to place additional limitations on the use of three organophosphate pesticides, requiring product label changes as well as increased application buffer zones.

CropLife America Statement on the Decision by Wyman’s To Terminate Aerial Pesticide Applications in Maine
by George Clarke

The decision yesterday [4/7/05] by Jasper Wyman & Sons (“Wymans”) of Milbridge, Maine to terminate its aerial pesticide application program and introduce ground applications for its wild blueberry crops is an unfortunate situation increasingly faced by American farmers threatened with protracted and expensive litigation costs from anti-pesticide activists.