What to know about 2024 crop insurance decisions
During the next few weeks, farm operators will be finalizing their crop insurance decisions for the 2024 crop year. March 15th is the deadline to purchase crop insurance for the 2024 crop year.
31.01.2024
31.01.2024
Spain - The decline of green bean cultivation
Despite having been the second most important crop in the southeast of the country, the production of green beans has lost its prominent position and has become something of an "anecdote".
31.01.2024
USA - USDA estimates Maui fires caused $23M in agricultural damage
August fires on Maui caused about $23.1 million in agricultural damage, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
31.01.2024
USA - AI firm SolaRid lands innovation grant for insect fight
SolaRid, an artificial intelligence-based company that tracks insects in agriculture fields, has received a Phase II grant through the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovation Research program. The Clinton-based agtech company received $981,000 to further develop its smart insect control system.
31.01.2024
Spain - The lack of water could cause strawberries to lose a commercial window that will be difficult to regain
While the shortage of labor continues to pose an increasingly significant challenge, the ongoing drought, which is affecting nearly the entire country, is truly putting Huelva's berry sector on the ropes. In fact, it might be necessary to take drastic measures this very season, coinciding with the period of highest production.
31.01.2024
Spain - Some soft fruit growers face 50% water cut
Water shortages are proving significantly challenging for the soft fruit sector in the Spanish province of Huelva. "If it doesn't rain substantially soon, things will get really tense," says Jan van Bergeijk, who has been active in Spanish cultivation for over 30 years and is commercially responsible for raspberries within the Plusberries group.
31.01.2024
South Africa - Land Bank unveils personalised crop insurance cover
Bucking the trend of being a “grudge purchase” for farmers, crop insurance offers not just financial protection but also stability in the unpredictable realm of farming. Land Bank Insurance Company (LBIC) managing director Pascal Siphugu highlights the vital role of this often-overlooked safeguard, turning the tables on the perception that farmers buy with reluctance.
31.01.2024
China - Paddy farmers distressed over crop failure ahead of CNY celebrations
About 20 paddy farmers from the Chinese community in Kampung Dulang Tengah here have claimed to have suffered losses of nearly RM200,000, after their crops were attacked by a mysterious disease.
30.01.2024
Women bear the brunt of Asia’s climate failures
As the world digests the confused legacy of the COP28 summit in the United Arab Emirates, the realities of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis remain muted among the noise of the major polluters and the fossil fuel industry looking to sustain its dominance in global commerce.
30.01.2024
USA - Experts predict bigger swings between wet and dry years in California
There is no such thing as a“normal” weather year in California anymore. Olive producers have to be ready for anything at any time. As Golden State farmers wrap up their 2023 harvest and begin anew year, the water outlook is as uncertain as ever.
30.01.2024
Can we make the Loss and Damage fund work?
In the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), loss and damage has emerged as a third key pillar of climate policy, together with mitigation and adaptation, to address increasing climate change impacts in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
30.01.2024
Bhutan - Horticulture sector has faced a decline in fruit yields due to diseases and pests
Over the past decade, Bhutan's horticulture sector has faced escalating challenges, marked by a notable decline in fruit yields due to diseases and pests. Key cash crops, notably oranges and apples, have seen production drops exceeding 50% between 2012 and 2022.
30.01.2024
USA - Small farmers hit by extreme weather could get assistance from proposed insurance program
Since catastrophic flooding hit Vermont in July and waterlogged crops, some farmers are trying to figure out how to get through the next season.Water washed away seeds planted in the summer at Bear Roots Farm, which grows about 20 acres of mostly root vegetables at a high altitude.
30.01.2024
USA - Plant bug infestations pose growing challenges for almond growers
In recent years, plant bug infestations have posed a growing challenge for growers, as highlighted by Mel Machado, Vice President of Member Relations for Blue Diamond, during The Almond Conference held in December. Machado outlined the escalating problem, noting a significant increase in damage caused by these pests.
30.01.2024
Indonesia - Embracing new thinking amid rice crisis
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, long-held traditions will need to be resurrected. Others will need to be abandoned.Indonesia is highly dependent on rice. Indonesians consume 35.6 million tonnes of the staple, an average of 124kg of rice per person per year.
30.01.2024
India - Crops in about 600 acres under threat due to animal attacks
Crops, mainly maize and wheat, cultivated on almost 600 acres of agricultural land in Manikchak block are under the threat of attacks from wild boars and rats. The farmers of 3 Gram Panchayats are on the verge of facing a huge loss due to the animals.