Wild mushroom harvesters in mid-Atlantic region collect fungi, build community
Source: Penn State By Jeff Mulhollem UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Foragers have been harvesting wild mushrooms in what is now Pennsylvania and the rest of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region for centuries, but the extent and specifics of the practice in the region had not been formally studied. New research conducted by ethnobiologists — scientists who study the relationships between people and their environments — at Penn State revealed that harvesters collect a surprisingly wide variet
West Virginia organizations receive $302,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grants
CHARLESTON, WV – Five West Virginia agribusinesses, organizations and agencies will share more than $302,000 in FY2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA). The grants will support marketing, education, and research initiatives that strengthen West Virginia’s specialty crop industry. USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables,
Bat Week begins October 24
Bat Week is an annual international celebration dedicated to raising awareness about the critical roles bats play in maintaining healthy ecosystems around the world. Held from October 24-31 , Bat Week is organized by a diverse group of representatives from conservation organizations and government departments across North America. The event strives to highlight the importance of bats and the ongoing conservation efforts needed to protect these incredible creatures. Why Bats M
Virginia citizens asked to help with biosecurity efforts to combat bird flu
Source: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Richmond, Va. – As the annual migration of wild waterfowl resumes this fall, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virgina Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) encourage backyard bird owners to practice biosecurity to protect their flocks from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The public is also encouraged to report instances of wild bird deaths that meet the fol
Research Intelo: Agricultural drones market to surpass $29.1 billion by 2033
Source: Research Intelo According to Research Intelo, the global agricultural drones market size reached $4.7 billion in 2024,...
Turkey farmers brace for uptick in HPAI
Source: American Farm Bureau by Bernt Nelson As Thanksgiving draws near, turkey will start making it onto grocery lists across the...
UMD research focused on improving the safety and quality of pasture-raised food products
Source: University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources by Graham Binder Most American food is no longer grown on...
USDA deregulates corn developed by Bayer using GE to resist pests
Source: USDA news release WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service...
Giant vegetable growers rack up new records, and rookie wins at State Fair of Virginia
Source: VA Farm Bureau DOSWELL, VA — Even first attempts can grow into towering state champions. When Gwen and David Harris of...
Penn State: Organic beekeeping can be even more profitable than conventional methods
by Katie Bohn UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Organic beekeeping can support healthy and productive honey bee colonies, and a new study led by...
