The quest to make strawberries taste great again
There’s nothing better than a perfect, ripe strawberry, bursting with sweetness and flavor. Sales figures of the fruit affirm our love for strawberries: the lush, red berries are the fifth …
New wave of wheat has positive health implications
A research project at the University of California Davis is introducing changes into wheat genes that may have positive health implications for consumers. The effort is funded by a grant …
Climate change is sparking a revolution in winemaking
Wine is a $30 billion industry worldwide. And a changing climate presents real challenges to producers: some of the world’s best wine-producing regions may become “too warm to grow high-quality …
A plant breeder for the people
Plant breeders play an integral – if often unheralded – part in the local food movement. Meet Oregon farmer (Gathering Together Farm) and seed saver/purveyor Frank Morton, who practices “old-fashioned …
The hunt for a hotter jalapeño
Jalapeño peppers are spicy, flavorful…and increasing in popularity. The pepper is found on about 25% of restaurant menus, and demand continues to grow. University of California farm advisor Aziz Baameur …
Cool beans: they’re designed to beat climate change
The earth is warming. This will certainly require new food crops that can adapt to the changing climate and resource constraints. The latest hope centers on beans being grown in …
Breeders offering corn that’s picky about pollen
Organic farmers can sometimes command a premium for their crops, but they also face many challenges. One is keeping their crop from being contaminated by genetically modified crops. Pollination is …
Culinary breeding network aims to diversify veg crops
A Culinary Breeding Network comprised of seed growers, plant breeders, farmers, chefs and produce buyers has emerged in the Pacific Northwest. The group is identifying and developing varieties with traits …
USDA announces $6.5M in grants to improve plant health
The USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced $6.5M in grants through its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program this week. The grants will fund research to …