• State agriculture leader gives industry top grade From The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com The state's second-largest industry, which employs about 1 million people and generates a $60 billion annual economic impact, remains among the nation's leaders and has "the potential of becoming even stronger," said Don Koivisto, the state Department of Agriculture's new director. A state Department of Agriculture booth touts Select Michigan, an effort to boost awareness and consumption of Michigan produce by helping shoppers identify in-state goods. Koivisto also advocates continued...

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"In future I'll devote my time to agriculture" From CXOToday.com "I used to play in our intra-organization tournaments till a couple of years back, but now I have restricted myself to the above 2 roles, though I still enjoy playing 'gully' cricket," laughs Chella. From being the VP, to a passionate agriculturalist, to the manager, and coach of the office cricket team, Chella handles multiple roles and one wonders when he gets time to spend with his family. Ask Chella how he manages his time and stays connected to the world, and he'd retort with a grin, "I...

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Reserve prime farm land for agriculture: MS Swaminathan From Hindu Hyderabad (PTI): The government should evolve a land use policy reserving prime farm land for agriculture, while developing Special Economic Zones, eminent agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan said on Wednesday. Unless there is a proper land use policy based on classification, reserving prime and high potential farm land for agriculture, you will find difficulties," he said when asked about the raging controversies over acquisition of farm lands for SEZs.

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CDC Study: MRSA Infections Connected to Animal Agriculture From Occupational Hazards Despite mounting evidence that demonstrates certain strains of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) originate in animal agriculture and could pose a threat to agriculture workers, the United States does not test for the disease in cattle, pigs or other livestock used for food. Furthermore, Veterinary Microbiology recently published evidence of MRSAs presence in Canadian pigs and pig farmers, suggesting animal agriculture industries may play a large role in harboring and...

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Continuing agriculture policies that work From East Texas Review Five years ago, when commodity prices were low and the national economy was reeling, Congress approved a controversial major farm bill. Because of gridlock in Washington, Congress has had difficulty approving a new farm bill. The bill under consideration is similar to the 2002 version that has helped boost our national agricultural exports to record levels, nearly $80 billion this year. The proposed bill would continue substantial federal crop subsidies at a time when farm income is high. In...

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Posted Under: Agriculture