Int’l Fresh Produce Assoc Lawsuit and Pumpkins Grown in Every State
**The International Fresh Produce Association and nine co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit contesting the Department of Labor’s regulatory overreach and limitations on the freedom of speech for farmers who employ temporary workers.
CEO Cathy Burns says DOL is exacerbating an already challenging labor crisis for growers and ag employers.
This lawsuit challenges the unauthorized process through which DOL passed this rule and the unlawful and unconstitutional impacts on American ag employers.
**The National Pork Producers Council expressed concerns about the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s latest report.
The group criticized the lack of a scientific basis for recommending PLANT proteins as a replacement for animal proteins.
The Committee recommended moving beans, peas, and lentils from the vegetable group to the protein group.
NPPC says this is deceiving to Americans as there are essential nutrients in animal proteins that plant proteins don’t provide.
**Pumpkins are grown commercially in every U.S. State, with uses ranging from cooking and baking to decorating and carving jack-o'-lanterns.
Farm prices received can vary widely by State because of the type of pumpkins being grown and their intended use.
About 70% of pumpkins harvested in Illinois are for processing with growers consistently receiving the lowest prices, averaging $40 per 1,000 pounds.
In contrast, Washington growers consistently received the highest prices for their predominantly decorative pumpkins, averaging $355.