The potential of blockchain technology to transform the agricultural industry is vast. By providing a tamper-proof, distributed ledger of transactions, blockchain can create a more efficient and transparent food supply chain, from farm to table. Agricultural businesses can use blockchain to track the provenance of food products, ensuring food safety and traceability. Assuming that farmers and other players in the agricultural value chain adopt blockchain technology, consumers will be able to confidently verify the origins and quality of the food they purchase.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to use blockchain technology in agriculture will vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the agricultural sector. However, some potential applications of blockchain technology in agriculture include Traceability: blockchain-based traceability systems can help to increase transparency and facilitate the tracking of food items throughout the supply chain, from farm to table.
Food Safety: blockchain technology can also be used to help ensure food safety by providing a tamper-proof record of food safety information such as origin, handling, and storage conditions.
Supply Chain Management: blockchain can help to optimize agricultural supply chains by improving coordination and communications between different actors, and by providing a shared, immutable record of information that can be used to track and optimize the flow of goods and resources.
Table of Contents
How can Blockchain be used for agriculture?
Blockchain technologies have the potential to increase transparency and reduce issues related to illegal and unethical production in the agricultural sector. By tracking information such as the quality of seeds, how crops grow, and the journey of plants after they leave the farm, blockchain can help to create a more efficient and transparent supply chain. In addition, blockchain-based systems can also help to ensure that products are traceable and safe, which is essential for protecting consumers.
The application of new technologies in agriculture is constantly evolving and there are a number of new technologies that are being used to improve efficiency and productivity in agriculture.
1. GIS software and GPS agriculture: GIS software and GPS systems are being used increasingly in agriculture to help farmers map out their fields, track crop growth, and manage irrigation and other farming operations.
2. Satellite imagery: Satellite imagery is being used to monitor crop growth, assess soil moisture levels, and predict weather patterns.
3. Drone and other aerial imagery: Drones are being used to collect data on crop growth and soil conditions. Other aerial imagery systems are also being used to monitor agricultural operations.
4. Farming software and online data: A variety of software applications and online data platforms are being used to help farmers manage their operations more effectively.
5. Merging datasets: Data from different sources is being merged to create more comprehensive datasets that can be used to improve decision-making in agriculture.
How can Blockchain be used in the food industry
Blockchain’s ledger technology is used to track food supply chains and manage food safety measures In 2018, retail giant Walmart employed blockchain to track and trace its lettuce supply chains, and was hailed as a next-generation solution in food safety.
This is just one example of how blockchain is being used to help manage food safety. The ledger technology can be used to track food items throughout the supply chain, from farm to table. This information can then be used to help identify any issues that may arise, and to take corrective action quickly.
Blockchain is still in its early stages, and there are sure to be more innovations in this area in the years to come. But it’s clear that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we manage food safety.
The use of blockchain technology can help to improve the accuracy and transparency of the agri-food supply chain. By tracking the product from the time of production to the time of delivery to the consumer, blockchain can help to ensure that the product is of high quality and that it arrives safely to the consumer. This can help to improve the overall quality of the agri-food supply chain and to build trust between producers and consumers.
How blockchain is impacting agriculture industry?
Smart Agriculture is the use of technology in the agricultural sector to improve the efficiency of production. This can include the use of sensors to monitor crop health, the use of drones for crop mapping, and the use of data analytics to optimize irrigation and fertilizer schedules. The use of blockchain technology can also play a role in Smart Agriculture, by providing a secure and transparent way to track the provenance of food products and to facilitate transactions between farmers and buyers.
Blockchains can enable smart contracts for the automated delivery and payment of agricultural products contracts. These features can reduce the time and severity of problems the global supply chain’s smallholder farmers face. Smart contracts can help to automate the process of delivering and paying for agricultural products, which can reduce the time and severity of problems that smallholder farmers face in the global supply chain.
Which technology is best for agriculture?
Today’s agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies for more efficiency, safety and precision. These advanced devices and systems include robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. They allow businesses to be more profitable and environmentally friendly.
Farmers are using more and more automated technologies to help them with their crops. These technologies include harvesters, drones, autonomous tractors, seeding, and weeding. This allows farmers to focus on more critical functions and take care of menial and recurring tasks.
What are 3 new technologies that are currently or will improve agriculture in the future
Farm automation is the term used to describe the use of technology to automate the tasks involved in running a farm. This includes tasks such as planting, irrigation, harvesting, and so on. There are a number of companies working on developing robotic solutions to automate these tasks. Some of the solutions that have been developed include drones, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters, and automatic watering and seeding robots.
While there are many benefits to farm automation, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the high cost of these technologies. Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure in many rural areas, which makes it difficult to implement these solutions. Nonetheless, as these technologies continue to develop and become more affordable, farm automation will likely become more widespread in the years to come.
The blockchain is a distributed database that can be used to store information about food items. This information can include the location of the food, the date it was harvested, the temperature it was stored at, and other important data. The blockchain can also be used to track the movement of food items through the supply chain, from farm to table.
The use of blockchain technology can help to improve food safety and traceability. By providing a transparent and tamper-proof record of information about food items, blockchain can help to identify potential sources of contamination and help to quickly contain or rectify outbreaks. In addition, blockchain-based food traceability can help to validate and authenticate food origins, improving brand credibility.
How blockchain can solve food supply chain?
The blockchain is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof tracking of food supply chains. This technology has the potential to transform the food industry by aiding in the deterrence of food tampering, fraud and false advertising, as well as identifying wastage in food supply chains. Furthermore, the blockchain can help decrease the chances of food spoilage by allowing companies to certify the organic or fair-trade origins of products.
The blockchain technology can help in the tracing of the origin of the farm in just a couple of seconds In this way, just a batch of dairy products is removed from distribution, leading to the reduction of food waste. This will help to improve the food safety and also to avoid the contamination of the food products.
Which state has already started using blockchain in agriculture
The Jharkhand State Government has become the first in India to implement blockchain technology in the agricultural sector. The state government has incorporated the benefits of the latest technology to create a systematic structure that enables transparency in agricultural schemes such as the seed exchange program. This will help in ensuring that the farmers receive the correct seeds and the quality of the seeds is maintained.
The potential benefits of blockchain technology in the agricultural sector are many and varied. By tracking the provenance of food items from farm to table, blockchain can help to improve food safety and traceability. In addition, blockchain-based smart contracts could be used to streamline the sale and purchase of agricultural products, and to create a more transparent and efficient supply chain. In the future, blockchain technology may also be used to help farmers to better manage their land and resources, and to track and trace livestock.
What is an example of a way a farm could apply new technology to improve sustainability?
The use of drones to monitor crops and livestock is one way that farms are using new technology to improve sustainability. By knowing the whereabouts of all of the farm’s assets at all times, farmers can make better decisions about when and how to irrigation, fertilize, and harvest crops. This results in less water and fertilizer being used, and fewer trips being made to the fields, which reduces the farm’s carbon footprint.
Setting the table refers to the need to address the triple challenge of feeding a growing population, providing a livelihood for farmers, and protecting the environment. We cannot make sustainable progress in any of these areas without addressing all of them together.
What is the biggest problem in blockchain
There are some clear downsides to using blockchain to store data. First, as noted, the data volume would quickly grow, and with it, network overhead. Second, images are likely to be much larger than textual data, so including them would bloat the blockchain quickly. And finally, while blockchain is theoretically secure, it has not yet been widely adopted or tested, so there may be unknown weaknesses that could be exploited.
Value chains are an important tool for understanding how products move through the market and how value is added at each step. By understanding the value chain, businesses can identify areas where they can add value to their product or improve efficiency.
What are the 4 different types of blockchain technology
A blockchain is a digital ledger of all cryptocurrency transactions. It is constantly growing as “completed” blocks are added to it with a new set of recordings. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Bitcoin nodes use the block chain to differentiate legitimate Bitcoin transactions from attempts to re-spend coins that have already been spent elsewhere.
There are three primary types of blockchain networks: public, private, and hybrid.
A public blockchain has no access restrictions. Anybody can join and participate in the network. Bitcoin is an example of a public blockchain.
A private blockchain is permissioned, meaning that only certain users can access it. The network typically requires an invitation or approval from a central authority. A private blockchain is often used within a company or organization.
A hybrid blockchain is a mix of both public and private blockchains. It allows for selective transparency and permissioning. An example of a hybrid blockchain is theDragonchain platform.
Enhanced security: Your data is sensitive and crucial, and blockchain can significantly change how your critical information is viewed. By using a decentralized network, each transaction is verified and recorded by multiple computers, making it nearly impossible to hack. In addition, information on the blockchain isencrypted, further protecting your data.
Greater transparency: Blockchain provides a greater degree of transparency than traditional systems. All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, ensuring that everyone has access to the same information. This increases trust and transparency between parties, as well as accountability.
Increased efficiency and speed: Blockchain can automate many processes that are currently manual, such as the settlement of financial contracts. This can lead to increased efficiency and speed, as well as reduced costs.
Automation: One of the benefits of blockchain is the ability to automate processes. Smart contracts, for example, can be used to automatically execute transactions or agreements when certain conditions are met. This can lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs.
What is the latest technology in agriculture in 2022
Drones are rapidly becoming a popular tool in the agricultural industry. They are mainly used to monitor crops, spray fertilizers and pesticides, etc. They are called unmanned aerial vehicles, and they are as per their definition. This latest trend in agriculture and agricultural technology is revolutionalizing the farming tech by reducing the amount of labour required to grow a crop.
1. China has a rich history of agriculture, with 10% of the world’s arable land and a quarter of global grain output. The country leads the world in production of fruit, vegetables, cereals, cotton, eggs, and poultry.
2. China’s climate and geography are well suited for agriculture, and the country has used innovative techniques to increase yields.
3. The government has been supportive of the agricultural sector, and has invested in infrastructure and research to help farmers better compete in the global marketplace.
4. China’s agriculture industry faces challenges, including a growing demand for food, water shortages, and soil degradation. However, the country is continuing to invest in agriculture, and is committed to meeting the needs of its people.
First, identify a problem that blockchain technology can help solve in agriculture. For example, blockchain can be used to track the provenance of food items, ensure food safety, or help with crop insurance. Next, develop a blockchain solution that can help address the identified problem. For example, a blockchain-based provenance tracking system could be developed to help track the movement of food items from farm to table. Finally, implement the blockchain solution and test it to ensure it works as intended.
The potential for blockchain technology in agriculture is great. By tracking and securely storing data related to food production, blockchain could help to ensure food safety and quality, reduce waste, and increase transparency and traceability throughout the food supply chain. In addition, blockchain-based smart contracts could be used to automate various agricultural processes, such as the buying and selling of farm products, the tracking of animal movements, and the management of water and other resources. While there are still some challenges to overcome, such as the high costs associated with implementing and maintaining a blockchain system, the potential benefits of using blockchain in agriculture are significant.


NEWARK – New Master Gardener Volunteer Training applications are now being accepted. If you have a strong interest in gardening and enjoy sharing your passion of plants we have a spot for you in our Master Gardener Volunteer program!
We are an Award Winning group of gardeners that love to share what we love to do!
• State and Regional Coordinator of the Year 2011
• Regional Master Gardener of the Year 2012
• State Project of the Year for a Medium Category – Backyard and Local Foods 2013
• State Platinum status 2013
We are accepting applications for our next training classes which will begin on- February 4, 2014. For more detailed information and to access an application, go to our website at: http://licking.osu.edu or call The Ohio State University Extension at 740-670-5315.


The way coffee is being grown as well as what beans are planted could be about to change. Recent research could mean that coffee growers end up with more disease resistant beans that can grow in hotter, drier and higher climates. It might even result in a great tasting low-caffeine bean too and perhaps even more flavours to choose from.
Understanding the genetics behind the coffee bean has got to be good news. Given the love we all seem to have for it means we need to do all we can to give farmers better beans to grow in their local environment so they can provide a healthy income for themselves and we can keep drinking it.


Pasture reared animals – are those animals that have been fortunate enough to have led happy lives, been treated ethically, and deliver a better quality and flavour of meat. They are able to eat nutritious grasses and other plants that their bodies are able to digest – while roaming in their natural environment.
Free range animals generally means that animals are given a greater space to move about and are not kept caged. Whereas pasture reared animals are truly free range – as they breathe in fresh air and enjoy natural sunlight – whilst roaming in pastures or fields.
In South Africa – the terms are a bit more “relaxed” than in some other countries, due to legislation not being quite so rigid.
This lifestyle is impossible to achieve on industrial farms, where thousands of animals are crowded into confined facilities like atlanta cleaners, often without access to fresh air or sunlight. These stressful conditions are a breeding ground for bacteria and the animals frequently become ill, so factory farms must routinely treat them with antibiotics to prevent outbreaks of disease.
Grazing on pasture is especially beneficial for cattle and other ruminants, whose bodies are developed to eat grass. The roughage provided by grasses and other plants allows ruminants to produce saliva, which helps neutralize acids that exist naturally in their digestive systems.
When these animals no longer consume natural grasses, and are fed a grain diet, a ruminant will produce less saliva, causing an increase in acidity within its digestive tract. The result is that grain-fed cattle often suffer from several health problems which can result in death.
Even though grain diets can cause the deterioration in health of other ruminants, factory farms feed these animals grain (usually corn or soybeans) because it is a cost-effective way for animals to gain market weight as quickly as possible. Whereas – in pastures and fields, animals get all the nutrients they need from grass and forage (other plants).
In the Sandveld some of the bushes and natural vegetation that the animals graze on are Koringbos, Kraalbos, Skilpadbos, Skilpadbessiebos and Spanspekbos.
Research indicates that pasture -raised meat, eggs and dairy products are better for consumers health than conventionally- raised animals on grain-fed diets. Pasture-based systems can help the environment, especially through fertilizing and nourishing the soil – in other words “giving back” and by reducing the amount of grain produced as feed.
Pastured reared meats, does not only mean taking a step to safeguard your health, protect the environment, and improve animal wellbeing/welfare standards, but also supporting sustainable farming and the farmers who choose to practice it. Local family farmers are crucial members of the rural communities of a nation and play a major role as stewards of the land.


- The Plant Room
- Gift Cards
This special brush removes soil, plant remains, and other dirt from any gardening tools as well as gardening boots. With its wooden scraper and stiff plant fiber, it perfectly cleans all gardening tools and machinery without scratching or damaging the paintwork or metal.
11 1/2" x 1 3/4" x 1 3/4"
Beechwood + union fiber
Rinse with lukewarm water, towel blot to remove excess moisture, and hang dry at room temperature; made in Germany


Where To Buy California Walnuts
The freshest walnuts come from Bella Viva Orchards to your door. California walnut harvest is in the fall, and we keep our walnuts in cold storage at 33 degrees from the moment we pull them from the dehydrator. Our California shelled walnuts are low in saturated fat and high in both polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fat. Shelled walnut halves and pieces are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which act as natural anti-inflammatory agents, and help promote cardiac health. Add our walnut halves and pieces to your favorite salad or cake recipe to add that extra crunchy burst of rich nutty walnut flavor.
where to buy california walnuts
For the adventurous walnut lover, we recommend trying our Red Livermore Walnuts that showcase a stunning red appearance with a delicious walnut flavor. These walnuts are great to snack on and add a touch of color to your baked goods.
California walnuts are harvested late August to November and then stored in cold storage to maintain freshness. Walnut handlers shell walnuts as needed throughout the year to fill orders from retailers globally.
Available in bags and in bulk bins, typically in the produce section. Buy for holiday decorating, festive snacking, and for social after-meal cracking sessions. Most readily available during the fall and winter months, so if you like to have in-shell walnuts on hand throughout the year, be sure to stock up in the fall!
Available in bags and in bulk bins. Look for them in the produce section, snacking and baking aisles at your local supermarket. Sold as halves, halves and pieces, pieces and chopped, among other forms. Shelled walnuts are available in supermarkets and club stores year-round.
If you buy walnuts in sealed packaging, you can store the walnuts in their original packaging in the refrigerator or freezer. Once you open the bag, transfer the walnuts to an airtight container to maintain freshness and then place them back in the refrigerator or freezer. If you buy bulk walnuts, either in-shell or shelled, place the walnuts in an airtight container for long-term cold storage.
California walnuts add flavor and texture to crushed herbs and warm pasta in this classic Italian dish. Adapted from Chef/Owner Ethan Stowell, Union Restaurant, Seattle, WA. Kitchen Hack: Use an ice cube tray to save leftover sauce. Learn more.
Marketing Order Authority and Regulations The marketing order authorizes quality regulations, research and promotion programs, and volume control for walnuts grown in California. The marketing order took effect in 1948 and was last amended under formal rulemaking on March 29, 2021. View the full regulation
On Sept. 29, 2021, USDA issued a six month moratorium on mandatory grading and assessment requirements under the walnut marketing order as it plans formal rulemaking in 2022 to address recommendations from the California Walnut Board to modify minimum quality requirements on domestic and imported walnuts.
The proposed amendments would become effective only if approved by two-thirds of the growers voting in the referendum, or by those representing at least two-thirds of the volume of walnuts grown by those voting in the referendum.
A little over 30 years later, the CWGA felt growing pains yet again. This time, the location of the headquarters was up for grabs. Production on walnut farms in the northern part of the state had exceeded that of the south, where the CWGA was conceived. The north seemed like a natural choice at this point in time, but to ensure ultimate fairness between growers in the north and the south, the cooperative enlisted a third-party consulting firm to help determine the best location. The results showed it was time to bid adieu to Los Angeles. The cooperative was moving on up to Stockton. On August 23, 1956, a gala of epic proportions commemorated the opening of the plant, with nearly 5,000 people in attendance.
Carriere Family Farms is located in Glenn, California in the Sacramento Valley. We work closely with local growers to maintain excellent product quality from the orchards to the packaging department. Our partnership with Borges Mediterranean Group, a major European food brand, created Borges of California and increased both our output and our opportunities for expansion as the market for California walnuts continues to grow. Carriere Family Farms grows ten different varieties of English Walnuts, including Chandler, Howard and Hartley. We ship our California walnuts to customers around the world.
Carriere Family Farms is located in Glenn, California, in the Sacramento Valley. We work closely with local growers to maintain excellent product quality from soil health in the orchards through the packaging process. Carriere Family Farms grows ten different varieties of English Walnuts, including Chandler, Howard, and Hartley. We have decades of experience selling and shipping high quality inshell and kernel walnuts around the world. Our new state-of-the-art processing facility will efficiently provide quality products to our customers across the globe.
Walnuts are an indigenous fruit species of California. Juglans californica is native to Southern California and the Central Valley, whereas Juglans hindsii is native to the northern parts.
Franciscan Fathers first introduced the English walnut around the 1770s from South America to California. As of 1998[update], walnuts from California account for 99% of all walnuts grown in the United States, and for 38% of the world's production of walnuts.
Black walnuts are an important foodstuff for indigenous Californians, including the Yokuts, who also use the hulls in their traditional dice. Hot asphaltum is poured into the empty shells, then pressed with beads made from Olivella sp. or abalone shell.
The first walnut orchard to be planted by Europeans in California was in 1856, by Ozro W. Childs, in what is now the center of Los Angeles. William Wolfskill, who is considered the founder of the first commercial orange orchards in California, also planted hard-shell English walnuts in the Los Angeles Area. Other early walnut growers of both hard- and soft-shell varieties include Russell Heath, Frank E. Kellogg and William Huston Nash, and W. E. Stuart.
In the winter of 1869, Joseph Sexton planted the first known commercial walnut orchard in Goleta, California, after purchasing a bag of English walnuts in San Francisco that he was told were from Chile or China, no one knows for certain. This orchard contained 1000 trees, of which 250 were part of Sexton's personal orchard. Around the same time in 1870, Felix Gillet, a nurseryman in Nevada City, California, was importing scion wood and nursery stock from France. Gillet is credited with introduction of Franquette and Mayette cultivars to California, as well as other French cultivars. Gillet established his orchard in Northern California in 1871. He grafted and budded the French cultivars for commercial use and used a selection program for his seed to cultivate new varieties of walnuts suited for California. Many of the varieties of the walnuts grown in California were introduced by Gillet and Sexton; out of 35 varieties, the 7 varieties they introduced from seedlings and selections make up 82 percent of total walnut acreage.
From 1879 to 1885, Luther Burbank conducted the first walnut breeding experiments, observing that walnut species easily fertilized with each other. He observed that the hybrid walnut trees were more vigorous that either parent trees. Burbank gave name Royal to hybrids between eastern American black walnuts (J. nigra) and northern California black walnuts (J. hindsii). He also named hybrids between north California black walnuts and English walnuts (J. regia) "Paradox". Growers eventually accepted that the Paradox hybrids had superior attributes being more vigorous and disease resistant to crown and root rot.
A modern-day variety of walnuts grown California is the Serr walnut, developed by UC Davis professors Eugene F. Serr and Harold I. Forde. From 1945-1968, their extensive walnut-breeding program created seedlings which exhibited desirable traits such early production, moderate tree vigor, pest and disease tolerance, and high nut quality. From 1,734 controlled cross walnut seedlings, Serr and Forde selected 10 new English walnut varieties for release in 1968. The Serr variety (named after Serr's death in 1968) now occupies 23,667 acres, or 12 percent, of California walnut acreage. Other varieties selected were Tehama, Gustine, Chico, and Vina. Forde continued making specific crosses and progeny evaluations until retiring in 1978. His persistence resulted in the release of four more Serr-Forde selections: Chandler, Howard, Sunland, and Tulare. The Chandler variety, a late-leafing, lateral-bearing walnut is very popular with California walnut growers. It represented 75 percent of nursery stock delivered in 1993.
With the expansion of the walnut industry, growers soon experienced problems in marketing their crop. The rapid increase in acres planted to walnut and lack of organization resulted in prices fluctuations and buyers unfairly competing with one another for commissions. In 1933, the Walnut Marketing Board was formed under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, to oversee quality control and marketing of the walnut in California. To this day the Walnut Marketing board is responsible for implementing the federal marketing order for California walnuts. To emphasize its role in managing the walnut market, the Walnut Control Board changed its name in 1962 to the Walnut Marketing Board. To further promote the export of walnuts, the California Walnut Commission was created in 1987 the governor of California. The commission differs from the Walnut Marketing Board, which by a federal order is responsible for standards, statistics, crop estimates, research, and domestic marketing.
In 2018, California produced 676,000 tons of walnuts, up from 2017 where 630,000 tons were produced. Walnut production was the seventh most valuable agricultural commodity in California in 2017, valuing at $1.59 billion in cash receipts. California also leads the nation in walnut production, producing 100 percent of all walnuts grown in the United States. As a result of the trade war between the United States and China, farmers in California received about $76.3 million in federal subsidy payments from USDA, where some of the subsidies were received by walnut farmers. 041b061a72


We all have some favorite herbs we use in almost every dish we prepare. How cool would it be if you could grow these herbs in your home all year long? And if you can do this in a jar of water? It sounds unbelievable right? Well you better believe it because it’s super easy to do it!
And herbs grown in water are just as delicious as the ones you usually grow in the garden, they’re just much easier to keep. You’ll eliminate the mess you make gardening and you won’t have to worry about your plants going dry or wilting in the winter.
Almost any herb can be grown in water but the ones you grow from cuttings are much easier to grow initially. Dill, cilantro, mustard and other seed-grown annuals can be tricky because they need to be sowed in soil first and then transferred into water. If you’re a beginner, you may find this transfer challenging so it’s better to start with some easier herbs first.
In order to start growing herbs in water you’ll need a few essentials first.
The water for the herbs is important which is why you need to choose it wisely. Water straight from the tap may not be the best fit as it’s chlorinated and it may have a negative effect on the plant. Fill a container with tap water and leave it overnight for the chlorine to evaporate and then you can use it. Rainwater is good, but the best is well or spring water, if you have access to it. This type of water is enriched with certain minerals which can be beneficial for the plants.
For containers, you can use a glass bottle, a jar or even a plastic container. Roots don’t like too much light, so stained, colored bottles would be perfect for this. You can even use a piece of paper and wrap it around the container where the roots of the plant are to keep it in the dark. It’s best to use a container with a narrow mouth as it will provide support for the cuttings and keep them upright. Just be careful not to put them in a too narrow-mouthed container as the roots need to breathe.
The best herbs for water growing are from soft cuttings. Pick out the herbs you want to grow from your garden and snip off a few six inch pieces and place them in your prepared water containers. If you don’t have any herbs in your garden you can use the store-bought ones. Rinse them with water and cut off the bottom part. Trim the lower leaves and make sure there aren’t any leaves in the water as they may rot and pollute the water, ruining your herb.
Be patient with woody cuttings such as rosemary as they usually need more time to root. The water should be changed once a week just make sure you don’t disturb the cuttings. The roots should start growing in about 3-6 weeks and after they do, you don’t need to change the water as frequent.
Woody cuttings like rosemary may take longer to root, so be patient. Change the water once a week without disturbing the cuttings. Once the roots start growing, usually between 2-6 weeks, water changes may not be necessary.
10 Best Herbs for Your Indoor Water Garden
Peppermint is probably the most popular herb from the mint family as it’s the richest in menthol. Peppermint is known for its ability to give out a cooling feeling when applied on the tongue or skin. It’s one of the easier to grow in water.
Spearmint is a similar to peppermint and has similar properties.
Oregano is one of the most widely used herbs in today’s cuisine. Its distinctive flavor makes any dish more delicious so it’s no wonder we use it so often. The trick with growing oregano in water is to pinch the growing tips once you notice the plant is growing well.
Basil is a great herb for growing indoors. It will thrive in the warmth of your kitchen and a water container, given it’s placed in a sunny spot. The best thing about it is that when you keep it in water indoors, you’ll have fresh basil all year long.
For sage it’s best to take the cuttings from the plant in springtime. Place it in water and keep it in a sunny, aerated spot. You don’t need too much sage because the herb has a strong flavor and you’ll only use small amounts of it in your cooking.
Stevia is the healthy type of sugar which we can freely use to sweeten our tea of coffee. The plant needs plenty of light and warmth to keep it growing.
Lemon balm is my favorite plant, especially in winter time as lemon balm leaf tea is simply amazing. You should take the cuttings in fall or spring and be patient as the plant will need about 4 weeks to start rooting. Change its water regularly and if the weather out is still warm you can take the plant out during the day to absorb the sun.
Tarragon’s cuttings will grow faster if you take them in the spring. You may take them in the fall as well, but they’ll take longer to root. It needs plenty of light and warmth.
Thyme is known for its medicinal properties, which is why it’s handy to have it around the kitchen at all times. Take the cuttings in mid spring and make sure they’re green, from new growths. Put them in water as soon as you cut them off the plant to prevent drying.
And lastly we have to mention rosemary. Since the herb is woody it may need a bit more time to grow roots but it will be worth your wait.


General view of the agriculture of the County of Ayr (1793)
Added by: Places That We Know
20 Apr. 2020
Published in public domain under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 International license
This is a digitised version of the 'General view of the agriculture of the County of Ayr' produced for the Board of Agriculture in 1793 by Colonel William Fullarton. Within the document is an account of the general agriculture practices that could be found across Ayrshire at the time, along with recommendations for "Improvement". It also contains remarks on the character of different "classes" of people and import figures of the ports of Irvine and Saltcoats.
Across Garnock Connections area


Franciosa, right, with coworkers
Community Roots Grow Deep with Urban Farmer
After admiring a small plot of land in the middle of Sacramento, California, two young men knocked on the door of the woman who owned the spot. When she didn’t answer, they left a note in her mailbox, asking if they could use her land. “We’ll give you free food if you let us farm your property,” the note said.
The note’s authors were Marco Franciosa, B.A. History ’94, and his business partner, Shawn Harrison. Interested in helping the environment in a positive way and having some experience with urban farming, the two wanted to start their own organic farm in the middle of the city. The woman called them the next day, willing to give it a try. Franciosa and Harrison leased the property “for $1 and free vegetables every year.”
Now, about four years later, Soil Born Farm has ripened into a full-production, certified organic farm, and Franciosa and Harrison are reaping the benefits. As for the landowner, she gets a lot of vegetables.
Depending on the season, the farm yields carrots, beets, lettuce, broccoli, squash, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and potatoes. This year the partners also focused on growing arugula. Franciosa, who lives on the farm, says the work is difficult but fulfilling.
Franciosa managed a restaurant for a year after graduation from Mason and admits he never saw himself as a farmer. A few years later, Franciosa joined AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that provide Americans needed assistance in education, public safety, health, and the environment. This experience changed his life and career path.
His AmeriCorps assignment landed him in Washington, D.C., setting up organic container gardens for children in public housing. Containers had to be used because the neighborhood soil was so contaminated that nothing would grow in it. He learned a lot about organic farming, which uses no chemicals and employs a number of environment-friendly practices that do not deplete the soil. “I saw a strong connection between people and growing their own food, and it was a powerful way to create social change. I wanted to continue that but I realized that I didn’t know anything about gardening,” he says.
That changed quickly. Not afraid to get his hands dirty, Franciosa worked hard on several organic farms, learning the territory, the practices, and the philosophies behind this type of farming. He earned a certificate in ecological horticulture from the University of California at Santa Cruz, where he met Harrison. From there, their ideas really took off.
“We felt there was a disconnect between people and their food systems in the city, and we wanted to bring the food right to the people and get them involved in the farm,” Franciosa says. This year, they will initiate the Urban Agricultural Project, creating a nonprofit organization to begin teaching hands-on horticultural classes and job training on the farm, and developing projects to make organic food accessible to low-income communities.
Franciosa and Harrison sell mainly at farmer’s markets and to local, high-end restaurants. The restaurants especially love them because of their proximity and high-quality produce. “We can give them whatever they need. If they need 15 pounds of squash for their evening special, we can get it to them in five minutes,” Franciosa says. “They love us.”
“During the season, we work between 10 and 13 hours each day.” Franciosa says. “When I’m working, I never look at my clock, and that has to say something.”
“I love farming,” says Franciosa. “It’s a passion. At the end of the day, I can walk in my house and know everything I’ve done was positive—for the environment, for myself, and for my customers.”


Monday, May 24, 2010
Mowers have Air Filters?
I told Go Postal that my mower had been slowly getting sicker and the last time I mowed I wasn't even sure I would finish before it expired. He asked "have you checked the air filter?" No, I didn't even know they had one. Well he saved it so he could show me...and scolded, I don't want to hear you complain about this mower any more, I don't even know how it could start. Sorry! But woo hoo now I don't have to buy a new mower....I can shop for a new bathing suit or two for our trip.
All the rain sure has made my garden take off. I have lots of tomatoes coming....the potato vines are growing great and squash, zuchini, peppers, cucumbers and basil all are growing great. All I have to battle now is the grass that keeps creeping in from the field.....and this guy who lives under the pack house and likes to munch.


PHILOSOPHY OF THE FACULTY The philosophy of the Faculty is in keeping with that of the NUC. The Faculty, as an integral part of the University, aspires to the ideal of a community–based and community–oriented institution whose programmes in teaching and research are designed to offer solutions to the agricultural problems of the area where it is situated in particular and the state in general. The faculty aims at training young people in the various areas of agriculture to acquire skills and competence necessary to scientifically adopt techniques in agricultural resources management and production.
AGRICULTURE, THE BED-ROCK OF ENUGU STATE DEVELOPMENT Agriculture is an indispensable industry in Enugu State of Nigeria, as is the case in most progressive areas of the world. Efficient agricultural methods must be developed and harmonized with current practice to pave the way for an exportoriented agricultural enterprises that generates revenue for the state while ensuring that good food is made available for its teeming population. With food produced abundantly at minimal cost, people of all economic standings can afford to have the opportunity to feed well, a condition related to health and productivity. Furthermore, the general increase in the standard of living of Nigerians has greatly raised the demand for a variety of health compatible food and feed for man and farm animals. It is the realization of these facts that makes it exigent to scientifically intensify and improve animals and crop production methods.
Faculty Proggramme The Faculty of Agriculture of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology has the solutions to Agricultural ambitions of the Enugu State and Nigeria as its primary aim. The Faculty of Agriculture is a conglomerate of Departments with common fundamental and applied science needs on which individual specialist training are later cemented to produce candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric.) in Agricultural Economics and Extension, Animal/Fisheries Science Management and Agronomy and Ecological Management. The faculty also prepares candidates for the B.Sc degree in Food Science and Technology which emphasizes expertise in post-harvest handling, processing and storage of Agricultural commodities. The philosophy and objectives of the undergraduate’s programmes in the Faculty of Agriculture is as described by individual departments.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS UNDER THE COURSE CREDIT SYSTEM For progress through the degree programmes under this system, students should note certain points. They are important enough to be introduced as background information at this point.
This is Faculty of AGRICULTURAL & NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT.
- Prof. Martin Anikwe


Agricultural installations around the world have Rotex® and Megatex™ Screeners hard at work. High capacity, efficient screening is the key to their success. The distinct screening motions of the Rotex® and Megatex™ Screeners combine high capacity with accurate separation capability. Agricultural applications include corn, wheat, meat and bone meal, pet food, soybeans, tobacco, oilseeds, rapeseeds and more.
From small local feed houses to large export terminals, Rotex offers the right screener for each installation requirement. Request your Free Materials Testing to find the right screening solution for your agricultural application.


19 Sep 2019 Annual Pumpkin Harvest
From See website for hours
At Spencer Farm
7177 E. 161st St., Noblesville, IN 46062
Susan Stinn / 317-776-1560, firstname.lastname@example.org
Down home Indiana pumpkin harvest. Our pumpkins are raised here on the farm and come in a multitude of sizes. We have Indian corn, gourds, straw bales, corn stalks, and many more festive fall items. Every weekend, starting September 21-October 27th we offer FREE hay rides to the pumpkin patches. Each Saturday, the grill will be fired up to showcase Yoder's all-natural meats at low introductory prices ($2 or $3/each), weather permitting from 11:00am - 1:00pm (while supplies last).
Our market offers hand dipped caramel apples, ice cream, fudge, kettle corn, apples, cheese, meat, pies, preserves, honey, maple syrup, old fashioned soda pop, Triple XXX root beer floats and more!


As we delve into the 21st century, the world is faced with increasingly complex and pressing issues relating to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. The heart of these challenges lies in the hands of the world’s farmers and the agricultural sector. This article explores how emerging technologies, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), can help farmers and the broader agricultural industry, to develop a more sustainable, smart and productive farming system.
Data has become a new form of currency in the modern world, and its potential within agriculture is immense. Farmers today are surrounded by an abundance of data sources, from satellite imagery and weather forecasts, to soil and crop sensors. The challenge lies in harnessing this data to draw insights and make informed decisions.
IoT technology is enabling farmers to collect vast amounts of data about their crops and the environment in real time. Sensors placed in the soil can detect moisture levels, pH balance and nutrient content, while others monitor weather conditions and crop health. Understandably, the sheer volume of data can be overwhelming, and this is where AI comes into play.
AI has the capacity to interpret this raw data, identify patterns and trends, and generate actionable insights. Farmers can use AI algorithms to predict crop yields, identify disease outbreaks before they take hold, and automate irrigation systems for optimal water management. This use of data and AI is paving the way for precision agriculture – a farming management concept which aims to improve yield, quality and sustainability of agricultural production.
The concept of smart farming is becoming increasingly popular in the agricultural industry. Combining modern technologies like AI and IoT with traditional farming practices can lead to improved crop yield, efficient use of resources, and better risk management. This is particularly beneficial in developing regions where resources are limited and farming systems need to become more resilient to climate change and other challenges.
Crop sensors, for example, can detect when crops are stressed due to lack of water, pests or disease. This real-time data allows farmers to take immediate action, thus saving both time and resources. An automated irrigation system can also be controlled by AI algorithms, ensuring crops receive the exact amount of water they need, minimising waste and conserving water resources.
On a larger scale, AI can assist with farm management by providing real-time visibility into every aspect of the farming operation. This includes tracking the health and location of livestock, monitoring machinery performance and predicting potential failures, and optimising planting and harvesting schedules based on weather predictions.
AI and IoT are powerful tools that can revolutionise crop management. By leveraging data, these technologies can optimise the use of resources, increase crop yields, and improve the overall sustainability of farming operations.
One key area where AI and IoT intersect is in the field of predictive analytics. With enough data, AI algorithms can accurately predict the best time to plant, fertilise, and harvest crops based on a range of factors including weather conditions, soil health, and crop growth patterns.
IoT devices, such as drones and satellite imagery, are also being used to monitor crop growth and identify issues such as pests or disease. This allows farmers to address problems rapidly, often before they spread or cause significant damage. Additionally, these devices can be used to apply fertilisers or pesticides in a precise manner, again optimising resource use and minimising environmental impact.
As the global population continues to expand, the demand for food is set to rise significantly. Simultaneously, climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation present growing challenges for farmers. In this context, the combination of AI and IoT technologies offers a promising solution to drive sustainable agriculture.
Through real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and smart automation, AI and IoT can help farmers make data-driven decisions, optimise resource use, and increase crop yield in a sustainable way. These technologies can also contribute towards reducing the agriculture sector’s environmental footprint, by minimising the use of water, fertilisers, and energy.
The potential benefits of AI and IoT in agriculture are significant, but there are also challenges to be overcome. These include the cost of technology and infrastructure, data privacy and security concerns, and the need for adequate skills and training among farmers. Despite these challenges, the convergence of AI and IoT in agriculture is an exciting development with the potential to revolutionise the sector and contribute towards a sustainable future.
The integration of AI and IoT in agriculture not only optimises crop production but also has significant implications for the broader agricultural supply chain. Supply chain management in agriculture involves a range of processes, from planting and harvesting to storage, processing, distribution and retail. Each of these stages presents opportunities for data collection, analysis and decision-making.
AI and IoT technologies are enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of products as they move through the supply chain. Farmers can use IoT devices to tag and track their produce, ensuring its freshness and quality at every stage. For instance, temperature sensors in storage facilities can alert farmers to fluctuations that might affect the quality of stored crops, allowing them to take proactive actions.
Machine learning algorithms can further analyse this vast amount of data to predict supply and demand trends, optimise pricing and reduce waste. AI can also assist with logistical planning, such as optimising transport routes for efficiency and sustainability.
The use of these technologies in the supply chain can result in improved quality control, reduced waste, higher profitability and greater sustainability. Furthermore, it can also provide consumers with transparency about the origin of their food, the farming practices used, and the journey it has taken from farm to fork.
While the potential of AI and IoT for transforming agriculture is clear, we must also acknowledge the barriers to their adoption. These include the initial cost of technology, the need for reliable internet connectivity, data privacy and security concerns, and the requirement for skills and training among farmers.
However, these challenges are not insurmountable. The cost of technology is falling, and connectivity is improving, even in remote regions. Governments, tech companies and NGOs are also stepping up efforts to provide farmers with the necessary skills and training.
Most importantly, the transition to smart farming and sustainable agriculture demands an integrated approach that combines these new technologies with traditional farming practices, local knowledge and environmental conservation. AI and IoT should be seen as tools to aid this process, rather than solutions in themselves.
In conclusion, the convergence of AI and IoT in agriculture presents a compelling opportunity to enhance crop yield, optimise resource use, and promote sustainable development. The future of agriculture lies in harnessing the power of data to inform and enhance decision-making processes – a future that is, in many ways, already upon us. As we move further into the 21st century, the role of these technologies in shaping a sustainable and resilient agricultural system will only continue to grow.


In the middle of the Po Delta, in the lands surrounding the mouth of this river, our family has been growing wheat for generations. AGRIFREE was born from our passion and experience which we have inherited, and turned into a modernized farm lead by a young and dedicated forward thinking team. With this in mind, we have decided to focus on organic farming. We make the most of our natural fertile land without using chemicals. All the products grown on our land are produced in a sustainable and responsible way. For us growing organic is the way to keep our promise both to the nature and to the environment for the future.
Live well, eat healthy, made in Italy.
The organic durum wheat originates entirely from our crops of the Po Delta area. We ensure total traceability of our local products km 0.
The milling phase
The wheat is stone ground and sifted to preserve all its original aromas and nutritional contents. The durum wheat flour and all other flours are produced from the milling process.
The pasta making
The PO DELTA pasta is simply made by adding water to the organic wholemeal durum wheat flour. Its natural composition makes it sensitive to humidity and for this reason, the pasta needs to be kept in a dry and cool place. Allergens: Gluten and may contain traces of broad beans, soy and lupin.
Agrifree pasta is obtained exclusively from wheat grown in the Po Delta.
At the origin of the supply chain of our 0 km products according to complete traceability.
From the whole wheat semolina of organic durum wheat, with the sole addition of water we obtain the Po Delta pasta.
THE DURUM WHEAT FLOUR AND OTHER FLOURS
The stone ground milling process of our organic wheat, which happens under a controlled and certified environment, gives our flours their versatility, suitable for every need.
We do not only make pasta; with our organic flours, we make other delicious products suitable for all occasions.
Contact us for any information
Spend your vacation at AnnaResidence.
You will be given one of our pasta packs for free


More than 800 million people globally face hunger. Simultaneously, the world wastes or loses about one-third of its entire food supply. Latin America accounts for 6% of these losses, according to the United Nations Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO); the Latin America region loses and/or wastes roughly 15% of its total food supply each year.
However, the region is also home to a wealth of potential solutions that when implemented can reduce food waste along the supply chain. We divide these solutions into four main verticals: upcycling; preventing waste; increasing shelf life; and avoiding waste.
Around Latin America and the Caribbean, startups are using technology to develop food waste solutions that fall into one or more of these categories.
The numbers: food loss and waste in Latin America
Latin America is home to more than 650 million people and is rich in both natural resources and food. But as mentioned above, the region wastes about 15% of its food annually, and the Pan American Health Organization estimates that hunger will impact 67 million people in the region by 2030.
The main causes of food waste in Latin America are overproduction, inadequate storage and transportation systems, lack of education and awareness, and inefficient distribution networks. According to FAO sources, the total losses and waste in the region occur at every stage of the food chain: 27% in production; 22% during handling and storage; 6% at the processing level; 17% in marketing and distribution; and 28% at the consumer level.
Worldwide, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food is lost or wasted each year, including about 45% of all fruit and vegetables, 35% of fish and seafood, 30% of cereals, 20% of dairy products, and 20% of meat. All of this translates to about $940 billion of economic losses annually.
The losses are even greater when we consider the amount of scarce resources such as land, water, and energy used to produce food. Agriculture accounts for over a third of global land area and over 70% of freshwater withdrawals. Food waste is also responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and soil degradation, and also exacerbates food insecurity and poverty in many parts of the world, including Latam.
Innovative food waste solutions in Latin America
There are many potential solutions that can be implemented to reduce food waste along the supply chain in four main verticals:
Upcycling is the process of repurposing food waste or by-products into new and valuable items. There are several upcycling approaches companies can use with food waste materials, including:
Recycling – Overripe or blemished produce that would otherwise go to waste can be transformed into snack products, such as chips or crackers.
Composting – Breaking down organic waste such as food into compost provides a natural fertilizer for plants.
Anaerobic digestion – This process uses microorganisms to break down organic waste into biogas, which can be used as a source of renewable energy.
Food companies that generate better planning and quality controls tend to waste less. Some technology gaining momentum can be seen below:
In-store software systems – Many startups now provide technology solutions to help food business operations measure, track and reduce their food waste.
Predictive modeling – This technology uses data and algorithms to predict food demand, limiting overbuying and food waste.
Food traceability – This technology helps to track the journey of food from farm to table, providing transparency and accountability in the food supply chain. This can help to prevent food waste by ensuring that food is handled and stored correctly at every step of the way.
Increasing shelf life
This approach can reduce food waste at the consumption stage by allowing perishable foods to last longer. There are several technologies that can be used to increase the shelf life of food products, including:
Edible coatings – These are edible, protective layers added to fruits and vegetables to prevent moisture loss and extend their shelf life.
Controlled/Intelligent packaging – Certain packaging materials can respond to changes in the environment, such as temperature and humidity, to extend the shelf life of food.
High-pressure processing (HPP) – This is a non-thermal pasteurization process that uses high pressure to kill bacteria and extend the shelf life of food.
Lyophilization or freeze-drying – Companies freeze food then remove the water via a process of sublimation. This can help to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of food.
Avoiding waste means repurposing products that would normally go to waste into sales or donations. Some initiatives include:
Apps connecting consumers with local businesses that have surplus food for sale at reduced prices
Companies that deliver “imperfect” food directly to consumers’ homes
Companies that connect households with surplus food with their neighbors, reducing waste by ensuring that the food goes to people who can use it
Platforms redistribute surplus food to other businesses such as hospitals, schools, NGOs and charities.
Argentina-based ZoomAgri is another interesting example. It has digitized the food inspection process for grain, leading to improved real-time controls over this commodity. Being able to quickly diagnose the states of grains allows companies to quickly decide when to distribute grain to avoid spoilage and when to keep storing it.
A ‘multifaceted challenge’
In Latin America as in the rest of the world, reducing food loss and waste is a complex and multifaceted challenge. It is also a growing issue in the food and beverage industry. As sustainability becomes more of a priority for CPG companies and consumers, many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their waste. However, CPGs alone will not be able to change the full picture. It is necessary to work across sectors, to significantly reduce the amount of food that goes to waste and create a more sustainable and equitable food system.
The challenges of combating food waste in Latin America demands coordination and solutions from a wide range of stakeholders, such as entrepreneurs, governments, CPGs, investors and consumers. We see a fertile investment market for the future within the ag and food sectors and we will continue to nurture the local ecosystem towards this goal.
Alexandre Stephan is a partner at SP Ventures, an early-stage fund investing in agrifoodtech across Latin America.


What's so bad about making food out of corn? Ask the people who invented it.
If you are what you eat, and especially if you eat industrial food, as 99 percent of Americans do, what you are is "corn."---Michael Pollan, “We Are What We Eat”
Corn is petroleum based.In “Fast Food Nation,” Eric Schlosser traces a hypothetical fast food meal to its origins in a representative cornfield in Iowa. Further probing reveals that the fuel and fertilizers that allow vast monocropped fields of corn to dominate rural landscapes are made from fossil fuels. Modern corn is grown with so many petroleum inputs that we may as well call our diets “petroleum based” rather than “plant based.” Only by applying liberal quantities of fertilizer and pesticides, having fleets of trucks to transport the corn from those remote fields, and using more petrochemicals to disguise its natural flavor and texture, is the industrial food chain capable of transforming rows of maize into the thousands of products lining supermarket shelves across America.
We sure wouldn’t buy more than a ton of corn, per person, per year if we had to figure out what to do with this much corn as a dry commodity. But disguised as everything from cake mix to Value Meals, Americans eat and drink 1500 pounds of corn per person, annually.
Why do we eat so much corn-based “food”?
Corn is a commodity.One reason is because it’s less expensive than real food. Value Meals exist because of the subsidies we pay farmers to keep them producing commodity crops like corn and soy, which are then turned into a dizzying array of industrial foods. These products aren’t good foods to base your diet on, and particularly not the versions sold today. Michael Pollan, tracing the same route as Schlosser, has concluded that the 2.5 times corn production has increased since the 1970s is the consequence of US farming subsidies---welfare for Big Food---and that all this corn is the cause of an ongoing epidemic of obesity. The exact mechanism is uncertain: whether hyperpalatability simply drives us to eat more calories, or something more sinister---highly processed and possibly dangerous ingredients, irradiation, trans fats, carcinogenic rancid oils, genetically modified foods---is to blame.
Most corn is now genetically modified---patented, and possibly unsafe.The vast majority of corn grown in the US---88% last year---is genetically modified to resist applications of herbicides and/or pesticides, resulting in increased use of these products. Worldwide, 30% of corn is genetically modified and increasing, a practice that threatens small farmers because of their cost and the aggressive way seed producers “protect” their patents by suing farmers in whose fields GM seed has landed. Legislation in Argentina favoring industrial farming practices represents a threat to subsistence farmers there, in the second largest producer of GM crops after the US, while in Mexico, peasant farmers see the incursion of Monsanto as “looting” the genetic diversity of native seed.
The Wikipedia page on GMOs describes the controversy over foods as one of labeling, and in which accusations of bias have been made against regulators. That the FDA has a “revolving door” at the top has been widely documented; GM seed has not so much been tested as declared not significantly different from hybridized counterparts. And while Monsanto tested their corn as animal feed for only 90 days, longer tests on rats have revealed that Roundup Ready corn causes organ damage in rats.
We could all have pellagra, and not even realize it.Another danger of eating a diet largely made of industrially produced corn is that the corn is not nixtamalized. Corn requires nixtamalization to be eaten as a staple food because it’s imbalanced as a source of amino acids for human health. The principal storage protein in corn is zein, an imbalanced source of amino acids; the nixtamalization process reduces zein, but this protein is prized by food industry. Corn’s amino acid makeup is low in tryptophan, which is converted to niacin in the liver; niacin is an important B vitamin and potent serum cholesterol reducing nutrient.
Traditional corn nixtamalization is a poorly understood process that makes it possible to use maize as a staple food for humans.
“Nixtamalizing turns the niacin in maize into free niacin, allowing it to be absorbed by the body and preventing niacin depletion. It also reduces mycotoxins. [Link is mine. JC] Minerals are absorbed from the lime---especially calcium---which can be increased by 750%. The protein zein is also reduced, enhancing the balance of amino acids. And of course nixtamalization greatly enhances the taste of the maize. Yes, it’s most certainly worth the effort.” ---Erda Kroft’s blog entry on Nixtamal.When corn has been grown as a staple crop without the accompanying knowledge of how to correctly process the grain, the result has been outbreaks of pellagra, a disease of niacin deficiency. Native Americans, who created modern maize (it does not self pollinate and is very unlike its nearest native relative, teocinte), also developed the nixtamalization process, in which corn is soaked in an alkaline solution and hulled. Nixtamal, hominy, masa flour, and corn tortillas made from corn processed with lime---all traditional foods---can be eaten regularly without concern.
Corn as it’s used in industrial food, however, and regular corn meal, are not nixtamalized, and this is most of the corn we eat in the US today. Since we’re a corn fed nation once again, it’s worth asking whether we’renewly at risk of pellagra. Is our Fast Food Nation suffering widely from depression, high cholesterol, irritability, weight gain, an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and carb cravings because we’re malnourished?
Image credit: photofarmer/Flickr


“Growing Quality, Harvesting Trust”
Grains & Legumes
The quality of the supplied Russian grain meets international standards and is confirmed by leading independent survey organization’s.
Cooperation format: G-to-G, B-to-B.
We have an extensive network of divisions in the main grain-producing regions: the Rostov region, Siberian Region, the Krasnodar Territory, the Voronezh and Volgograd regions.
Geographic proximity allows to determine and consider the specifics of the grain market situation as accurately as possible while applying separate, targeted approaches to each client and while forming the tailored proposals packages.
Edible Oils & Oilseeds
Intellicommodity is a vertically integrated group that units oilseed and grain elevators, oil extraction facilities, processing and distribution. Vertically integrated business model is what allows Intellicommodity to control the quality of our raw resources and select only the best seeds to become high-quality oil.
The Oilseeds and Grain Operation Department is a unique business structure within the Group, which deals with oilseeds procurement, conditioning, and oil extraction, as well as sales and distribution of the products: sunflower | Corn | Soybean | Rapeseed oils and their Bi-Products.


About Central Valley
Home to over two thirds of Costa Rica's population, the Central Valley, or Valle Central in Spanish, is a lush green expanse of plantations, highlands and mountain peaks. The fertile soil, a result of the many volcanoes that punctuate the land, means agriculture is the main occupation here and the region is littered with coffee terraces, mango and strawberry fields, and cattle farms. Some of the world's finest coffee grows on the cultivated slopes of the Valle Central and visitors to the region can discover the process from planting and picking to drying and roasting on tours of coffee plantations run by the estates.Read More
As well as gorgeous scenery and wonderful year-round climate, the Central Valley also has a lot to offer in terms of arts and culture too. The town of Sarchi is touted as the country's centre for arts and crafts, unsurprising when you consider that the brightly painted carretas (ox-carts) that have become the symbol of the nation are produced here. The small town of Grecia is home to a remarkable church built from pounded sheets of metal and an intricate marble altar. Founded in 1563 as Costa Rica's capital, Cartago is considered to be among the oldest towns in the country and serves as an important site of pilgrimage for its soaring cathedral, home to La Negrita (The Black Virgin), patron saint of Costa Rica.
The natural attractions of the Central Valley offer a variety of outdoor activities from bungee jumping over the Rio Colorado to zip-line canopy tours in cloudforest reserves. Trails lead visitors to the crater rim of the Volcan Poas located in the north of the valley whilst out east white water rafting opportunities abound on the scenic rivers of Pacuare and Reventazon.


Argo Bio Product Co., Ltd is 100% local owned company in Myanmar. Under the leadership and management of Managing Director, Ma Khin Myo Khaing. Argo Bio was established in 1999 with the aim to play the important role in Myanmar’s Agricultural Sector by offering qualified and high productivity hybrid seeds, insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, herbicides and foliar fertilizer products to improve the value of agriculture sectors all over the country, and promote the lives of farmers and production of agricultural products through market promoters, agent and dealer.
Argo Bio is operating its tasks and production from Yangon (Myanmar), Singapore and Bangkok. Our main customers come from agriculture sector to play an important role in Myanmar’s economy of agriculture, since Myanmar is agriculture-based country and the agriculture sector is the backbone of its economy:
the sector accounts for about 30% of GD, over 50% of total employment and approximately 20% of exports. Cultivated land, covering 12.8 million hectares, has the potential to be increased by nearly 50% for decades.
And also, agriculture and the processing of agricultural products provides a majority of the employment and income in Myanmar.


Celebrating Place with Poet George Ella Lyons
Celebrating the place where we’re from, and the people who hail from there, is an important step in recognizing and building on the many assets that can be used to revive and strengthen our communities. WMMT’s Benny Becker travelled to Harlan, KY to join the George Ellabration, a community celebration of Kentucky poet laureate and eastern Kentucky native George Ella Lyons. Lyons has taught poetry to young and old around the state, often starting with a “Where I’m From…” writing exercise. She believes that local cultural celebrations and place-based artistic activities encourage reflection about our roots and the values we want to fight for even in hard times.
Celebrating New Clinch River State Park
The communities of Cleveland, St. Paul and Dungannon, a “string of pearls” along the Clinch River in southwestern Virginia, have a lot to celebrate. A coalition of public and private groups worked over many years to convince Virginia regulators and legislators to designate 130 miles of the Clinch River and a patchwork of land along its banks as a state park, overcoming objections to this unconventional geographic layout.
Participants in the Clinch River Valley Initiative – CRVI – believe the park will help the area realize its potential as a major tourist attraction. WMMT Contributor Rich Kirby takes us to St. Paul to join in the celebration.
Appalachian Seed Swap Sows Sustainable Economy
Can our rich and varied Appalachian food traditions become one source for a sustainable economy in the region? The 4th Annual Appalachian Seed Swap brought Joseph Simcox, from Gardens Across America, to Pikeville for the event. A modern-day “Johnny Appleseed,” Simcox has traveled the world collecting and swapping seeds and believes that Appalachia can be a hub for the revival of small scale, sustainable agriculture. Not only does Simcox share some of the seeds of knowledge he’s collected, but he puts forward his ideas for how Central Appalachia can use agriculture to transform our economy and reclaim our mined lands. He is joined by Joyce Pinson, local farmer and one of the organizers of the highly successful Seed Swap, in this WMMT report from Benny Becker.


In this post we discuss how liquid nitrogen generators perform and their important qualities. The four nitrogen generators are shown on the right – they extract the N2 from the compressed air which is stored in the 4 tanks on the ideal hand side till required by the process in question. Nitrogen is used for a wide variety of industrial applications including atmosphere packaging for perishable food products.
Higher density bark and sapwood tissues had reduced Rd for a provided Nmass than lower density tissues. Rd–Nmass slopes were significantly less steep in thicker compared with thinner-barked species and significantly less steep in sapwood than in bark. Including the interactive effects of Nmass, density and thickness drastically increased the explanatory power for bark and sapwood respiration in branches. Among these models, Nmass contributed much more to explanatory power in trunks than in branches, and in sapwood than in bark.
It is also made use of to produce the urea , which is utilised as a fertilizer. Yet another critical use of ammonia is to produce nitric acid , which is then also used to make fertilizer. Over-expression of OsPTR6 in rice increased plant growth at different nitrogen supplies but decreased nitrogen use efficiency at higher ammonium supply.
And though its super-low temperature could possibly seem harmful, it also makes it perfect for applications such as refrigeration. Liquid nitrogen is typically employed to retailer sperm, eggs, and other cells utilised in medical investigation or fertility clinics. Nonetheless continue reading this.., to steer clear of harm and injuries, constantly put on suitable safety gear when handling liquid nitrogen. Odorless, colorless, and non-toxic liquid nitrogen is generally safe for use. But when it is non-irritating, that doesn’t imply you can just use it devoid of any precautions.
Electronics – When electronics are becoming assembled, nitrogen gas is utilized for soldering. Applying n2 gas reduces the surface tension to provide a cleaner breakaway from the solder site. Light Bulb Production – In incandescent light bulbs, nitrogen gas is usually original site used as a cheaper option to argon. Meals Packaging – Nitrogen gas is utilised to displace oxygen in food packaging. By eliminating the oxygen, the food can last longer.
The sort of inoculum is selected from group of HI, CI, PI, SI and Al. The bioreactor can have mixing / stirring means 105 and heating/temperature controlling indicates 110. According to embodiments heating element 110 is made use of to heat content of the bioreactor 104 to about 50 degrees of Celsius (40-55 degrees of Celsius for the population SI). If needed, pH can be controlled by adding base to the bioreactor 104 to maintain pH in levels of more than 6.
The former situation reduces grower earnings through wasted fertilizer inputs and can also lead to environmental contamination . The latter predicament reduces grower profits through unattained yield targets. Therefore, there is an undeniable need to improve N fertilizer management, but the ability to accurately estimate EONR on a year-to-year and field-to-field basis remains elusive (van Es et al. 2007).
Side-dress with 12 ounces (¾ pound) of N per 250 foot of row, four to 6 weeks immediately after planting. Side-dress with four ounces N per 250 foot row when plants are half grown. Side-dress with four my latest blog post ounces of N per 250 foot of row, four to 6 weeks following planting. Do not apply fresh manure misshapen roots may result.
In nature, microorganisms kind complex networks that hyperlink nitrogen-transforming reactions. Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are vital for plant and animal development and nourishment, but the overabundance of particular nutrients in water can result in a quantity of adverse wellness and ecological effects. Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are vital for plant and animal development and nourishment, but the overabundance of certain nutrients in water can bring about many adverse overall health and ecological effects.
Nevertheless, in the pilot-scale study with a scale of 8–10 m3/d (Xiong et al. 2018), the operation was indirect and manual, which brought on low operation efficiency. Meanwhile, the lack of preheater and steam return system led to loss of ammonia. And the nonuniformity of mass and heat transfer was the other drawback of the pilot scale. Samples had been collected at the influent and effluent of the decomposition tower and the pipe of the cryogenic cooler. PH was tested three instances a day during the engineering operation making use of a glass electrode (PHBJ-260, INESA Scientific Instrument Co.,Ltd, China). Leachate high quality parameters (COD, NH3-N, and alkalinity HCO3−) have been analyzed according to the suggestions of the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Among all the tested protocols, Saghai-Mahroof strategy yielded convincing benefits. Hence, this technique was taken and optimized for DNA extraction by varying the concentration of Tris-HCl, NaCl , -mercaptoethanol, and PVP . Lots of variables can result in shearing of DNA for the duration of extraction. Degradation of DNA due to endonucleases is one particular such issue encountered in the isolation and purification of high molecular weight DNA from plant, which straight or indirectly interfere with the enzymatic reactions . Polysaccharides may possibly be especially problematic when present in DNA samples, as their presence might also inhibit enzymatic activity. Presence of polysaccharides has been shown to inhibit Taq polymerase activity and restriction enzyme activity .


We are currently members or associated with the following organisations.
Global Reporting Initiative created the first global standard of guidelines for the preparation of sustainability reports for those organizations that wish to evaluate their economic, environmental and social performance. For its 2015 edition Viña Concha y Toro was included in the "GRI gold round tables".
The first local Sustainability Index, DJSI Chile, developed by the Santiago Stock Exchange and S & P Dow Jones Indices, is the most prestigious international index. In 2015, Viña Concha y Toro was recognized as one of the 12 IPSA companies that are part of it, thanks to its good practices on this area.
The United Nations Global Compact calls on leading companies to adopt ten universal principles related to human rights, labor standards, the environment and anti-corruption. Currently, it is World's most important global network, with more than 10,000 participants in more than one hundred countries.
The Sustainability Code is designed to uphold sustainable practices in the wine industry, based on requirements in three complementary areas: vineyard, winemaking and production, and corporate. Its objective is that grape growers and winemakers improve their management through compliance with the requirements stipulated in the code.


Welcome to the Douglas County Weed Management Website.
The Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook, "Control of Problem Weeds" page has been updated! This website give information regarding specific weeds that may be troublesome to control. Herbicides and/or rates listed cannot necessarily be used on cropland. Rates of application and restrictions vary depending on crop or site. Do not apply to a crop or site not listed on the label.
Control of Problem Weeds
In October 2004, Douglas County Commissioners activated the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force and appointed nine individuals who geographically represent Douglas County agriculture and urban areas. Margaret Viebrock, WSU Extension, was appointed to facilitate this committee and help to develop weed management strategies.
Ex-officio members of this Task Force include representatives from Douglas County Transportation and Land Services, Foster Creek Conservation District, Douglas County Commissioners and WSU Extension.
Task Force Directives (defined by the Douglas County Commissioners)
- Develop a communication system with all entities that have weed control programs.
- Gain a better understanding of weed control methods used by other other entities.
- Design a system to coordinate weed control efforts.
- Continue the process of developing an informed educational approach to weed management in Douglas County.
- Engage landowners and agencies in a cooperative weed management program.
Since the appointment of the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force, the committee has taken a proactive approach to learn about various weed management programs. Members have met with agency people, integrated weed management program managers, state weed board representatives, county noxious weed control managers and other groups who manage weeds. The best parts of these programs have been integrated into the local plan of work. Members have also spent time in Olympia with state legislative groups explaining how the program has been successful in Douglas County.


All our coffee is externally verified as ethical.
Every packet of coffee we sell comes from Rainforest Alliance and/or Fairtrade certified farmers.
We believe this is the best way of making sure that growers and their families can benefit from a sustainable livelihood whilst protecting the environment in which they work and on which they depend. Whilst other “ethical” schemes claim to “protect the environment” or “give a proportion to good causes” these claims aren’t always clear – or transparent.
Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance are, in our opinion, the very best certification schemes whose purpose is:
- To tackle poverty
- Conserve biodiversity
- Empower producers in developing countries
- Allow us to trace to source the coffee that we enjoy.
Why do we need external ethical verification?
Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, 80% of which is produced by 25 million smallholders. But many of them fail to earn a reliable living from coffee. They face many challenges, including poverty, commodity price fluctuations and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns. Added to that, the coffee supply chain is complex; beans pass hands through growers, traders, processors, exporters, roasters, retailers and finally the consumer. Most farmers have little idea of where their coffee goes or what price it ends up selling for. While the global coffee industry is valued at $100 billion annually, the vast majority of coffee farmers see meager earnings because they’re often paid so poorly for their beans. With few available options, many farmers end up either abandoning their land or destroying forests and wildlife habitat by clearing land for monoculture . By sourcing only Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance coffee, we are doing our best to protect both the livelihoods of coffee producers and the environment in which coffee is grown.
What is Fairtrade?
Fairtrade began in response to the plight of Mexican coffee farmers following the collapse of world coffee prices in the late 1980s. Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and local sustainability. It addresses the injustices of conventional trade which traditionally discriminates against the poorest and weakest producers. Fairtrade is the internationally recognised gold standard. It’s how we make sure that we keep coffee growers and their families at the heart of what we do.
What is Rainforest Alliance?
The Rainforest Alliance is a growing network of people who are inspired and committed to working together to achieve the conservation of biodiversity and securement of sustainable livelihoods. Through creative, pragmatic collaboration, Rainforest Alliance aims to rebalance the planet by building strong forests and healthy communities around the world. Since 1995, the Rainforest Alliance has strengthened the position of coffee farmers by training them in methods that boost yields and safeguard the health of the land for future generations.
Why should I buy Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance?
With Fairtrade, certified coffee producer organisations are guaranteed to receive at least the Fairtrade Minimum Price for their coffee, which covers the cost of production and provides a safety net when market prices fall below a sustainable level. Farmers also receive the additional Fairtrade Premium to invest in business or community improvements, at least 25% of which must be used to enhance productivity and quality. In 2011-12, certified coffee farmers earned an estimated £30 million in premiums that were invested in farmer services and community projects.
Smallholder farmers earning the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal must work to rigorous social, environmental and economic criteria designed to protect biodiversity, deliver financial benefits and foster a culture of respect for workers. The certification also promotes decent living and working conditions, gender equity and access to education. Achieving certification also helps farmers reach new markets, negotiate better prices, improve their access to credit and earn a premium on their beans that they can use to build a more economically secure future.
FIND ABOUT MORE ABOUT INDIGO VALLEY FOR YOU


Our sunny vineyards are located in the villages of Hotovo, Lozenitsa and Zornitsa, and cover an area of more than 350 decares. We have extremely diverse varieties. The local Bulgarian varieties such as Melnik 55, Melnik 82, Shiroka Melnishka Loza (broad leaved melnik vine) hold a strong position in the red grapes varieties, and Sandanski misket and Dimyat – in the white grapes varieties. From international varieties, we grow with great love Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The hot summers and mild winters, combined with the soil characteristics in the area, are a good prerequisite for making excellent terroir wines, and the comparison with Tuscany in Italy is not in vain.
The vineyards are 25 years old, which makes them very resistant and we incarnate in a bottle of wine the high quality vintage they give every year.


Genetically Modified Conservation
By Erik Vance
July – September 2010 / Vol. 11 No. 3
- What was the Green Revolution created by Norman Borlaug, and why did he launch it? What are its characteristics?
- What is Pam Ronald’s vision of a new Green Revolution? How does it differ from the program launched by Borlaug?
- According to Ronald, what currently motivates the choices being made for which crops industries develop genetically modified (GM) alternatives? Why does she feel that this motive is insufficient or shortsighted? What does she propose as an alternative?
- Contrast the methods used for making traditional hybrid crops (such as what Ronald and her colleagues did with “submergible rice”) and GM crops?
- What objections to GM crops are raised in the article? What responses might Ronald give to those objections? What might Doug Gurian-Sherman of the Union of Concerned Scientists reply to those responses?
Websites for Further Information
- Union of Concerned Scientists – Food and Agriculture page: http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/
- GMO Compass: http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/home/
- Health and Environment Alliance: http://www.env-health.org/r/94
Genetically Modified Organisms and Agriculture in the News
- In the fields of Italy, a conflict over corn (New York Times, August 23, 2010): http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/world/europe/24modify.html
- U.N. raises concerns as global food prices jump (New York Times, September 3, 2007): http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/04/world/04food.html
- India asks, should food be a right of the poor? (New York Times, August 8, 2010): http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/world/asia/09food.html
Peer-reviewed Literature (in addition to the citations listed in the article)
- Aerni, P. 2005. Stakeholder attitudes towards the risks and benefits of genetically modified crops in South Africa. Environmental Science and Policy 8:464-476.
- Bartz, R., U. Heink, and I. Kowarik. 2010. Proposed definition of environmental damage illustrated by the cases of genetically modified crops and invasive species. Conservation Biology 24:675-681.
- Glover, D. 2010. The corporate shaping of GM crops as a technology for the poor. Journal of Peasant Studies 37:67-90.
- Green Revolution
- Genetically modified organisms


Follow the scent of coffee…
The scent of freshly roasted coffee floods the small factory of P. Graf Kaffeerösterei AG in Baden-Dättwil. This tour explains how coffee gets from the plantation to the roasting house and finally, into our mugs.
The Coffee Roasting House
Taste freshly roasted coffee
Meeting point: Graf Kaffee, Im Grund 13, 5405 Baden-Dättwil
Duration: 1.5 hours
When the harvest season begins in Central and South America, the coffee roasters of Graf Kaffee are there in person. This way, they ensure that only the very best Arabica beans make the voyage across the wide ocean. People who have always wanted to know how fresh green coffee beans are transformed into fragrant coffee aromas have the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at the coffee roasting house.
Due to the current situation, there are no guided tours at the coffee roasting house at the moment.
Please give us a call if you have any questions - we will be happy to advise you.


Contribute to the upkeep of our nonprofit native plant nursery, and qualify for steeply discounted prices by becoming a CSA member.
Full shares cover costs for planting in a selected community. We'll keep a running total for contributions and work with a community team planting project to beautify selected location. If we don't grow out the plants ourselves, we have access to other growers in the area. A contributing CSA member works best for homeowners. All CSA members contribute to the upkeep of the farm, and benefit from steep CSA membership discounts.
Home grown, native Long Island Native plants are particularly useful in gardens, open spaces, and parklands. Restore the real Long Island, replacing bare lawn space with lively butterflies, bees and wholesome Nature.
Subscribing annually, ensures ongoing support, and is a fully tax deductible contribution. You can cancel anytime.
For a CSA Member (Full Share: $250), also make a CSA Selection (the community you would like to beautify). Currently, we're working in Port Jefferson, but send us your ideas about other locations. For homeowners, we offer a CSA Member (Contributing Share:$100).
OR BY MAIL
Make check out to: Quality Parks, then mail to:
P.O. Box 143
Port Jefferson, NY 11777-0143
Retail are regular prices. Wholesale are government, nonprofit, and reseller. CSA members benefit from steep discounts.
1.5 gallon: $20
.75 gallon is a Trade gallon $15
Deep rooted 5" depth are the Plugs: $5
1.5 gallon: $15
Trade gallon: $10
5" Plugs: $2.50
1.5 gallon: $12.00
Trade gallon: $7.50
5" Plugs: $1.75
Our Native Plant List*
Big Bluestem - Andropogon gerardi
Hair Grass - Deschampsia flexuosa
Indian Grass - Sorghastrum nutans
Little Bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium
Purple Love Grass - Eragrostis spectabilis
Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum
Virginia Rye Grass - Elymus virginicus
Butterfly Milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa
Common Milkweed - Asclepias syriaca
Flat-Topped Aster - Doellingeria umbellata
Indian Hemp - Apocynum cannabinum
Joe-Pye-Weed - Eutrochium purpureum
Lateflowering thoroughwort (Eupatorium serotinum)
Maryland Aster - Chrysopsis mariana
Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum virginianum
NE Aster - Symphyotrichum novae-anglia
Showy Aster - Aster spectabilis
Swamp Milkweed - Asclepias incarnata
Sensitive Fern - Onoclea sensibilis
* We will work with other growers for plants that we don't grow, or are at the time unavailable, due to prior sales. Reserve early.
Volunteers Needed - Grow out your own two flats while tending to the farm. Contact us if you're interested.


Artichokes are an easy to grow perennial. Get the most out of them by letting them flower. Learn why you should let your artichoke bloom.
There are not many instances that neglecting a garden will produce a reward. Artichokes are an exception. Like most people we grow artichokes for their edible buds. If you would like to have a good harvest don’t wait too long to pick the crop. If the buds aren’t cut fast enough they may begin to open slightly. As soon as the majority of the leaves turn outwards, it’s too late. It isn’t worth harvesting the buds for consumption because they will be tough after cooking. At this point, you’re better off just leaving the bud on the plant and letting it bloom.
Benefits of Artichoke Bloom
Seeing the stunning purple flowers is an incentive to leave just a few every year. The thistle-like blooms are large flowers and have bright, lavender blue centers. Artichoke plants usually produce 4 to 5 flower heads in their first year of growth and about 10 in the second year! Here are some of the main reasons to leave some buds to open:
- They are great for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to your garden! The blooms smell like sweet nectar!
- The flowers grow on tall flower stalks that can reach 6 feet tall so they really stand out in the garden. They are gorgeous in a variety of landscapes.
- Artichoke flowers can be cut and used fresh or dried to make beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements, or just left on the plant for a gorgeous display in the garden. To dry artichoke flowers, cut them off using pruning shears and hang them upside down with a piece of string in a cool, dry place until they’re fully dried. Once the flowers are dried you can use them to make a long lasting dried flower arrangement.
- Flowers will produce seeds and new artichokes seedlings that can be potted up.
Meaning of artichoke bloom?
Most flowers have symbolism around their history and uses. The artichoke flower is no exception. Artichoke blooms have tender heart which is protected by strong outer layers. This lends them to deep symbolism. The artichoke bloom represents represent hope and prosperity. Including them in bouquets, and arrangements can be quite special for this reason.
Artichoke Bloom Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat a bloomed artichoke?
No! Artichoke flowers are not edible once they’ve started to bloom. The buds need to be harvested while they’re still tightly packed if you want to eat them.
If the bud starts to open, it becomes too tough and fibrous to eat so it’s best to leave it to bloom so you can enjoy the beautiful flowers.
What does it mean when an artichoke flowers?
When artichoke plants bloom it means that it is entering the reproductive phase of it’s cycle. The flowers are meant to produce seeds. For the gardener it means that it’s too late to eat the bud, but you get to enjoy the stunning tall flowers. The purple center is so bright it almost has a glow like appearance at dusk. Bumble bees and honey bees especially love drinking the nectar. Artichoke blooms are great for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to your garden. Leave them until the plant dies back before cutting down.
How often do artichokes bloom?
The artichoke season depends on your climate and variety. Here in zone 9, artichokes begin to bud out in late April or early May and if left unharvested are blooming by early June. The blooms will follow the buds if they are left on the plant in all zones. Once you see the buds either harvest for consumption or leave for the bloom.
How does an artichoke bloom?
Artichokes buds appear in early spring and the flowers are usually in full bloom during the summer months. After the plants have finished blooming you can cut the whole plant back to ground level. Just be sure to leave any new growth at the base of the plant in place. If you leave the flowers and they start to wither plant will put its energy into making seeds.
How do you prune an artichoke?
Cut back the artichoke plant completely right after harvesting its buds at the end of summer. You can do this as late as beginning of fall. Cut each spent stalk all the way down to the ground using pruning shears. If the plants are large you may need to use large lopper shears. Be sure to mulch the plant with organic mulch, preferably with leaves, straw, or compost. If you want to know more about how we take care of artichokes throughout the year be sure to check out our guide to growing artichokes in zone 9.
If you don’t to harvest your artichokes in time you still get the benefit of enjoying the beautiful flowers in your garden or landscape. Pollinators will love the sweet nectar from the blooms. If you are after propagation allowing the artichokes to bloom, and produce seeds is an easy way to get more artichokes for the next season. (You can also divide the crowns.)
I try to avoid waste at all costs especially after spending the energy of growing it. If I haven’t gotten to the artichokes in time allowing them to bloom is a care-free way to still enjoy what otherwise could be considered a waste. This takes the pressure off a bit during food preservation time.
The fact that artichokes are a perennial also justifies allowing some of the buds to turn to blooms. They will come back next year!
I hope you found this article useful and learned how to grow beautiful artichoke flowers.