Produce

Prescribing an apple a day to all adults aged 50 and over would prevent or delay around 8,500 vascular deaths such as heart attacks and strokes every year in the UK – similar to giving statins to everyone over 50 years who is not already taking them – according to a study in the Christmas edition of The BMJ. …

As a result of Lobesia Botrana being detected in blueberries during checking and inspection in the O’Higgins and Maule regions, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established emergency measures for shipments of the fruit, which include fumigation with methyl bromide at field temperature at the point of origin. In addition, inspection of the product at destination will also be increased. …

The Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program (PAMP) has planned a more prominent presence at the 2014 Pennsylvania Farm Show (January 4 – 11, 2014) including sponsorships, new booth installations, sampling, and a contest for visitors. …

With a combination of nature, entrepreneurial farming and some help from Michigan State University, Michigan has become a national leader in growing chestnuts and is harvesting more than 100,000 pounds a year. …

Farmers who extend the season for fruits and vegetables are getting support of the state Legislature. Gov. Tom Corbett on Monday signed a law ensuring that high tunnel greenhouses are not considered permanent structures and not taxed as real estate improvements. …