Harris Seeds Promotion, PASA Hosting Event: This Week’s Industry News

Want to keep up with the latest news for growers? Check back every Thursday for a quick recap of recent happenings in the fruit and vegetable industry. Harris Seeds

Harris Seeds Promotes Vice President
Harris Seeds has announced the promotion of a member of its executive leadership team and the hiring of a manager. Vicky Rupley has been named executive vice president and will move into her new role on July 1. Michael Wells has joined as manager of the company’s ornamental product group.

Farmers to Explore Practical Techniques to Grow Soil Health
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is hosting an event that explores techniques to grow soil health by increasing the periods of the year that farm fields are populated by living roots. PASA’s 2nd Annual Summer Conference will be held July 28 to 29 at the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania and has the theme this year of Living Roots 24/7/365. The event will offer practical soil health insights for both experienced and beginning farmers, with particular relevance for diversified vegetable and dairy farmers. Attendees can earn up to seven CCA CEUs: Soil & Water Management (5) and Crop Management (2).

USDA Announces Key Measures to Improve Pollinator Health
The USDA is announcing two initiatives in support of the President’s National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honeybees and Other Pollinators, announced just over one year ago. A review of USDA’s most popular conservation program found that farmers and ranchers across the country are creating at least 15 million acres of healthy forage and habitat for pollinators, and the department has also entered into a new partnership with leading honey bee organizations that will help to ensure future conservation projects continue to provide benefits to these important species.