This week the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a proposed revision which could drastically change regulations for genetically-modified crops. Matthew R. Willmann is the director of the Plant Transformation Facility at Cornell University and has 25 years of plant science research experience, having studied plant transformation and genome editing to improve crop plants. He says the revision will lower costs, lead to a broader range of genetically-engineered plants, and reduce time for improved plants to reach growers which will allow agriculture to be more reactive in response to climate change and plant diseases.

Agriculture and Life Sciences

Food & Agriculture

Law, Government & Public Policy

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As Americans head to their local grocery stores and see shortages on products, concerns are rising about food supply shortages. Cornell University agricultural economist Andrew Novakovic says given the long-standing concern around food safety, agriculture and food businesses have a leg up in the current situation, but labor and transportation disruptions could result in widespread consequences to the food system.

Food & Agriculture

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The global supply chain has been put under extreme stress throughout the pandemic causing major disruptions for businesses and consumers as we enter a busy season for businesses in all industries. Cornell experts can discuss the problems that persist in the global supply chain and impacts it’s having on various industries.

Economics and Business

Industrial and Labor Relations

Food & Agriculture

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As the Kincade Fire continues to blaze in Sonoma County, vintners and winery owners are facing devastating impacts to vineyards and infrastructure for the third consecutive year. Justine Vanden Heuvel, associate professor of horticulture and viticulture expert, says while 90% of fruit was harvested before the Kincade Fire started, smoke taint, vine damage and loss of infrastructure and wine in storage continue to be major challenges in regions where wildfires are becoming more common.

Food & Agriculture

Energy, Environment & Sustainability

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Wegmans is set to open this Sunday at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City. Edward McLaughlin, emeritus professor of food industry management, says given Wegmans’ supermarket innovation in service and products, New York City will now be able to relish in the legendary service, restaurant-quality prepared foods and wide selection of goods that are the envy of supermarket companies around the globe.

Food & Agriculture

New York City

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Dairy Farmers of America has agreed to buy assets from Dean Foods, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November. While the plan represents a major step for the stabilization of a large component of the U.S. milk processing sector, Cornell University agricultural economist Andrew Novakovic says there are hurdles to overcome before this proposal would become a reality.

Food & Agriculture

Economics and Business

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Steve Reiners, professor of horticulture at the New York State Agriculture Experiment Station, says that an unusually cold spring put early NY crops such as peas, lettuce and broccoli behind schedule – but it’s too early to call the season a washout.

Agriculture and Life Sciences

Food & Agriculture

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Due to the ideal growing conditions in New York state, the pumpkin crop is early this year and consumers should act fast when picking says Steve Reiners, professor of horticulture at Cornell University and a New York state vegetable industry expert. Reiners shares advice on how to pick the perfect pumpkin that should last through the Halloween season if left uncarved.

Agriculture and Life Sciences

New York State

Food & Agriculture

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The USDA is expected to release the results of the 2017 Census of Agriculture on April 11 at noon, which Jennifer Ifft, assistant professor of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and former member of the USDA’s Economic Research Service, says will offer insight into how farms have adjusted to economic stress imposed by lower commodity prices and higher labor costs.

Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management

Food & Agriculture

Law and Policy

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An obvious and tasty accompaniment for pancakes (and anything else it touches on a breakfast plate), maple syrup is also a healthy sweetener for New York’s agricultural economy. Earning New York state producers an estimated $141 million annually, syrup and maple-related products are big business. With the second of two New York State Maple Weekends hosted March 30 – 31 at various “sugar houses” around the state, Cornell Cooperative Extension Lewis County Executive Director Michele Ledoux talks about how the number two maple syrup producing state in the U.S. produces, processes and markets a wide array of delicious sweet and savory maple products.

Food & Agriculture

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