Events by invitation-only became the norm in 2020 as the pandemic curbed in-person contact. The impacts of COVID-19 on research, new product launches and extension efforts will be felt for years to come.

Conceived pre-pandemic, the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables is more relevant than ever. The UN’s focus will be on health benefits as well as preventing food waste.

The American Blueberry Growers Alliance has been established to seek relief from rising imports. While Peru and Mexico are said to be the main irritants, Canada is also caught up in the International Trade Commission investigation.

The label of this biological fungicide is now expanded for managing soil-borne and foliar diseases on greenhouse-grown eggplant, Asian water spinach and strawberries.

Canadian researchers and extension workers have led an international team to study downy mildew on hops. It’s a project that’s made the top 10 list of the Global Minor Use Foundation.

The U.S. president-elect has nominated former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack to become agriculture secretary. His approach to climate change will be watched closely in rural America.

As the pandemic continues and travel restrictions remain, the organizers at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute have postponed this event until July 17-21, 2022.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency is cancelling the use of chlorpyrifos insecticide in fruits and vegetables. An extended phase-out period is granted for garlic.

Marrone Bio Innovations is launching its biofungicide for broad-spectrum suppression of diseases such as downy mildew, Botrytis and Sclerotinia. It will be distributed by Cohort Wholesale.

American farm leaders have listed three priorities for the incoming Biden government: COVID-testing and vaccinations for essential food chain workers, predictable language in the next farm bill and ratification of trade agreements.