Under the banner, “Seed to Shelf,” the International Floriculture Expo will offer a dozen education sessions on an array of topics, a treasure trove of some 200 exhibits, new products and iron designer competitions, a flower-naming ceremony and, a first, a Family Day when spouses and children are welcomed to the exhibit hall.

MONTE VISTA, CO — Rain in May delayed potato planting by a few days, but no one was complaining.

According to Jim Ehrlich, Colorado Potato Administrative executive director, some growers were slowed in their efforts to get spuds in the ground during the first and second weeks of May, but Mr. Ehrlich said the consensus was that the weather event was “really nice moisture.”

The cold chain and sustainability are bywords of the floral industry. Researchers have explored ways to improve the cold chain without much progress. And sustainability has led to a confusing array of labels.

Imagine if the storage life of flowers could be extended to 60 days, 10 times the usual length. The supply of flower products for holidays like Mother’s Day could be evened out over a two-month period. The labor force, now seasonal and less-well-trained for holiday production, could be stabilized.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture continues to promote the locally grown bounty that is Jersey Fresh produce through a variety of ways, reaching both consumers and retailers.

It is one of Michelle Obama’s top priorities, the Let’s Move Initiative — America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture in partnership with Rutgers University is well on their way to bringing healthy, kid-tested food products made with local produce to New Jersey school cafeterias.

The Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program, now entering its 27th year, continues to serve as a valuable extension of the Jersey Fresh promotional program.

The goal of the quality grading program has always been to develop a larger financial bottom line for licensed New Jersey growers by supplying wholesale buyers with fresh, high-quality produce, uniformly sized and consistently packed. The regulations developed to administer the Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program make full use of the U.S. grade standards.