An extensive part of Agrofrut's efforts concentrate on pineapple and citrus processing, the extracts of which are used to produce bromelain, xylitol, and organic cloth and paper products. Agrofrut's proprietary technology uses the biomass waste of pineapples, sugar cane, oranges, grapefruits and other agricultural products to produce high quality, low cost nutraceutical ingredients. Upon execution of a definitive option agreement and payment of the investment, CTT and Agrofrut will share...

The Food and Drug Administration ruled in December that meat and dairy products from cloned cattle, pigs and goats are safe for human consumption and is expected to allow marketing of cloned food following a public comment period. Huffman said the measure is needed to protect California farmers against significant losses if their conventional or organic crops are contaminated by genetically engineered plants, seeds or pollen. Her bill, which is scheduled to be considered Wednesday by the...

Florida's citrus industry would benefit from the additional research money, which would be used to prevent the spread of canker and greening, Sparks said. The so-called program crops -- corn, wheat, soybeans, rice and cotton -- are used to make products ranging from fabrics to animal feed and get the bulk of federal support. The big federal dollars for farm crops have always gone to corn, wheat and soybeans, while fruit and vegetables -- crops Florida produces a lot of -- get zilch. Under...

By Francisco Vara-Orta Los Angeles Times The growing battle over genetically engineered plants is slowly taking root, most recently in California with a proposed state Assembly bill that would allow farmers to sue growers for cross-contamination of organic plants that could hurt their sales. By Francisco Vara-Orta Los Angeles Times The growing battle over genetically engineered plants is slowly taking root, most recently in California with a proposed state Assembly bill that would allow...

The price of faith in pet food. Even though Beanie's brand of dog food didn't appear on the list, Haywood decided she could no longer handle the suspense. Scientists still aren't sure what caused hundreds of dogs and cats nationwide to sicken or die after eating contaminated food. Earlier tests had found evidence of rat poison in a sample of wheat gluten from the food, although later tests didn't confirm those results. Haywood said she'd been considering changing Beanie Baby's diet before...