States focus on tougher immigration laws
The Nat'l. Conference of State Legislators reports that with so many states seeing increases in immigrants, the issue of how to deal with them is being addressed by state lawmakers. More than 550 bills relating to immigration were introduced in state legislatures this year. More than 30 states have passed laws related to immigration issues including employment, ID requirements, trafficking, access to social services and law enforcement. Some bills were vetoed.
Dutch auctions to merge
The Dutch flower auctions FloraHolland and Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer have agreed to merge. The intended merger will be called FloraHolland and the organization will retain the red tulip logo of Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer. The headquarters will be maintained in Aalsmeer, Netherlands. The new cooperative will operate 3 export auctions in Aalsmeer, Naaldwijk and Rijnsburg, 3 regional auctions, a mediation office and an import sourcing department. The merger is expected to be finalized by Jan. 1, 2008. Until it is complete, both cooperatives will continue to operate separately.
Countries work to develop labeling system
What if the entire world used the same chemical labeling system? The United Nations hopes this will be a reality and that a majority of countries will adopt the same Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) by 2008. For our part, OSHA is accepting comments until Nov. 13 about the United States' role in the proposal. GHS will include harmonized provisions for classification of chemicals for their health, physical, and environmental effects, as well as for labels on containers and safety data sheets. OSHA expects GHS to enhance protection of people potentially exposed to chemicals, to facilitate int'l. trade in chemicals and to reduce duplicative animal testing.
Learn how to grow in high tunnels
The Hort. High Tunnel Workshop, Nov. 14 at Ohio Ag. Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio, will focus on high tunnel design, construction and production issues. Attendees will have an opportunity to speak with growers, university specialists and industry representatives about their experiences. High tunnels are unheated, plastic-covered structures that can help lengthen production. The tunnels, which are widely used in Europe, can be used nearly year-round and need less equipment than larger-scale, open-field farming or greenhouse production.
Wal-Mart announces growth plans
The world's largest retailer will increase its global square footage 7.5% during fiscal 2008. However, Wal-Mart's capital spending during that period will increase by 2%-4%, down from the 15%-20% increase forecast for fiscal 2007. Wal-Mart plans to open more than 600 locations worldwide next year. Supercenters are expected to be the primary driver for expansion in the U.S. with the retailer opening 265-270 of the units for the fiscal year beginning Feb. 2007.
Worth a visit
Learn how tissue culture advances have made clumping bamboo, Fargesia robusta, available to the masses. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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Learn energy-efficient production strategies, energy conservation technologies, alternative energy sources, and economics of alternative fuel systems.
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New England Grows is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 - Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Register online today!
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