Top stories from Produce Grower’s website

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Proposed hours of service rule changes published

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice of proposed rule-making on changes to hours-of-service (HOS) rules by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

“FMCSA wants drivers and all CMV stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposed changes to hours of service rules that we are putting forward today. We listened directly to the concerns of drivers for rules that are safer and have more flexibility — and we have acted. We encourage everyone to review and comment on this proposal,” said FMCSA Administrator Raymond P. Martinez in a statement.

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Photo © Caleb Jones

Atlanta suburb working with organizations, government to build up urban agriculture

Atlanta nonprofit Food Well Alliance is a collaborative network of local food leaders heading up a new program it believes will be a game-changer for urban agriculture in cities across metro Atlanta. According to a press release, the City Agriculture Plan will do exactly what its name says: bring growers, community leaders and city officials together — guided by the planning expertise of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) — to develop city-wide plans that prioritize urban agriculture. The end goal is thriving community gardens and urban farms providing greater access to locally grown food across the metro Atlanta region, which translates to healthier people, environments and communities.

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Photo courtesy of Mucci Farms

Mucci Farms acquires controlling interest in Orangeline Farms

Mucci Farms has announced that it has acquired controlling interest of Leamington, Ontario-based Orangeline Farms, including its existing greenhouse and warehouse facilities, and additional land with plans for expansion. Subsequently, the company also announced additional expansion plans in Canada and the United States.

“It’s an exciting time for the company as we continue our aggressive expansion plans to increase our local and regional production,” says Mucci CEO Bert Mucci. “The Orangeline acquisition comes with a 32-acre greenhouse and a warehouse with additional land totaling 100 acres. Consumers are demanding more local production, and we’re listening.”

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