Specialty crops including fruits, vegetables and nuts make up almost one-third of total crop sales in the U.S., but a large number of specialty crop acres remain uninsured, according to the group.
The applicants requested approval for drivers, after 10 consecutive hours off duty, to drive through the 16th consecutive hour after coming on duty, and to drive a total of 15 hours during that 16-hour period.
The increase is largely driven by higher imports of horticultural products, sugar and tropical products, and grain and feed products, as well as a strong dollar.
Mexican table grape production is expected to dip 3% in the 2023 season compared with 2022, but exports to the U.S. should remain stable, according to a new report from the USDA.
Nogales, Ariz.-based Divine Flavor’s West Mexican farms are very “program driven” with retailers, said Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator for the company.
Colder than normal weather in Sonora during periods in October and November could hold back produce availability in December, says Miguel A. Suarez, CEO of MAS Melons & Grapes LLC, Rio Rico, Ariz.
