A molecular geneticist has discovered a novel class of antimicrobial peptide which may help to treat the dreaded citrus greening disease that poses a threat to California’s citrus industry.
Mandarins have been taking market share from navel oranges for several years, grower-shippers say. But they may be helping the overall citrus category, said Casey Creamer.
The Sunripe Freshmarket location in the Hyde Park section of London, Ontario, offers a selection of citrus items year-round, but shoppers seem to prefer product from California, said Randy Jeffery, produce manager.
Volume of California’s 2020-21 navel orange crop is forecast to be down slightly from last year, while quality and fruit size should be good, said Casey Creamer, president of Exeter-based California Citrus Mutual.
Just about all of the Red River Valley potato grower-shippers were impacted to some degree by a drop in foodservice business during the coronavirus pandemic.
Growers in the Red River Valley, which straddles northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota, say growing conditions have been great this season, and they expect a good-size crop, far superior to last year’s.
World trade, farm labor and even the National Organic Program could see major changes under a new administration in Washington, D.C., according to Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers.
Business generally remains strong in the St. Louis, Mo., market, with the COVID-19 pandemic having varying effects on sales at area produce distributors.
Produce sales to foodservice operators have dipped significantly in the St. Louis market as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Distributors know that any resurgence won’t happen overnight.
Online ordering has become commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some in the Detroit-area produce industry say there could be a downside for the fresh fruit and vegetable categories.
