Produce Crops

Winning Gold for Specialty Crops: Corteva’s Award-Winning Microbial and Fungicide Breakthroughs

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:42:33 GMT

The Edison Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation,” recognize products that solve real-world problems through cutting-edge science and social impact. This year, Corteva Agriscience secured a double victory, taking home the gold Edison Award for its microbial nutrient enhancer Utrisha N and the bronze Edison Award for its next-generation fungicide Adavelt active.

According to Tim Davies, bioprocess science and technology leader for Corteva Agriscience, these accolades validate a natural solution that benefits everyone from the field to the dinner table.

“I think one of the things that resonates … is that this is a natural solution that helps farmers increase yields, which reduces the cost of products for consumers and has an impact both for the farmer but also environmentally as well,” Davies says.

Utrisha N: Gold-Standard Microbial

Winning the gold award, Utrisha N is a biological product that allows plants to capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form. While initially widely adopted in row crops like corn and soy, Davies notes that the product is quickly becoming a powerhouse for specialty growers, particularly in high-stakes markets like California.

One of the standout features of Utrisha N is its Organic Materials Review Institute registration, making it a vital tool for both organic and conventional growers.

“It is OMRI registered, so it can be used by conventional farmers and organic farmers alike,” Davies says. “One of the areas where we’ve had very good results is in potatoes, where farmers are seeing significantly improved yields by adding [Utrisha N].”

With global fertilizer prices remaining volatile, Utrisha N acts as a nutrient enhancer that works alongside traditional nitrogen practices. Davies notes that in more than 1,000 internal and farmer-partner trials, the product successfully increased yields in more than 80% of cases.

Adavelt Active: Bronze-Level Crop Protection

In the highly competitive crop protection category, Adavelt active secured the Bronze. While Utrisha N represents the biological side of the portfolio, Adavelt showcases Corteva’s technical prowess in traditional chemistry.

The goal, according to Davies, is not to choose one method over the other but rather to provide specialty growers with a balanced toolkit.

“What we’re working on, really, at Corteva, is to use all of our technical abilities to provide the best outcomes for farmers,” Davies says. “Whether it’s a traditional chemical or a biological, both have their place in the market, and both can provide great benefits for farmers in the right place when they deploy them in the right way.”

Bringing Award-Winning Tech to the Specialty Market

With Utrisha N already registered in over 50 countries, Corteva is now focused on expanding its reach into more specialty acres. By generating rigorous agronomic data, the company aims to give specialty growers the peace of mind they need to invest in new technology.

“Farmers need confidence that when they spend money on a product, it’s going to work,” Davies says. “We’re working hard to increase those confidence levels.”

As Corteva continues to roll out these award-winning solutions, the company says it will continue providing the right technology at the right time to ensure a more resilient and productive future for specialty agriculture.

The Evolution of the Spring Grape: Flavor, Science and the 2026 Harvest

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:16:47 GMT

The landscape of the American produce aisle is being driven by a sophisticated consumer base that no longer views fruit as a mere commodity. According to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2026 report, grapes have solidified their position as the No. 3 most purchased fruit in the U.S., trailing only behind staples like bananas and apples.

This surge in popularity is not accidental; it is the result of a multiyear shift toward high-flavor, branded varieties and a strategic expansion of the spring growing season that bridges the gap between southern imports and domestic summer peaks.

Moving through the 2026 season, the industry is witnessing a convergence of organic innovation, advanced viticulture research and a “flavor-first” philosophy that is redefining what consumers expect from a simple bunch of grapes.

Rise of the Super-Flavor Spring Variety

For years, the early spring grape market was dominated by traditional varieties bred primarily for their ability to survive long-distance shipping from the Southern Hemisphere. However, Alan Aguirre Camou, chief marketing officer of Divine Flavor, says there has been a significant shift in the flavor profile of the spring harvest as older, traditional acreage is replaced.

“In simple terms, we’re seeing more flavor earlier in the season,” he says. “Newer varieties with stronger flavor profiles are coming into production sooner, allowing us to deliver a better eating experience earlier than ever before.”

For example, Ruby Rush and Karizma are early- to mid-season varieties that offer exceptional sweetness despite their earlier timing, Aguirre Camou says. On the green/white seedless side, Honey Pop is another newer variety that delivers great flavor early in the season.

“In addition, our candy line — featuring Cotton Candy, Sweet Globe, Sweet Celebration, as well as Jellyberries and Gummyberries — continues to perform well from June through July,” he says. “Overall, the industry is clearly shifting away from older, traditional varieties toward newer options that prioritize flavor and consumer appeal.”

While not necessarily surprising, Aguirre Camou says, the clear standout has been the Autumncrisp grapes.

“This white seedless variety has become one of the most sought-after grapes among both buyers and consumers,” he says. “In many ways, it sets the standard for the category due to its size, crunch, flavor and shelf life.”

Additionally, it’s a more sustainable variety, requiring fewer inputs compared to others.

“As the largest producer of this grape in Mexico, we’ve made significant investments in Autumncrisp from the beginning. Thanks to our close relationship with Sun World, we recognized its potential early on and have continued to expand our production,” Aguirre Camou says.

Next Big Thing in Early Flavor

The 2026 season is also seeing the rise of early- to mid-season varieties that prioritize sweetness and sensory appeal. Aguirre Camou highlights Ruby Rush and Karizma as exceptional performers that offer high Brix (sugar) levels despite their early timing. On the green seedless side, Honey Pop is emerging as a top contender for early-season flavor.

“At the same time, we’re continuing to invest in proven standouts like Autumncrisp, while leveraging our Jalisco (Mexico) program to extend availability and create a more consistent and reliable supply window,” he says.

Furthermore, the candy category — which includes Cotton Candy, Sweet Globe, Sweet Celebration and the specialty Jellyberries and Gummyberries — continues to anchor the late spring and early summer programs from June through July.

Organic Heirlooms and the Direct-to-Consumer Connection

While large-scale shippers focus on seedless high-flavor brands, boutique growers like Sunny Cal Farms are carving out a niche with organic heirloom varieties that appeal to flavor purists.

Sunny Cal Farms recently announced the first organic harvest of Niabell Concord and Kyoho grapes will be available for the first time during the summer 2026 season, adding to its already popular organic Thomcords. These new varieties represent a departure from modern breeding trends that often prioritize size over fragrance.

“When we first introduced our conventional Niabell Concord and Kyoho grapes, consumers responded extremely favorably to their fragrance and flavor,” says CJ Buxman, owner of Sunny Cal Farms and a third-generation grower in California’s San Joaquin Valley. “That demand encouraged us to plant for the organic market four years ago, and 2026 will mark our first organic harvest.”

Niabell Concord and Kyoho are heirloom seeded grape varieties known for their distinctive sweet flavor profiles balanced with pronounced tannins. Demand for the conventional versions has been driven by their intense aroma, rich flavor and the growing consumer interest in polyphenol-rich foods.

“Every grape variety we grow is selected for flavor and fragrance,” Buxman says. “Many modern table grape varieties have been bred primarily for size, sweetness and shipping durability. Our Niabell Concord and Kyoho grapes deliver the full, classic ‘grapey’ flavor profile that many consumers remember and increasingly seek out.”

Niabell Concord grapes offer a rich sweetness balanced with bright acidity and a flavor reminiscent of fresh grape juice. Kyoho grapes are intensely aromatic and sweet with a subtle tart edge.

Both varieties are traditional slip-skin grapes, allowing consumers to pop the pulp from the skin for a sweeter taste or eat the whole grape for a more complex flavor experience. The varieties also contain seeds, which contribute to the robust flavor profile valued by many consumers.

“Our grapes are picked and packed to order,” Buxman says. “With limited organic volume this season, we encourage retailers and distributors to contact us early to secure program availability.”

Sunny Cal Farms also expects a strong season for its organic Thomcord grapes, shipping in mid-July. Conventional and organic Kyoho grapes are expected to begin shipping in early August, followed by Niabell grapes in mid-August.

The Human Element: Texting the Farmer

In an era of mass-market logistics, Buxman says Sunny Cal is using a unique marketing strategy: texting customers. Buxman includes text cards in grape packs, allowing consumers to reach out directly to the grower.

“Consumers are blown away when I personally respond to their texts,” Buxman says. This direct connection fosters brand loyalty that keeps consumers searching for his labels at retail, even when they command a premium price.

Science of Sustainability: 2026 Research Strategy

Behind the scenes, the National Grape Research Alliance is ensuring the long-term viability of these varieties through its 2026 National Research and Funding Strategy. Launched in Sacramento, Calif., in March 2026, this roadmap addresses the economic and environmental pressures facing growers today.

NGRA is initiating three major projects aimed at vineyard resilience and automation:

Vitis GEM (Genetics x Environment x Management) — Led by Cornell University, this project examines how management practices influence grapevine traits, giving growers more confidence to adopt new varieties.
Robotic pruning — Another Cornell-led initiative aims to mechanize the complex task of grapevine pruning to improve labor efficiency and vineyard economics.
Drought-tolerant rootstock — Researchers at the University of California, Davis, are developing a breeding framework to accelerate the creation of rootstocks that can survive the increasingly arid conditions of western production regions.

Grapes in the Modern Workplace

The demand for these high-quality grapes is also being felt in the corporate world. Erin Mittelstaedt, CEO for The FruitGuys, notes that while functional snacking (focusing on protein and fiber) is a major trend, fruit remains the ultimate healthy snack due to its natural vitamins and antioxidants.

Office workers are increasingly seeking a sensory experience in their fruit breaks, she says. Mittelstaedt reports significant buzz around trademarked varieties like Ruby Rush, Torch, Gum Drops and Moon Drops. The “crisp grape that pops between your teeth” has become a sought-after sensory characteristic for employees looking for a refreshing midday snack.

“We’re hearing some buzz right now around newer trademarked grape varieties, like Ruby Rush and Torch,” Mittelstaedt says. “Customers are always interested in what’s fresh and different, so our growers are trying new things and expanding existing programs for unique grapes like Gum Drops and Moon Drops — probably to meet that demand. Still, new doesn’t always mean better. Classic California grape varieties like Thomcords and Autumn Royals are always delicious, too. What’s ‘best’ in any given season depends on the weather, where it’s grown and your personal taste.”

Legislative Support and Future Outlook

The health of the grape industry is also tied to legislative progress. The California Table Grape Commission, which represents 99% of U.S. commercial table grape production, recently welcomed the House Agriculture Committee’s approval of H.R. 7567. This progress on the farm bill is seen as essential for maintaining the global competitiveness of California growers.

The California table grape industry welcomed renewed momentum toward advancing the farm bill through the committee’s approval of the resolution, restoring regular order to the legislative process and emphasizing the importance of ensuring specialty crops remain a central part of the discussion.

“California table grape growers compete in a global marketplace while supplying families across the United States with fresh, healthy fruit,” says Ian LeMay, president of the California Table Grape Commission.

“A farm bill that reflects the needs of the specialty crop sector is essential to maintaining that competitiveness,” he adds. “We are encouraged to see forward progress and a return to regular order that gives growers the opportunity to be heard.”

The spring of 2026 serves as a testament to the industry’s ability to innovate. Whether it is a text from the farmer or a drought-tolerant rootstock, the goal remains the same: delivering the classic grapey flavor profile that consumers increasingly crave.

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Vista Vineyards Launches 52-Week Table Grape Program

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:15:42 GMT

Vista Vineyards has introduced a leadership-owned table grape entity designed to provide a consistent, 52-week supply through the seamless integration of farming, packing and sales operations. By following the sun across California, Mexico and South America, Vista coordinates timing, varietal performance and volume to support uninterrupted retail programs throughout the year.

The company brings together longstanding operations under one structure focused exclusively on table grapes, with key members of Vista’s leadership team having company ownership. Vista Vineyards says this ownership structure reinforces long-term alignment, clear accountability and commitment to retailer partners.

Vista Vineyards operates as a grower-packer-shipper with proprietary licensed access to Sun World and Bloom Fresh varieties across its growing regions. This integrated model allows Vista Vineyards to coordinate production decisions in service of consistent, retail-ready programs year-round.

“Buyers want continuity and accountability,” says Oliver Sill, vice president of sales for Vista Vineyards. “Our leadership team has worked together for years across these regions. Now we’re operating as one company, with clear execution and responsibility behind every shipment.”

Integrated Operations Built for Year-Round Supply

Headquartered in Bakersfield, Calif., Vista Vineyards operates across complementary growing regions to stay in season year-round, maintaining consistent supply and quality:

California (July to December) — Established domestic acreage supporting peak U.S. production.
South America (November to April) — Growing operations that extend supply beyond North America, with further information coming soon.
Mexico (May to July) — Licensed partner growers operating under Vista Vineyards’ proprietary variety sales rights.

This investment structure supports consistent availability of premium green, red and black seedless grapes throughout the year, with production decisions aligned to retail demand, varietal performance and shelf consistency, the company says.

“We’ve spent years building relationships and infrastructure across these regions,” says CEO Kevin Andrew. “This structure lets us operate the way we’ve always believed the business should run — with ownership, accountability and a long-term view. We’re building something we believe in.”

Portfolio and Retail Programs

Vista Vineyards’ commercial program includes proprietary brands such as Autumncrisp, Sweet Globe, Applause, Sweet Celebration, Scarlotta Seedless, Ruby Rush, Midnight Beauty, Jack’s Salute, Adora Seedless, Epic Crisp, Honey Pop, Sweet Sapphire, Candy Hearts, Candy Snaps and Berry Snaps.

Retail partners work directly with Vista Vineyards’ leadership to develop seasonal and year-round programs aligned with volume planning, varietal mix and consistent quality standards.

Ongoing Investment

The company says it continues to invest in both its best-performing proprietary varieties and promising new releases from the IP pipeline, including Sugra-60, Sugra-62 and Sugra-63, to support long-term growth and expanded retail programs.

New York-based firm Farmers Gate has sponsored the establishment of Vista Vineyards.

“Vista represents a compelling opportunity to vertically integrate our existing table grape platform, drive long-term growth and create secure, scalable supply programs. We’re excited to support this top-tier management team to build this business for the long term,” says Dan Fabian, partner for Farmers Gate.

Farmers Gate is an agricultural investment platform focused on farmland and farming operations, targeting high-value specialty crops and selective midstream investments to support vertical integration and long-term value creation.

Agronomist in Your Pocket: How AI Is Transforming Global Pest Management

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:59:37 GMT

For over a decade, a dedicated team at Iowa State University has been working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and agriculture with a mission to provide farmers with the tools they need to stay ahead of an ever-changing landscape of threats. Led by Arti Singh and Soumik Sarkar, this research has culminated in the development of the PestIDBot, a sophisticated AI companion designed to act as an “expert crop advisor or extension agent in your pocket.”

By combining massive image databases with conversational AI, the team is moving agricultural protection from a reactive struggle to a proactive, precision-based science.

A Decade of Data-Driven Identification

The core of the technology lies in two specialized applications: Insect ID and Weed ID, the result of training massive AI models on staggering amounts of data. The Insect ID app has been trained on 16 million images and can identify roughly 4,000 different species, ranging from common pollinators and predators to invasive threats. Similarly, the Weed ID app utilizes 15 million images to identify 1,600 weed species, including noxious and invasive varieties.

While these models are global in scope, they have been fine-tuned specifically for regions.

“If a farmer in Iowa does a web search on a pest, they might get information relevant to the Southern U.S. that isn’t applicable to an Iowa farmer,” Singh says. By narrowing the model’s focus to local threats and incorporating management practices vetted by University Extension scientists, the tool provides personalized, actionable information tailored to the user’s specific location.

Image of spotted lantern fly egg masses on tree bark is identified in PestIDBot.

(Image courtesy of Iowa State University)

From Identification to Conversation

The true breakthrough of the PestIDBot is the integration of identification with a conversational chatbot. In the field, a farmer can take a real-time photo of an unknown insect or upload an image taken previously. Once the AI identifies the pest — even in early stages, such as egg masses — the chatbot allows the user to ask contextual follow-up questions.

“Rather than searching for a human expert while the clock is ticking, you can ask your first questions directly to the app,” Sarkar says.

Users can inquire about treatment timing, the necessity of spraying or specific management steps based on their observations. For example, if the app identifies the eggs of an invasive species like the spotted lanternfly, it doesn’t just provide taxonomic details; it can advise the user to contact specific state agencies, such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Solving the Green-on-Green Challenge

Building an AI that works in a controlled lab is one thing, but the field presents chaotic variables. Sarkar notes that early models lacked the robustness to handle cases like green-on-green (pests on leaves) or brown-on-brown (pests on bark or soil) scenarios. To ensure the system is trustworthy and reliable, the team implemented strict guardrails to prevent hallucinations — where an AI confidently provides an incorrect answer.

These safety measures include out-of-distribution detection, which allows the AI to recognize when it is looking at something it wasn’t trained for (like a human face) and simply say, “I don’t know.” Furthermore, when the model is unsure, it is programmed to provide several likely options rather than a single potentially wrong identification, allowing the farmer to consult with experts using a narrowed set of possibilities.

Shown from left, Iowa State University’s Arti Singh and Soumik Sarkar are part of a team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and agriculture to provide farmers with the tools they need to stay ahead of an ever-changing landscape of threats.

(Photo courtesy of Iowa State University)

The Global Horizon: The BRIDGE Project

The next frontier for the team is the AI Engage (BRIDGE) project, funded by the National Science Foundation. While insects and weeds are well documented, identifying crop diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi is a much tougher problem due to the limited quality and expert-verified data.

By partnering with researchers in Australia, Japan and India, the team is building a global dataset of disease images. This international collaboration is critical for biosecurity.

“Threats emerging in Africa or Asia will eventually show up on our shores,” Sarkar warns.

By training models on global data now, U.S. farmers can be prepared for future threats before they arrive, shifting the agricultural industry from a reactive stance to a proactive one.

Vision for Sustainable Stewardship

Beyond technical identification, the team is driven by a passion for sustainability and the future of the agricultural workforce. By enabling precision-based farming, the PestIDBot can help farmers pinpoint exactly which part of a field needs treatment. This hyperprecise approach reduces the need for blanket chemical spraying, lowering input costs for farmers while protecting water systems and overall environmental health.

Finally, Singh and Sarkar are using this technology to make “agriculture cool again” for the next generation. Through workshops and gamified modules for K-12 and 4-H youth, they are fostering land stewardship and encouraging young people to see themselves as future innovators in both ag and AI. As Singh reflects, empowering a kid in a front yard to identify an invasive species can be the first step in a statewide defense against agricultural threats.

The Hormuz Triple Threat: Why the Iran Conflict Is Inflating the American Produce Aisle

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:31:23 GMT

As the conflict in Iran enters its fifth week, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has evolved from a regional skirmish into a direct assault on the American grocery cart. While headline news remains focused on military maneuvers, a triple threat of surging input costs is quietly dismantling the profit margins of U.S. specialty crop farmers.

From the nitrogen-rich fertilizers of the Persian Gulf to the diesel-powered cold chains that move fresh fruit across the country, the fallout of the war is hitting the produce aisle harder and faster than any other sector of the economy, according to Will Westmoreland, founder of The Back Forty and a specialty crop producer in southwest Missouri.

Westmoreland has become a dynamic voice for rural America; his nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok tune in for his “boots-on-the-ground” breakdowns of complex geopolitics. In his viral “Food Inflation Reality for 2026” video series, he warns that official 3% inflation forecasts are already “behind the reality on the ground,” with some produce items potentially seeing price hikes as high as 12% to 13% by the end of the year.

“It’s the perfect storm,” Westmoreland says. “Produce growers in [the] U.S. have felt these effects the worst right out of the gate.”

He identifies this crisis as a layering effect of three distinct burdens.

Will Westmoreland has become a dynamic voice for rural America; his nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok tune in for his “boots-on-the-ground” breakdowns of complex geopolitics.

(Photo courtesy of Will Westmoreland)

1. The Nitrogen Blockade

The first layer of the threat is the immediate spike in input costs. The Persian Gulf is a global hub for nitrogen-based fertilizers, specifically urea and ammonia. With the Strait of Hormuz restricted, shipments to the U.S. have slowed while prices have soared.

“A lot of people limit fertilizer in their minds to row cropping — soybeans, corn, wheat,” Westmoreland explains. “But we use it in every type of plant growth. Right now, input costs for specialty crops are up nearly 41%. Farmers are having to choose between absorbing that debt or seeing significantly lower yields.”

2. The Diesel and Cold Chain Crisis

The second layer is the sheer cost of movement. Unlike shelf-stable grains, specialty crops rely on a cold chain — a fuel-intensive, refrigerated logistics network required to get produce from warm-weather zones like California and Florida to the rest of the country.

Westmoreland points to a staggering 47% increase in diesel fuel prices as a primary driver of inflation.

“There is a huge transportation cost to get crops to places like Missouri and Iowa,” he says. “When diesel spikes, that cost is passed directly along to the consumer. You layer that on top of the fertilizer increase, and the math just stops working for the family farm.”

3. The Petrochemical Packaging Tax

Perhaps the least understood threat is the “plastic tax.” Most fresh produce, from berry clamshells to bagged salads, relies on plastic packaging made from petrochemicals. Additionally, specialty orchards rely on plastic irrigation tubing.

“Plastics are made from petrochemicals. When oil rises 40%, the plastic resin used in packaging goes up with it,” Westmoreland says. He cites the “10-dollar rule,” where every $10 increase in the price of oil measurably raises packaging costs.

While some suggest switching to paper or cardboard, Westmoreland warns of a biochemical reaction that increases rot rates.

“If you switch to paper, the rot rate from California to Missouri might jump to 60% or 70%,” he says. “The industry is stuck: Do you keep the plastic and raise the price or switch to paper and lose half the crop?”

The Road Ahead: When Will Consumers Feel It?

Westmoreland warns that while shoppers are seeing 6% to 7% increases now, the maximum squeeze is likely to hit late 2026 or early 2027.

“Even if the war in Iran ended tomorrow, it would take six to nine months for the energy supply chain to get back to normal,” he notes.

Through his platform, Westmoreland is working to bridge the gap between these complex geopolitics and “rural common sense.” His goal is twofold: education and self-sufficiency.

“I’m shocked at how people don’t put together the impact of what’s driving all this,” he says.

Beyond explaining broken policies, he is now producing content to help Americans weather the storm, focusing on backyard gardening and establishing direct farm-to-table relationships.

The final outcome? “I’m not a ‘sky-is-falling’ guy,” Westmoreland says. “I think we’ll have food, but when you layer an 8% to 12% increase in food costs on top of high utility bills and fuel, it’s a recipe for financial disaster for the typical family.”

U.S. Sweetpotato Consumption Nearly Doubles in Last Two Decades, Suppliers Ready to Meet Demand

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:54:00 GMT

U.S. sweetpotato consumption continues to climb as more consumers discover the category’s taste, versatility and nutrition benefits.

Per capita sweetpotato consumption has nearly doubled since 2002, when it averaged 3.7 pounds per person, according to the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission.

As grower-shippers reached the halfway point of their 2025 storage crop, most said they’re in good shape to handle continuing demand even after experiencing strong sales early in the year.

Vick Family Farms

At Wilson, N.C.-based Vick Family Farms, partner Charlotte Vick reported in early March that sales were on track to keep customers supplied until the new crop is harvested in the fall.

“Our additional storage facility we put in last fall has really helped us ensure we have supply for our customer’s needs,” she says.

Quality of this season’s crop has been very good, so it’s helping to relieve some of the pressure from the increased sales of the past few months, Vick says.

Covington is the company’s leading variety, and the firm strives to provide sweetpotatoes year-round, she adds.

The Covington sweetpotato is the leading variety from Nashville, N.C.-based Nash Produce LLC, says Robin Narron, marketing director. But the company also grows specialty varieties, such as Murasaki, which has a purple skin and white flesh with a slightly nutty flavor; and bonita, a white-fleshed sweetpotato with a mild, sweet taste, Narron says.

(Photo courtesy of Nash Produce LLC
)

Nash Produce

Nashville, N.C.-based Nash Produce LLC can store 3.2 million bushels of sweetpotatoes in climate-controlled storage, says Robin Narron, marketing director.

“Nash Produce plans to have sweetpotatoes available year-round,” she says. “Thanks to our curing process and climate-controlled storage, we are able to store large volumes of sweetpotatoes after harvest and ship them to customers throughout the year.”

The popular Covington sweetpotato is the company’s primary variety, but Nash Produce also grows specialty varieties, such as Murasaki, which has a purple skin and white flesh with a slightly nutty flavor; and bonita, a white-fleshed sweetpotato with a mild, sweet taste, Narron says.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms

Quality of the storage crop from Matthews Ridgeview Farms, Wynne, Ark., is excellent, says Jaylie Lourens, who handles sales and marketing.

“We had a very pretty crop, and the potatoes are holding up well in storage,” she says. Volume has been moving quickly because of strong customer demand.

“At this pace we expect to move through the crop and have just enough to carry us into the new crop,” Lourens says.
Climate-controlled storage facilities enable the company to maintain firm, high-quality sweetpotatoes and supply customers year-round, she adds.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms primarily grows Beauregard sweetpotatoes, Lourens says, but the company continues to trial and grow smaller volumes of other varieties, such as Orleans and a newer variety called Avoyelles.

“We are currently looking at some Murasaki types as well,” she says.

Sweetpotato supplies from Livingston, Calif.-based A.V. Thomas Produce are holding up well, says Jeremy Fookes, director of sales, but the company likely will run out of some of its specialty varieties. “Those will be seasonal opportunity selections that will be marketed more for winter, not for spring-summer,” Fookes says.

(Photo courtesy of A.V. Thomas Produce
)

A.V. Thomas Produce

The storage crop that runs from November to the end of July from Livingston, Calif.-based A.V. Thomas Produce is holding up well, says Jeremy Fookes, director of sales, but the company likely will run out of some of its specialty varieties, “some by demand and some by choice,” he adds.

Some specialty sweetpotatoes can’t be stored long term, Fookes says.

“Those will be seasonal opportunity selections that will be marketed more for winter, not for spring-summer,” Fookes says.
Specialty varieties, especially purple ones, are experiencing growing interest from consumers as well as retailers, he says.
Examples are Ben Yagi, Stokes Purple, Murasaki and okinawa.

The company sources okinawa sweetpotatoes from Hawaii, where they grow better than they do in California.
Murasaki sweetpotatoes have risen to prominence in the produce department over the past two years, Fookes says.

Pack Options

Sweetpotato suppliers feature a variety of packaging options. At Vick Family Farms that means a range of packs that includes bulk, individual microwavable sweetpotatoes, steamer bags, 3- and 5-pound bags, tray packs and processing grades, Vick says.

About 70% of the company’s sweetpotatoes are sold in bulk cartons, and the remainder come in consumer packs.
The No. 1 seller at Matthews Ridgeview Farms remains the traditional 40-pound bulk carton, Lourens says.

In addition, the company offers several consumer-friendly options including microwave-ready sweetpotatoes, tray packs, 3-pound bags and 5-pound bags.

“We are able to accommodate a variety of packaging needs depending on customer preferences,” she adds.
About 65% of the firm’s sweetpotatoes are sold in bulk 40-pound cartons, with the remaining 35% in consumer packaging.
“We expect that percentage to approach closer to 40% in the future,” Lourens says.

Nash Produce offers a wide range of consumer packaging options to meet the needs of its retail partners, Narron says.
These include various traditional bulk pack sizes, mesh bags, steamable bags, individual microwavable potatoes, and tray packs designed for convenience and merchandising flexibility, she says.

“We also work closely with retailers to develop custom packaging and private label programs that fit their specific merchandising strategies,” Narron adds.

A.V. Thomas packs about half of its sweetpotatoes in consumers packaging, Fookes says. Breathable mesh bags are the company’s primary consumer pack.

“That’s the best vehicle for shelf life of the product, breathability, visibility of the product,” he says.
Other options include ready-to-eat sweetpotatoes, individually wrapped microwavable sweetpotatoes and steamer bags.

After Florida Freezes, West Mexico Shippers Eye Robust Spring Amid High Prices

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:41:33 GMT

A pair of damaging freezes in Florida this winter caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses in that state and put a squeeze on supplies out of west Mexico. As a result, prices of Mexican produce were sent skyrocketing. Here’s a look at how some distributors near the Nogales, Ariz., port of entry are dealing with conditions this spring.

Ciruli Bros.

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. has a substantial mango program and ships vegetables like cucumbers, squash and eggplant.

“We’ve had some of the highest prices I’ve seen in the past 30 years I’ve been doing this,” says partner Chris Ciruli.

Prices should settle down when the U.S. starts producing again in late March, he says.

The company also has experienced growth in demand for organic items including squash, peppers, cucumbers and cabbage.

Ciruli Bros.’ mango deal kicked off the last week of February with the “first-flower” harvest. Second flower was expected to begin around March 23.

That will lead into Easter business, Ciruli says, with clear sailing for harvesting and preparing for Cinco de Mayo.

“We’re trending ahead of where Mexico was harvesting for 2025,” he said the first week of March.

The company was shipping 100% Champagne mangoes in March and will begin round varieties after Easter, April 5.

“Pricing has been challenging,” he says.

Freight costs have risen, and the U.S.-Mexico currency exchange rate is not favorable. Last year the rate was 18 pesos per dollar. This year it has dropped to 16 pesos per dollar, Ciruli says.

Core products from Rio Rico, Ariz.-based IPR Fresh are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development. The company has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, he says.

(Photo courtesy of IPR Fresh)

IPR Fresh

Rio Rico-based IPR Fresh has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development.

“We also increased production with our existing grower partners, securing additional acreage and boosting overall bell pepper volume,” he says.

The company’s core products are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers.

Weather conditions have been favorable for nearly the entire season in central and western Mexico, Munger says, adding that he’s confident market conditions will stay steady into spring.

“Cooler than normal weather in the southeastern U.S. this winter has kept demand strong, resulting in markets for west Mexico hothouse bell peppers that have remained very firm and slightly above historical averages for most of the season,” he says.

Quality and sizing have been strong for most of the season as well.

“Looking ahead to the remainder of the west Mexico program, we’re confident that this consistency will continue,” Munger says.

Grower Alliance

“Prices are through the roof right now on everything — green bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, watermelons, honeydews, hot peppers,” Jorge Quintero Jr., partner at Grower Alliance LLC in Rio Rico, said in early March.

Prices on up to 90% of the company’s items are strong because of the weather issues in Florida, he says.

“We’ve been able to see some really high prices to offset the bad prices we saw in the fall,” Quintero says.

Quality problems have been minimal, he says. However, some green beans have experienced whitefly infestations that don’t usually materialize until mid-April.

“[Green bean] yields probably will be lower, but with prices where they are right now, we should be able to come out all right,” he says.

The company’s volume should be similar to last year, if not a bit larger, Quintero says.

Caribe yellow chili peppers are among a number of items shipped by Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Rich River Produce LLC, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager. The company is expanding its warehouse by 20,000 square feet this spring, he says.

(Photo courtesy of Rich River Produce LLC)

Rich River

Rio Rico-based Rich River Produce LLC has experienced a hectic season, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager.

“Things started out sky high in October, then came off, then went up again after the freeze happened in Florida,” he says. “We’re expecting to have a strong finish to our season, which will probably go until June.”

The company has seen good but not great production out of west Mexico, he says.

“We are expecting good pricing and good order flow,” he adds.

Quality was looking good for new items now coming out of Hermosillo, Guaymas and Obregon in Sonora, he says. But the same could not be said for the tail end of the deal out of Sinaloa, which will wrap up around the end of March.

“Prices are high, quality is fair,” out of Sinaloa, he says.

“We’re running into issues here and there,” Duarte adds. “We’re not looking at diamonds, but they’re the same amount of money as if they were diamonds.”

Volume at Rich River Produce should be a bit higher than last year because growers were not sending out as much product a year ago because of low markets.

“Right now, with the situation the way it is, they’re sending us everything because they’re getting really good prices for it,” he says.

MAS Melons & Grapes

Rio Rico-based MAS Melons & Grapes will kick off its new honeydew program around April 1 and start watermelons the week of April 12, says Miguel Suarez Jr., sales manager. Good weather should bring on good quality, he says. Volume should be about the same as last year.

“Markets and quality are all pointing in a positive direction,” he says.

Honeydews and watermelons will continue to be shipped out of southern Mexico until the end of March and into April.

“That will take us into our northern Mexico deal probably pretty flawlessly,” he says.

The company also ships butternut squash and kabocha squash.

“The workhorse definitely in the summer is our watermelon and honeydew programs,” Suarez says.

The company has pulled back a bit from table grapes. The Mexican grape deal traditionally has been 10 to 12 weeks in the spring and summer, he says, but that has shrunk to about eight weeks.

“The majority of our acreage was in Caborca, which is the later part of the deal, which is becoming a little bit of a challenge,” he says.

Also, retailers tend to seek out year-round suppliers.

“We were basically a boutique grape company,” he says.

But Suarez is optimistic for the future.

“I do believe the boutique grape will be back at one point,” he says.

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$3B in Losses Estimated in Florida Freeze

A New Era for California Avocados: Meet CAC’s First Female Board Chair

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:21:25 GMT

Leaders, strategists, stewards of the land. Women are playing an increasingly crucial role in California’s avocado industry — women like Rachael Kimball Laenen, a fourth-generation avocado farmer and the first female board chair for the California Avocado Commission, whose family farm has literally risen from the ashes to build a stronger future for the next generation.

“Her role reflects the growing influence and contributions of women across our industry and the many ways women are helping to contribute to the future of California avocado farming,” says Ken Melban, CAC president.

Kimball Ranches-El Hogar planted its first avocado trees in 1920. Nearly 100 years later, it was a victim of the devastating Thomas Fire that damaged some 70% of its orchards. Today, Laenen is focused on continual improvement, embracing change and the hard work that will preserve family farming for the next generation.

To learn more about Laenen’s vision for the future, The Packer recently connected with the industry leader on what it means to be a changemaker in the California avocado industry today.

(Editor’s Note: The following has been edited for length and clarity.)

You are the first woman to hold the position of board chair for the California Avocado Commission. What does that mean to you personally and professionally, and what do you hope to achieve on the board?

Laenen: I was elected chair of the California Avocado Commission in early December 2025. What I value most is the trust that my fellow board members and growers have put in me to lead them. I have been on the board since 2020 and have been deeply involved in a number of committees and task forces during my tenure. I’m grateful my colleagues recognize the organizational understanding, perspective and experience I could bring as chair.

I see my role as chair to ensure the board maintains a strong understanding of grower perspectives while facilitating productive discussions that lead to thoughtful decisions. Ultimately, I hope to help bring growers together with a unified voice because we are stronger when working together.

California avocado growers face many challenges from rising input costs to a tight labor market to water shortages to pests to competition from lower-priced imports and more. How does Kimball Ranches navigate these challenges? Is there a secret to your success?

There really is no secret to our success. It’s rooted in hard work, adaptability and continuously striving to improve. My father and I are committed to constantly learning and trying to do things better and more efficiently every day. While the office work can dominate our time, we try to spend as much time in the orchard as possible.

We talk a lot about our current practices and how we can improve. We attend as many seminars, meetings and opportunities to learn as we can. We’re always evaluating new technologies and if they are right for our operation.

Like most California avocado growers, we’re also paying close attention to broader industry dynamics, such as water costs, labor challenges and market conditions, because all of these factors can influence our ability to operate successfully.

Given these challenges, what are California avocado growers doing to ensure they receive economic relief from a new farm bill/the USDA’s recently announced specialty crop assistance?

The commission is always at the forefront of advocating for California avocado growers. CAC leadership works closely with federal policymakers, USDA officials and members of Congress to ensure California avocado growers are included in federal programs and policy discussions. This includes advocating for specialty crop assistance, disaster relief programs and policies that support grower viability.

Our president, Ken Melban, regularly engages with USDA and other federal agencies to ensure avocados are top of mind in conversations ranging from phytosanitary inspection practices to economic relief programs for growers. Ensuring that avocado producers have access to these resources is a critical part of supporting the long-term sustainability of our industry.

You’re a sixth-generation farmer and the fourth generation in your family to grow avocados. What do you hope your legacy will be to future generations at Kimball Ranches?

We have been farming in Ventura County since the 1860s, so we have seen a lot of change. I believe we are only stewarding the land for future generations, and my goal is to ensure my children are able to farm, if they wish.

The key to remaining a viable family farming operation is being willing to embrace change. We have adapted many times over the generations. We have grown lima beans, sugar beets, walnuts and tomatoes. While avocados are what we are growing now, we are always thinking about the future, the challenges, restrictions, climate change and what that might mean for our operation.

My favorite days at work are when my 3-year-old son comes to the ranch with me and we experience the joys and wonder of being in the orchard together. Moments like that remind me why preserving family farming for the next generation matters so much.

Kimball Ranches experienced a devastating wildfire in 2017. How is replanting progressing and are there plans for expansion?

We did experience devastating damage in the Thomas Fire in 2017. We lost our house, barn, ranch office, all our farming equipment and sustained damage to over 70% of our orchard.

We focused immediately on recovery of the orchard because without trees in the ground, there was no way we would survive financially. The fire gave us an incredible opportunity to evaluate everything in our operation, from planting density to rootstock to what variety of avocado we should be growing.

Eight years later, the recovery effort is ongoing. We have replanted about 115 acres at a higher density with clonal rootstocks. Our earliest replanting blocks are now coming into production, and it’s finally starting to feel like we are fully back in the avocado business again.

We are hoping to rebuild the barn this year and the house in the next three years. We have also been able to expand our operation through the acquisition of two additional ranches, including what was my great-grandfather’s original ranch. If the right opportunity arises, we may add additional acreage, but for the moment we are focused on growing strong and healthy trees that will produce great avocados.

You’ve shared your perspective on smaller avocado farms in California and the increasing need to scale. Is there a sweet spot of acreage that allows you to be most profitable?

With the ever-increasing cost of regulation on farming operations, as well as rising input costs, it is just not possible to support a family on a small farm anymore. In my grandparents’ generation, people were able to support themselves on 40 acres, but looking at our financials, that wouldn’t be possible anymore. We are now farming 190 acres, and having more acreage has definitely helped to spread the overhead costs.

Research has shown just how significant regulatory pressures have become. A recent Cal Poly study found that regulatory compliance costs have risen more than 1,300% over the past 18 years. That includes everything from food safety to water quality monitoring to nitrogen reporting. I spend a lot of time in the office ensuring we maintain compliance with all of those regulations, and that’s time I’m not in the orchard, observing our trees, speaking with our employees — doing actual farming.

Through the Kimball Avocados website, you also sell direct to consumer. What percentage of your business is retail versus DTC? Do you see growth opportunity with DTC?

Our direct-to-consumer business is less than 1% of our overall operations. All the rest of our fruit is packed commercially with a local packer-shipper.

Our DTC business was born out of people saying, “This is the best avocado I have ever had!” after we shared fruit with them. We pick and ship the fruit on the same day, which means the fruit is allowed to ripen naturally, free from the cold storage used by commercial distributors. Such storage, which is necessary for the mass market, interrupts ripening and can mute some of the fruit’s full flavor. However, it does mean our customers have to be patient, because it can take anywhere from a week to 10 days for the fruit to ripen.

Our customers are located all across the U.S., but we do have a surprising number here in California too. We have not expanded internationally — yet. I do think there would be demand there, but I haven’t had the time to fully explore what that would require. We may grow the DTC a little bit, but with everything we have going on at the ranch and in the industry, my focus is better spent elsewhere.

Herndon Farms and Glory Foods Launch New Vidalia Onion Line

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:19:43 GMT

Herndon Farms is partnering with Glory Foods this Vidalia onion season as Glory Foods Vidalia onions ship soon to stores across the country.

The companies say this partnership brings together three trusted Southern icons to deliver a fresh opportunity for produce departments. Glory Foods has partnered with Herndon Farms to introduce this new line of Glory Vidalias, combining decades of consumer trust in these two companies with one of America’s most sought-after seasonal produce items.

“Vidalia sweet onions are one of the most recognized and anticipated seasonal produce items in the country,” says John Williams, sales director for Herndon Farms. “Partnering with Glory Foods allows us to combine the strength of two nationally recognized brands in Glory Foods and Vidalia onions with the expertise and quality our farm has delivered for decades.”

Starting five years ago, the companies say their partnership has been a powerhouse, creating the most recognized brand of packaged leafy greens in the nation.

The new produce line will feature high-visibility, eye-catching packaging designed to stand out in the produce department while leveraging Glory Foods’ established brand. Herndon Farms is excited to “work with a brand that consumers immediately recognize and trust,” Williams says.

The launch is designed to help energize the produce department, drive faster shopper decisions and increase category performance with a product that consistently delivers flavor and quality, according to the companies. Glory Vidalia onions will be available in multiple retail packs, including 2-pound, 3-pound, 4-pound and 5-pound bags as well as 40-pound boxes to support a variety of merchandising needs.

NoKota Packers Celebrates Decades of History While Modernizing Operations

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:09:52 GMT

Buxton, N.D.-based NoKota Packers Inc. had an exciting year of innovation in 2025 on the heels of the company observing its 45^th anniversary, says Carissa Olsen, president and CEO.

The company marked the occasion by launching a new logo that reflects its heritage in the Red River Valley and its commitment to quality and sustainability, she says.

NoKota Packers has also invested in significant equipment upgrades over the past couple of years, Olsen explains. These have included the modernization of a long-serving packing line, adding a robotic palletizer and updating optical sorting equipment.

“These investments boost efficiency, consistency and capacity,” she says.

The firm also is promoting a sustainability initiative that highlights “perfectly good imperfect potatoes” to help reduce food waste while educating consumers about value in produce that doesn’t always meet retail cosmetic standards, Olsen says.

Customers can pick potatoes at the company’s Buxton location that have been deemed unsaleable but are perfectly edible, she says. NoKota Packers donated more than $500 to local food banks from the proceeds of those potatoes in November and December.

“We offer the potatoes at a considerable discount but also note that if customers are unable to pay, they are still welcome to come and pick,” she adds.

On the social media scene, the company has refreshed its Facebook content and added an Instagram profile to help highlight activities in the plant, celebrate employee anniversaries, promote walk-in cash sales and other things being done in and around the community.

Golden State Great: California Avocado Season Set to Deliver

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:45:08 GMT

Each year, retailers, chefs and consumers who appreciate a premium produce experience anxiously await California avocado season — so much so that peak season, from spring through summer, has become an unofficial holiday of sorts, with retailers and consumers alike hungry for promotable volumes, new recipes and more.

“The 2026 California avocado season is shaping up to be a strong one,” says Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission. “We’re forecasting approximately 330 million pounds this season, which is similar to last year and marks the fourth year in a row of substantial California volume above 300 million pounds.”

While Melban says harvesting by some California growers is currently underway, promotable volumes are expected to build through March, with peak availability running from about April through August.

“From a fruit standpoint, we’re encouraged by what we’ve seen so far,” Melban says. “Rainfall in the growing regions has generally been beneficial, supporting tree health and fruit development, and growers have also benefited from sunny conditions that help the fruit continue maturing on the tree until it is picked. As always, California’s diverse growing regions and careful grove management position us well for premium quality fruit, and we’re expecting excellent eating quality this season. Early indicators on sizing are also positive.”

Keith Blanchard of Index Fresh agrees. The Riverside, Calif.-based company, which partners with more than 300 California avocado growers farming upward of 15,000 acres statewide, sees a quality season ahead.

“This season’s crop is setting up strong, with clean fruit and good sizing thanks to ample winter rain that supported healthy canopy growth and fruit development,” Blanchard says. “While the season is getting a slightly later start, fruit maturity is not too advanced, giving growers the flexibility to stretch the harvest and time picks to market conditions throughout the spring and summer.”

(Photo courtesy of Mission Produce)

While Galen Johnson, senior director of sales for Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce, says the 2026 California avocado season is off to a slower start, he anticipates harvest volumes to ramp up in April and continue at a strong pace through August.

“California experienced favorable weather conditions this winter, and we expect fruit sizing to run slightly larger than last year,” he says. “Overall, fruit quality looks excellent heading into the new season.”

Avocado Growers Tackle Challenges

Add rising input costs, water scarcity and labor shortages to invasive pests and increasing competition from imports, and it’s easy to see California avocado growers face mounting obstacles. Even with these challenges, the industry continues to eye opportunity.

“California avocado growers are facing real pressure from water scarcity, rising input costs and tight labor, so building predictability into the business is critical,” Blanchard says. “Many of our growers rely on the H‑2A program, which, while still expensive, has brought more stable and predictable labor availability and costs during peak harvest windows.

“On the agronomy side, we’re investing heavily in irrigation technology and data‑driven decision‑making to get more out of every gallon and every input dollar,” Blanchard continues. “Our agronomist, Gerardo Aldunate, analyzes field data and cost structures with growers to recommend tailored strategies; there is no one‑size‑fits‑all solution, but growers can dial in inputs, substitute more economical products where appropriate and focus spend where it has the greatest impact on yield and quality.”

Blanchard says, for Index Fresh, working hand‑in‑hand with growers across the season has been highly effective in improving productivity and getting the most bang for its input buck.

At Mission Produce, Johnson says having an experienced team who can work closely with growers is essential to success.

“California growers are among the best in the business — world-class growing practices, deep expertise and a real commitment to the craft,” he says. “We’re seeing continued innovation, including expanded adoption of the Gem variety, which reflects the state’s ongoing leadership in quality and production excellence.”

Johnson says Mission’s field team also works closely with growers along the Pacific Coast to support healthy, high-producing trees, which the company anticipates will improve yields over time.

Born to Compete

California avocado growers have some of the highest production and land costs in the world, making it difficult to impossible to compete with avocado imports on price. As a result, the Golden State focuses on the highest quality and a premium eating experience — areas where it says it shines.

“Competition from imports is very real, and California growers are feeling that pressure, particularly when large volumes of imported fruit overlap with our season and create supply imbalances in the marketplace,” Melban says. “Our role at CAC is to help California growers compete by strengthening the California value proposition and ensuring that differentiation is clear to retailers and consumers.

“California avocados are locally grown, sustainably farmed, ethically sourced and harvested with care to deliver an exceptional eating experience,” Melban continues.

“When consumers clearly recognize California at the shelf and understand the value behind it, that supports premium positioning and ultimately benefits growers,” says Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission.

(Photo courtesy of the California Avocado Commission)

Investing in customized retail and foodservice programs that clearly identify California origin at the shelf and in promotional materials helps support this value proposition, he says.

“We work with customers on branded display bins, signage, packaging and digital support to help shoppers quickly recognize and choose California fruit,” says Melban. “If market pressure increases due to overlapping imports, we’re prepared to strategically deploy marketing resources to help maintain movement and visibility. When consumers clearly recognize California at the shelf and understand the value behind it, that supports premium positioning and ultimately benefits growers.”

Playing up local is also integral to Mission’s marketing initiatives.

“During the summer months, California is the premier source of high-quality avocados for the U.S. market,” Johnson says. “With the value many shoppers place on locally grown produce, California avocados stand out as a premium, local offering.”

Mission also connects with its retail partners on CAC-led marketing initiatives and offers California-specific packaging designed to highlight the origin story at the point of sale.

“It’s a meaningful way to support the season and connect shoppers with locally grown avocados,” Johnson says.

Beyond marketing, Melban says CAC is actively engaged on policy and trade issues that affect grower viability.

“We are advocating for California growers as discussions continue around the USMCA [U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement] review process and are working with federal officials to explore policy tools that could help encourage a more orderly flow of imports during the California harvest window,” he says. “Oversupply during peak domestic production can significantly impact market returns, so ensuring a fair and balanced marketplace remains an important priority for the commission.”

Strong on Sustainability

Sustainability has long been a key pillar of the California avocado industry, playing a critical role on family farms and commercial operations.

Blanchard says new Gem avocado plantings allow trees to be planted more densely, producing higher yields per acre and giving growers another way to diversify and grow within a limited land and water footprint.

“Our agronomy team works grove-by-grove to provide cultural guidance that improves tree health and maximizes yields as efficiently as possible, which reduces waste and input use across our California footprint,” Blanchard says.

Index Fresh approaches sustainable avocado farming from multiple angles.

(Photo courtesy of Index Fresh)

Index Fresh growers employ practices such as no‑till or reduced‑till farming that help store carbon in the soil, limit erosion and improve long‑term soil structure, while the trees themselves capture and store carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they grow. On the water side, precision irrigation systems that take advantage of natural rainfall now serve more than 90% of California avocado acreage, driving significant gains in water‑use efficiency, he says.

“We define success as using fewer inputs to grow healthier, more resilient trees that can sustain yields over many years of production, and we track that through field‑level metrics such as yield, tree vigor, and fruit quality over time,” Blanchard says. “When growers can maintain or increase production with lower water, fertilizer and control usage, we know the sustainability work is paying off at both the grove and industry level.”

While Melban says California avocado growers engage in environmentally sustainable practices from responsible water use to careful grove management, economic sustainability is equally important.

“For us, sustainability absolutely includes environmental stewardship, but it also includes economic viability,” Melban says. “If farming families cannot remain financially healthy, the industry cannot be sustainable over the long term. That is why CAC talks about sustainability in a broader sense — supporting practices and programs that help growers remain productive, resilient and profitable across generations.”

(Each year, retailers, chefs and consumers who appreciate a premium produce experience anxiously await California avocado season — so much so that peak season, from spring through summer, has become an unofficial holiday of sorts, with retailers and consumers alike hungry for promotable volumes, new recipes and more.)

Avocados On Trend

When it comes to the trends that speak to today’s consumer, local, organic and special packaging are helping to differentiate and drive sales in the California avocado category.

“From a market standpoint, we see continued upside in special packs, bag programs and the California story, all of which are resonating with shoppers who increasingly seek locally grown produce,” Blanchard says. “Bagged avocados continue to post strong unit and dollar growth, and packaging that clearly calls out California‑grown, organic and key sizes helps retailers trade shoppers up and grow the category.”

Index Fresh says it works closely with CAC to align on retail initiatives, ad calendars and promotional support that spotlight California fruit during peak season.

“For this upcoming season, we’re entering our second year with the California Crema Gem brand and have expanded the program for deeper engagement,” says Kellen Stailey of Index Fresh. “We support retail partners with merchandising kits, a dedicated consumer‑facing website featuring recipes and ripeness education and promotional programs that make it easy to tell the California Crema story in‑store and online.”

Stailey says that while hass remains the season‑long workhorse and industry standard, the Gem variety gives retailers a limited‑time, “buzz‑worthy offering” early in the California season.

“Gems are known for their larger size, easy‑peel skin, distinctive gold‑flecked appearance and rich flavor, making them ideal for feature ads, discovery displays and premium merchandising,” Stailey says. “Our California Crema Gem line is designed as a turnkey complement to California hass, providing a programmable window with defined volumes and pricing so retailers can plan a dedicated promotion that captures consumer curiosity around this special variety.”

Campaign Focused on Growers

For the 2026 California avocado season, CAC is reprising its campaign celebrating its growers.

“We’re featuring California avocado growers and their stories across advertising because that authenticity resonates strongly with consumers,” Melban says. “It reinforces that California avocados are not just premium fruit, but fruit grown by real farming families with a deep commitment to quality, stewardship and community.”

Melban says CAC is also putting increased emphasis on customized retail support, including retailer-specific merchandising, signage, display bins, digital and social programs and seasonal content designed to inspire purchase and drive shoppers into participating stores.

“Our objective is to make the California origin message impossible to miss and to help our partners succeed during peak California availability,” he says.

Early Detection Key in Battle Against Avocado Lace Bug

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:03:35 GMT

There’s a growing threat to California’s avocado industry, and while it measures just 2 millimeters in size, its impact is potentially far-reaching. This latest menace is the avocado lace bug, a sucking insect that feeds on the underside of avocado leaves, causing yellow spots that turn brown and necrotic.

To spotlight the threat and the importance of early detection, the California Avocado Commission has debuted a new informational video for avocado growers. The video — featuring industry experts Tom Roberts, pest control adviser for California’s Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and Mark Hoddle, extension specialist with the Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside — takes viewers inside a Santa Barbara County orchard heavily infested with avocado lace bug.

From the orchard, the pair of experts explain that while avocado lace bug was first detected in Southern California in 2004, it was primarily restricted to backyard avocado plants and didn’t cause economic problems for commercial growers in California.

That changed in 2017 when reports emerged of lace bug damage in commercial orchards and groves in northern San Diego County and Riverside, Calif. By 2019, the pest began popping up in backyards in Los Angeles, and by 2023 it was present in Orange and Santa Barbara counties.

An Evil Twin?

Intrigued by the invasive pest’s more aggressive and damaging behavior, researchers examined the DNA of two different populations and discovered that the original infestation in San Diego County had come from Mexico, but the latest infestations causing problems in commercial groves appeared to come from Florida.

“There were two different genetic variants of this avocado lace bug. The Mexican variety remained well behaved in San Diego County, while the Florida variety was causing us pretty big problems,” Hoddle says in the video.

The big problems arise when the lace bug starts feeding on the underside of the leaves, the first sign of which is a little yellow spot and minor yellowing. But the damage progresses into larger necrotic patches, eventually resulting in leaf drop that exposes fruit to sunburn, which is where the financial stakes get high, Hoddle says.

To learn more about the threat of this new, “more intense” avocado lace bug and what California growers can do to get ahead of it, The Packer spoke with Hoddle in mid-March.

Economic Impact Unknown

The full economic impact of the avocado lace bug on California’s avocado industry is unknown.

“Unfortunately, those numbers are nebulous, and we have no hard data on that,” Hoddle says. “And that’s a major problem we often face when we deal with these invasive pests. We know they’re sort of broadly distributed now. The avocado lace bug is well established through parts of San Diego and Riverside counties. We know it’s in Orange and L.A. counties and in the Ventura and Carpinteria areas as well.”

As to the total number of acres infested with the pest, Hoddle says it’s unlikely anybody knows.

“But it’s probably fair to say we’re looking at many, many hundreds — if not low thousands — of acres now that have been infested to varying degrees,” he says.

The avocado lace bug is a sucking insect that feeds on the underside of avocado leaves, causing yellow spots that turn brown and necrotic.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Hoddle/University of California, Riverside)

What we can conclude is that avocado lace bug is going to cost growers more, Hoddle says. This is especially true when heavily infested trees defoliate, exposing fruit to the sun and causing sunburn, which results in downgrading in the packinghouse.

Another potential factor, says Hoddle, is that when an insect like the avocado lace bug is causing damage to the leaf, “it is almost certainly reducing the photosynthetic capacity of those leaves,” and as a result, there may be fewer nutrients available for fruit development.

Early Detection

In the CAC video, Roberts and Hoddle urge growers to check their leaves regularly.

“Early detection is very important, because that’s going to allow you two advantages: One, you will hit the population while it’s low, which is a good thing,” says Hoddle. “And during that low period of activity, you’ll get a sense of populations building. Then you have a window to schedule your applications.”

Hoddle says identifying avocado lace bug early allows growers to get a feel for the problem, see if it’s escalating and work with their pest control adviser to understand how much time they have before a real crisis hits.

“Contrast that to not doing anything and waiting to the last minute. The population is going to be too high. Damage will be excessive,” he says. “Defoliation will occur, and you’ll be calling around in a mad panic trying to find somebody to come and treat your orchards the next day. And that’s just not going to be possible in many instances.

“Getting your scouting and population monitoring done early allows you to tackle the populations when they’re low density,” Hoddle continues. “Damage levels to the leaves are low, and if there are scheduling issues, you’ve still got a buffer to get material or labor into your orchards to do those treatments.”

Big problems arise when the avocado lace bug starts by feeding on the underside of the leaves, eventually resulting in leaf drop that exposes fruit to sunburn, which is where the financial stakes get high.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Hoddle/University of California, Riverside)

Heading into late spring and early summer, growers can expect avocado lace bug populations to increase, as phenology data shows the pest thrives in temperatures that are not too hot or too cold; mid-80s are ideal conditions for the lace bug to develop fast and lay a lot of eggs that hatch quickly.

Another reason for growers to be on high alert this spring is that once the spring defoliation is done, the leaves now sitting on the trees are going to be there long enough for lace bugs to infest, Hoddle says.

“As you move into that defoliation window, the percentage of leaves that are infested tends to be quite low because the new leaves that are coming out haven’t had time enough to acquire lace bugs,” he says. “The older infested leaves are now dropping to the ground, and that can sometimes give you a false sense of security that, oh, everything’s fine, but it’s just a matter of catch-up time. And this is probably the period when you need to be most diligent, because that’s when the lace bug could potentially sneak up on you.”

The Undeniable Threat

The California Avocado Society, in collaboration with CAC and UC Cooperative Extension, is set to hold an “Avocado Lace Bug” seminar March 24 in Oxnard, Calif., during which Hoddle is scheduled to speak. The hope, he says, is the event is well attended by growers who can provide feedback from the frontlines.

“The Carpinteria area is the emerging new hot spot, and we’re hoping growers from San Diego County and parts of Riverside will also attend that meeting so we can get input from all the affected areas,” he says. “I think there also has to be a realization that there’s going to be some customization of these emerging management plans based on the different geographic localities the avocados are growing in.”

Given Southern California’s microclimates, there probably won’t be a one-size-fits-all avocado lace bug management plan.

“Once we get that feedback, I think we’ll be in a position to start chasing down grant money from the state,” says Hoddle, who adds the ultimate goal will be to use science-backed data to help growers make well-informed decisions on monitoring and control programs for avocado lace bug.

“This isn’t a pest we can ignore anymore,” Roberts says in the video. “It’s here. It’s aggressive. But if we stay on it and stay proactive and use the tools we have, we can protect our trees, our yields and our long-term viability. Work with your PCAs [pest control advisers], know what’s going on in your orchard and take action early.”

Why One California Farmer is Betting Big on Algae for Fertility

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:44:35 GMT

Rows of citrus trees stretch across the landscape under the California sun, their canopies forming neat green corridors between irrigation lines and tractor paths. Some trees are newly trimmed, others older and thicker from years of growth. It’s the kind of orchard scene that has long defined agriculture in this part of the state, where permanent crops dominate the landscape and generations of farmers have worked to coax productivity from difficult soils and an increasingly unpredictable water supply.

For fifth-generation farmer Justin Wylie , these groves are more than just another orchard to manage. They represent an opportunity to rethink how soil works on his farm and whether biology — specifically algae — can play a larger role in the future of California agriculture.

Wylie and his family farm roughly 4,000 acres across California’s Central Valley. Some of that land has been in the family for generations, while other acres are leased. Like many farms in the region, the operation produces permanent crops such as pistachios and citrus, commodities that require long-term planning and careful soil management.

“This is a long-term lease with an investment company partner,” Wylie says. “And we just entered into that lease last year. It’s a 15-year lease with a five-year extension.”

One of the ranches he’s currently working to improve came through a recent leasing agreement that gives the family time to invest in the land and experiment with new approaches. That time horizon matters. With permanent crops like oranges, orchard decisions can affect productivity for decades. The trees must be pruned, fertilized and irrigated carefully year after year, and the soil beneath them has to remain functional through increasingly hot and dry growing seasons.

When Wylie’s team first took over the ranch, some improvements were necessary before any new ideas could be tested.

“We were really lucky on this ranch,” Wylie says. “The previous guys, they did let some of the trees get overgrown, so we did have to come in and push a hedge and top and resize those trees.”

While the orchard needed structural work above ground, Wylie says the bigger opportunity lies beneath the surface. The ranch is now part of a broader effort on the farm to transition a portion of the acres toward organic and regenerative systems.

“For the majority of the ranch, as far as fertility, the soils, the condition of the ranch,” he says, “I think the big thing with this ranch is transitioning from a conventional model to an organic regenerative, which is part of our commitment in the lease. It’s part of the model of the lease here — that we transition the ranch from conventional to certified organic and regenerative.”

The transition is happening gradually. Wylie says roughly 25% of the farm’s acres are currently part of that shift, allowing the family to experiment with new soil-building practices without risking the entire operation.

But the push to explore regenerative systems didn’t begin with markets or policy. It started with a deeply personal experience.

A Personal Connection to Soil Health

Wylie says his interest in soil biology and regenerative farming took shape nearly a decade ago, around 2015 or 2016. At the time, his family was dealing with a serious health challenge involving his young son.

The experience pushed him to start researching nutrition, gut health and the human microbiome — topics that would eventually reshape how he thought about farming.

“[My son] was sick as a kid, and so we were doing everything we could to heal him,” Wylie says. “His gut ended up in the hospital a few times with an autism diagnosis.”

Doctors and therapists offered guidance, but the recommendations didn’t sit well with Wylie.

“And then at the time, the doctors and the therapist told us basically, ‘Practice acceptance,’” he says.

Instead, Wylie started searching for more information about gut health and what researchers were learning about the microbiome. Over time, he began seeing parallels between the human digestive system and the biological activity that happens in healthy soils.

“They started figuring out that autistic kids had very weak gut microbiomes,” Wylie says. “And so when you make that connection as a farmer and you start saying, ‘What are all the things I can do at home to not stress that?’”

That question eventually carried over into his work in the field. The farm’s first experiment with regenerative practices was modest.

“We started on 40 acres of pistachios, playing around with it,” he says. “What can we do here growing in a different system?”

At the same time, the regenerative agriculture movement was gaining momentum online, making it easier for farmers to explore new ideas.

“At the time, there were quite a few regenerative agronomists out there releasing podcasts and YouTube videos,” Wylie says. “So the information was there. It was never on my radar before. But once you join that community and industry, it’s pretty interesting.”

Building on What Came Before

Even as Wylie explores new biological tools, he says the farm’s current practices still build heavily on the work done by previous generations.

His father’s generation invested heavily in agronomy research and orchard management strategies, developing systems that helped the farm stay productive in California’s demanding growing environment. From pruning methods to fertilizer programs, many of those lessons still guide how the farm operates today.

Rather than abandoning those systems, Wylie says his goal is to refine them.

“It’s really a tweak,” he says. “In my mind it’s a slight change in the method, not a complete start over.”

The farm continues to rely on the knowledge accumulated through decades of conventional farming, while gradually introducing new practices aimed at improving soil biology.

“We’re just trying to make tweaks to the system that we’re already operating in on the other ranches to see if we can do this a different way,” Wylie says.

One of the biggest challenges in that transition is managing fertility.

California orchards have historically relied on precise fertilizer programs to keep trees productive. But moving toward organic or regenerative inputs can create a different nutrient dynamic, especially during the early years of transition.

Wylie says growers sometimes underestimate how sensitive orchards can be during that shift.

Managing the Transition Carefully

According to Wylie, one of the most common mistakes farmers make when transitioning to regenerative systems is reducing fertilizer too quickly.

He says orchards that have spent decades under conventional management are accustomed to intensive nutrient programs, and abruptly changing that system can cause yields to fall sharply.

On some ranches where regenerative practices have been in place for several years, Wylie says the difference in soil structure is already noticeable.

“There’s other ranches we’ve been farming regenerative for five years,” he says. “You can stick your hand in the soil and get your fingers down right there on the berms next to the trees — it’s chocolate cake.”

But he warns farmers shouldn’t assume that kind of soil health will appear immediately after switching systems.

“Until that day, do not pull back,” Wylie says.

He says the biggest mistake happens when growers assume they can immediately match their old fertility programs using organic inputs.

“That’s the mistake that growers make,” he says. “They think I’m going organic regenerative, I can match dollar for dollar, I can do the same thing I was doing conventionally.”

Instead, Wylie says the transition often produces what he calls a “J-curve.”

“You’re going to see that J-curve,” he says. “I mean, it’s going to tank.”

To avoid that, his farm relies heavily on testing.

“We pull a lot of sap samples, multiple tissues and soils per year,” Wylie says. “Kind of watching our fertility and making sure these trees are fed.”

He says growers must remember trees grown in conventional systems are used to consistent nutrient availability.

“The soil has been farmed a certain way,” he says. “These trees are used to being fed intensively in that conventional system.”

And organic fertilizers don’t always behave the same way.

“The organic fertilizers just don’t work as well,” Wylie says. “So you have to be careful.”

Introducing Algae Into the System

As Wylie searched for ways to accelerate soil improvement, one newer tool caught his attention: microalgae.

The technology comes from soil health company MyLand, which produces living algae on farms and distributes it through irrigation systems.

“We’re probably in our fourth or fifth season,” Wylie says.

The idea behind the system is relatively simple. Rather than applying microbes directly to the soil, the system produces algae that help stimulate microbial activity already present in the soil ecosystem.

Jeff Tuel says the technology centers around specialized tanks designed to grow algae on the farm itself.

“We call these APVs, algae producing vessels,” Tuel says. “And essentially, the sole purpose is to grow algae here.”

Water from the farm is stored inside the vessels, where conditions are controlled to encourage rapid algae growth.

“So for all intents and purposes, this is kind of like the algae producing container,” Tuel says.

From there, the algae are delivered through irrigation systems already used on the farm.

“And we try to keep that holding tank to a level where if the irrigator is irrigating a 12-hour set, 24, 36,” Tuel says. “Our main objective is for them to never run dry of algae.”

Production is adjusted to match the grower’s irrigation schedule.

“We harvest according to the grower’s irrigation schedule,” he says.

Another important step happens before the system is even installed. MyLand scientists collect algae samples from the farm itself, identifying native strains that are already adapted to the environment.

“The reason native is important is because it’s used to the pH, it’s used to the droughts, the floods, everything Mother Nature’s thrown at it,” Tuel says.

Because those organisms already exist in the local ecosystem, they are more likely to survive once applied to the soil.

“Its odds of surviving and actually making an impact in that ecosystem are far greater,” he says.

Microalgae also sits at the base of the soil’s microbial food web.

“Microalgae is actually the base of the microbial food chain,” Tuel says. “All the bugs and beneficials in the soil are feeding off of it.”

Rather than introducing microbes, the strategy is to stimulate the microbes already present.

“I like to say instead of a bug-and-a-jug approach, we are ringing the dinner bell for the microbes,” Tuel says. “It’s kind of an all-you-can-eat buffet for microbes to get them moving and active.”

Tackling Difficult Soils

For Wylie, improving soil biology could help solve one of the Central Valley’s most persistent challenges: poor soil structure.

Many orchard soils in the region contain very low levels of organic matter, which limits their ability to hold water and maintain structure through the growing season.

“We have about 0.5% soil organic matter,” Wylie says. “Our water holding capacity is very low.”

That lack of organic matter can cause irrigation problems later in the summer.

“A lot of times these soils as we’re irrigating during the season will lock up,” he says.

Early in the season, irrigation water infiltrates the soil fairly easily.

“You start with very good water infiltration in April, May, June,” Wylie says.

But conditions change as the summer progresses.

“By the time you get to July, August, when you really need it, it’s very difficult to push water down in the soil,” he says.

For farmers trying to manage water carefully in California’s dry climate, that creates a major challenge.

“These soils are not very functional for us as farmers,” Wylie says.

Tuel says stimulating microbial activity can gradually improve those conditions.

“When you get those microbes to start moving and firing, you’re going to start to build soil aggregate,” he says.

Better aggregation can help water move through the soil while also improving nutrient availability.

“If it’s a high-salt ground, we can start to leach out some of those salts,” Tuel says.

Algae may also influence soil chemistry.

“Algae is also going to help regulate the pH in the soil so we can start to free up some locked-up nutrients,” he says.

Thinking Long-Term

While installing an on-farm algae system requires investment, Wylie says he sees it as part of a long-term strategy for improving soil performance.

“In a biological system like MyLand, it’s about the same cost as a soil amendment program out here, depending on how much acreage you’re using,” Wylie says.

The difference is the system focuses on building biological activity rather than simply adding nutrients.

“But it’s a long-term solution,” he says. “It’s not going to work overnight.”

Instead, the goal is to strengthen the soil’s microbiome so it can better buffer environmental stresses.

“It’s actually creating a buffer by just supercharging the microbiome that’s in the soil,” Wylie says.

That biological activity may help address several common soil issues in California orchards.

“Everything feeds on it,” he says. “It’s overcoming high salt, high chlorides.”

Even trace mineral challenges may improve over time.

“In some cases in California, we have very high boron in some areas,” Wylie says.

He believes increased biological activity may help mitigate those problems faster than traditional soil-building methods alone.

“Microalgae being put into the system can actually overcome those salts that might take 10 or 15 years of compost and cover crops,” he says. “You can accomplish in a few years by using MyLand.”

The Pressure on California Farmers

The search for new tools is happening at a time when farming in California is becoming increasingly expensive.

Data from USDA shows the state continues to rank as the most expensive place in the country to grow crops, driven by high labor, energy and input costs.

Those economic pressures are compounded by growing regulatory expectations.

Wylie believes California farmers are already facing some of the strictest scrutiny in global agriculture.

“I think the state’s already looking at it very closely,” he says. “I think they’re going to put more pressure on farmers in California.”

Compared with other agricultural regions, he says California producers are operating under unique constraints.

“Other than the European Union, there is no one in the world that’s under as much pressure as a California farmer to change the way we do things,” Wylie says.

Because of that, he believes farmers must take the lead in finding workable solutions.

“We need to figure this out,” he says. “And I want to figure it out before the government gets involved and tries to tell me how to do it.”

Government incentive programs exist, but Wylie believes the real challenge is making soil health practices economically viable.

“They can offer me some incentives,” he says. “We have healthy soils out here. They give you a little compost and cover crop seed.”

Ultimately, though, growers need systems that work on their own.

“We need to figure this out and we need to make it economical and profitable before the state comes in,” Wylie says.

Because once regulations remove certain tools, farmers may have little room to adapt.

“Now you’re forced to figure it out with your back against the wall,” he says. “We don’t want that.”

For Wylie, the answer may lie beneath the soil surface where billions of microbes, fueled by algae, could quietly reshape how California farms grow their crops. And by doing so now, Wylie hopes he’s able to find ways to continue to grow productive crops in California, despite increased regulations.

Millennium Pacific Launches California Grown Cucumber Program

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:51:56 GMT

Millennium Pacific Greenhouses says it is set to deliver premium greenhouse-grown long English, mini and Coastal Cukie-Bites snack cucumbers to West Coast retailers and consumers year-round through its new California Grown program.

Rooted in the strength of its advanced greenhouse facility in Tehachapi, Calif., the company says the program reinforces its commitment to surety of supply, consistent quality and regionally grown freshness. The greenhouse grower says the expansion enhances its ability to serve retail and foodservice partners throughout California and neighboring western markets with reduced transit times, improved shelf life and dependable volume planning.

The California Grown designation carries powerful equity at retail. For consumers increasingly focused on where their food is grown, Millennium Pacific Greenhouses says its West Coast greenhouse production offers transparency, freshness and year-round availability.

“Our new California Grown cucumber program builds on the strength of our already robust tomato portfolio and represents a significant step forward in reinforcing our West Coast supply network,” says Brandon Gruenberger, vice president of sales for Millennium Pacific Greenhouses. “By leveraging our recent 62-acre acquisition in Tehachapi, we’re able to provide retailers with consistent, premium greenhouse cucumbers while reducing supply gaps and transportation risk. This program enhances our ability to plan collaboratively with customers and deliver the freshness consumers expect — every day of the year.”

As a vertically integrated, family-owned greenhouse company operating in both the U.S. and Canada, Millennium Pacific Greenhouses says it ensures reliable, year-round supply of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers with seamless cross-border continuity.

The company says its greenhouse growing model uses controlled environment agriculture to optimize light, climate and water efficiency, producing cucumbers that are crisp, refreshing and consistently high in quality. Millennium Pacific Greenhouses says the California Grown program complements its broader North American greenhouse footprint, creating a balanced supply strategy designed for resilience and continuity.

Benefits highlighted for retailers include:

Strong regional marketing support through California Grown.
Reduced freight exposure and faster replenishment cycles.
Category consistency across long English, mini and snack formats.
Dependable year-round programs backed by vertical integration.

As consumer demand for fresh, local and greenhouse-grown produce continues to rise, Millennium Pacific Greenhouses says it remains committed to delivering on its brand promise through innovation, quality and trusted partnerships.

University of Minnesota's Licensing Model Brings High-Flavor Apple Varieties to Direct Marketers

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:30:23 GMT

Apple breeding is quite a long game, says Matt Clark, associate professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Horticultural Science and director of research at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The university’s renowned fruit breeding program has created household names such as Honeycrisp and SweeTango as well as Rave, Zestar and countless others.

Clark says he and his university colleague, David Bedford, senior research fellow and apple breeder, have varieties in different stages of development that will likely be released by their successors.

“The work we’re doing in 2025 — the breeding decisions we’re making now are for 2050 and beyond,” Clark says. “We try to be thinking about the future and setting up the next Matt Clark and David Bedford team in 25 years. I keep saying, the crosses I’m making now, I hope to be retired by the time they’re released.”

Clark says Bedford, known for his pivotal role in developing Honeycrisp, also calls variety development a numbers game. Clark says his research team moved forward with 11 selections this year and discarded more than 4,000 crosses. The 11 that advanced still need to go through vigorous assessments to continue in variety development.

High Stakes of Variety Selection

Honeycrisp’s ascent from pick-your-own darling to consumer favorite is nothing that any fruit breeder could have predicted, but it set in motion the current path of both variety management and variety development.

While managed varieties offer growers the chance to grow something exclusive and brands to control the final product, Clark says what’s missing is the direct-to-consumer aspect of a licensing model in many cases.

The University of Minnesota recently launched Superior Fruit Innovations, a grower-focused license model that opens its catalog of varieties to growers of different scales. While a few organizations have opened varieties to pick-your-own and direct-to-consumer markets, the university felt it was important to offer something with its own noteworthy IP, Clark says.

“It’s strategic for us to be thinking about getting varieties — that we’ve invested a lot of time and energy into — producing exceptional eating-quality apples that they can grow and direct-market to their customer, who they know,” he says. “At the same time, they don’t necessarily compete with wholesale growers who are producing for a year-round market.”

New Model for Flavor

Clark says, in many ways, some of the varieties developed for the direct-to-consumer market won’t be successful wholesale or commercial apples.

They might have thinner skin and bruise easily, but the flavor might be out of this world. Instead of scrapping a variety because it can’t be successful from grower to packer, this licensing model helps set the varieties up to a place where they’ll shine: in a farm market where a grower or a retail staff member can help consumers find flavors tailored to their tastes and expectations.

“Growers know their customers because they see them and they come back every week and buy these products,” he says.

Superior Fruit Innovations has just released Big Flirt and Super Snap. Clark says Rave, also known as First Kiss, is also a part of this licensing agreement.

Clark says Super Snap is “ultracrisp.” While the University of Minnesota classifies Honeycrisp as crisp, there are two other categories the breeding program classifies as crisp.

“It’s elevated, and it’s possible that the only way you’re going to get that is going to these direct marketers, because who knows what it’s like after three months, five months; we don’t have enough data, what the production scale is like,” he says. “But for us, we’re like, ‘Wow, that is something that consumers are going to remember.’ It’s crispier and juicier than Honeycrisp.”

Clark says there are more releases planned, including more in the direct-to-consumer marketplace.

“We have more of this pipeline because we have some that we know would never make it through a packinghouse,” he says. “They have this tender, crisp, super juicy, almost meltinglike texture. The only way to have that experience really is to pick it yourself and eat it.”

Cultivating the Future of Fresh

Clark says success as a fruit breeder is an interesting notion, as many may see wide adoption as a success, though he also sees sustainability as part of success. This means disease resistance, varieties that are easier for growers to grow and more.

“I came into this field thinking success as farmers is making money and growing things that people want, trying new things and diversifying their farms,” he says. “Success also looks like making sure I can pay for my staff and take care of the orchard and continue the innovation.”

And Clark says this licensing model will help growers access more varieties.

“We think that this model is useful,” he says. “We’ve basically set up our own in-house club, and it’s not an exclusive club, but it’s a way of saying, ‘We want you to be successful; we want you to try these varieties,’ and mirroring in some ways what the Midwest Apple Improvement Association is doing but not being exclusive like what we’ve done on some of these other varieties.”

While Honeycrisp and SweeTango put the University of Minnesota on the map for apple breeding, Clark notes the program’s reach extends to table grapes, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. Having spent the last decade focused on the university’s table grape breeding, Clark is now seeing those efforts come to fruition. Several new cold-hardy varieties, including the LumiGlo grape, are being released through the Superior Fruit Innovations model.

“They have the most fantastic flavor,” he says. “If you’ve never tasted a grape that tastes something like pineapple and strawberry and guava together, we’ve got that. Does it have the best texture? No. Does it have a little bit of a seed trace that you might notice? Yeah, but the flavor is awesome. And why sit on that? Let’s try to get growers to produce this.”

Clark says he hopes the licensing model will help support the continued effort of land-grant university breeding programs, though the goal is also to continue to push the envelope of flavor to draw more consumers to fresh produce.

“It’s a win to get really tasty varieties into the mouths of consumers who should be eating more fruits and vegetables,” he says. “And then I think they’re going to have an eating experience that they’re going to enjoy.”

As for the crosses he’s making today, Clark says he just hopes his successor will agree with the direction the program moves toward.

“We’re already thinking about who [is] your successor and how are they going to use this information and hope that they agree with our decisions that we’re making,” he says. “We’re hoping that we’re doing the right thing and making good decisions.”

USDA to Provide $1B in Specialty Crop Farmer Assistance

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:49:48 GMT

USDA will provide $1 billion in assistance for specialty crops, sugar and commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance program, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says in a news release. USDA says these one-time bridge payments will be made through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program.

While USDA says the payments will “help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports,” with $500 million in losses to just russet potatoes alone , the figure falls well short of the full funding needed.

Specialty crop producers have until March 13, 2026, to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency, the release says.

“President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and today we are building on our Farmer Bridge Assistance program with the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program,” Rollins says in the release. “Our specialty crop producers continue to feel the negative effects of four years under the Biden Administration, suffering from record inflation, a depleted farm safety net and delayed disaster assistance.

“If our specialty crop producers are not economically able to continue their operations, American families will see a decrease in the food they rely on, wholesome and nutritious fruits and vegetables,” Rollins continues. “Putting Farmers First is essential to the Make America Healthy Again movement and we are doing both at USDA by expanding market opportunities and improving the farm economy for all producers. Today’s specialty crop announcement builds on our efforts to improve markets for real food into American schools, institutions, and family dinner tables.”

The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and will be administered by FSA.

Eligible Specialty Crops

USDA says ASCF-eligible specialty crops include: almond, apple, apricot, aronia berry, artichoke, asparagus, avocado, banana, bean (snap or green; lima; dry edible), beet (table), blackberry, blueberry, breadfruit, broccoli (including broccoli [rabe]), Brussels sprouts, cabbage (including Chinese), cacao, carrot, cashew, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, cherimoya, cherry, chestnut (for nuts), chive, citrus, coconut, coffee, collards (including kale), cranberry, cucumber, currant, dates, dry edible beans and peas (dry edible beans and peas covered by FBA will not be eligible for ASCF), edamame, eggplant, endive, feijou, fig, filbert (hazelnut), garlic, gooseberry, grape (including raisin), guava, horseradish, kiwi, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, litchi, macadamia, mango, melon (all types), mushroom (cultivated), mustard and other greens, nectarines, okra, olive, onion, opuntia, papaya, parsley, parsnip, passion fruit, pea (garden; English or edible pod; dry edible), peaches, pears, pecans, peppers, persimmons, pineapple, pistachio, plums (including prune), pomegranate, potato, pumpkin, quince, radish (all types), raspberry, rhubarb, rutabaga, salsify, spinach, squash (summer and winter), strawberry, Suriname cherry, sweet corn, sweet potato, Swiss chard, taro, tomato (including tomatillo), turnip, walnuts and watermelon.

ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres.

Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 p.m. ET on March 13. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of March. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF program. However, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.

More information on ASCF is available online at fsa.usda.gov/fba , or producers can contact their local FSA county office.

Your next read: Specialty Crops in Crisis: Will They Receive the Farm Aid They Need?

The Berry Boom: New Genetics and Strategic Sizing Drive 2026 Category Growth

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:03:39 GMT

As the produce industry moves into the 2026 season, the berry category continues to solidify its position as a powerhouse of the produce department. Fueled by a combination of high-performing new varieties, a smooth transition between growing regions and data-driven retail strategies, the big four berries remain the primary drivers of growth and consumer excitement.

Industry leaders are reporting a highly favorable outlook for the current shipping window.

Nick Wishnatzki, public relations director of Wish Farms, anticipates peak Florida strawberry volumes from late February through the first 10 days of March.

“Overall, the Florida strawberry crop looks healthier than last year’s crop,” Wishnatzki says, adding that production in California’s Oxnard and East Side Santa Maria regions is ahead of schedule, facilitating a smooth transition in mid-to-late March.

Jerry Moran, vice president of sales for Naturipe Farms, echoes this optimism.

“Seasonal transitions are shaping up well,” he says, adding that the move from Central Mexico into California and Florida has been smooth due to varietal overlap.

“Weather always has the potential to create short-term challenges, especially in winter, but we do not anticipate major supply gaps,” Moran says. “Continued investment in protected growing environments, diversified regions, and logistics has helped us shorten and soften those transition periods.”

Overall, Moran says the peak shipping windows look fairly similar to last year, “but we’re seeing better consistency thanks to improved varieties and tighter execution during transitions. Strawberries and blueberries are both showing strong volumes during their traditional peaks, with strawberries benefiting from expanded acreage and blueberries from newer genetics that hold quality longer. On the domestic side, the blueberry peak in Georgia is shaping up to be especially strong, setting a solid tone for the season.

“On the premium side, we’re seeing steady growth in varieties that deliver standout flavor, even if yields are slightly lower,” Moran says. “Retailers are increasingly willing to make space for those berries because they taste great and drive repeat purchases.”

The Future of Flavor: Varietal Innovation

A major theme for the 2026 season is the successful deployment of proprietary and university-developed genetics.

Wish Farms is highlighting the Ember and Encore varieties as a gold standard for Florida producers, noting their exceptional yield, disease resistance and fruit quality.

“Our company is laser focused on finding the best-tasting new varieties, so that characteristic ranks high on our list of requirements,” Wishnatzki says. “New varietal development is truly the future of our industry, as we not only want great tasting varieties, but ones that make farming sustainable, specifically when it comes to yield and disease resistance.

“University of Florida varieties continue to be the gold standard for strawberry producers in the state,” he continues. “The Ember and Encore varieties have shown very strong yield and quality this season. We are also proud members of the Ohalo Strawberry Consortium, which is working on some exciting developments coming down the line.”

Furthermore, Wish Farms’ proprietary breeding company, Berry Sweet Research, is advancing toward the commercialization of new premium raspberry and blackberry varieties.

“Entering its fourth year of rigorous seedling evaluation, BSR is setting new benchmarks in innovation, flavor and performance in its mission of developing premium raspberry and blackberry varieties,” Wishnatzki says. “At the helm is Carlos Fear, a renowned plant breeder and horticulturalist with 35 years of industry experience.

Fear spent much of his career at Driscoll’s, where he played a pivotal role developing industry-leading berry varieties, Wishnatzki adds. He is the inventor or co-inventor on 35 patents spanning raspberries, blackberries and strawberries.

“Each year, BSR assesses 10,000 seedlings, and advances approximately 100 elite selections for further evaluation across three strategic trial locations in California and Mexico. Selections are chosen based on exceptional yield, superior postharvest performance, and standout flavor criteria that reflect the evolving demands of growers, retailers and consumers,” Wishnatzki says. “BSR is preparing to launch full tunnel pre-commercial trials by 2026, featuring two standout raspberry selections. BSR anticipates expanding pre-commercial trials to include two to four selections with growers, paving the way for the release of up to two top-performing varieties for commercial production in 2027.”

Naturipe Farms is also seeing success with newer genetics that hold quality longer, particularly in the blueberry segment. Moran emphasized the importance of balancing high-yield varieties with premium-flavor genetics.

“Those premium berries create excitement and give retailers a way to trade shoppers up,” Moran says, adding that shoppers are increasingly willing to pay more for berries they can trust to taste good every time.

The CSC’s 2025 Strawberry Shopper Playbook reveals that the strawberry category added nearly $500 million in incremental sales, with dollar sales growing by 10%.

(Image courtesy of California Strawberry Commission)

Data-Driven Success: The $500 Million Gain

New research from the California Strawberry Commission underscores the massive financial impact of the category. The CSC’s 2025 Strawberry Shopper Playbook reveals that the strawberry category added nearly $500 million in incremental sales, with dollar sales growing by 10%.

Key takeaways for retailers from the CSC research include:

Volume leadership — Strawberries represent 60% of total berry category volume and drove 61% of incremental growth.
The 32-ounce powerhouse — Larger 32-ounce packages accounted for 68% of incremental sales, delivering $332 million in revenue.
Promotion power — Strawberry promotions generated a 36% volume lift on an average discount of only 22%.

Meeting the Health-Conscious Consumer

The sustained growth of the category is deeply tied to the health and wellness movement. Wishnatzki also points out that Florida’s winter timing is a major advantage, as fresh berries arrive just as shoppers are focusing on New Year’s resolutions and spring resets.

“We continue to see strong growth in the berry category year after year, especially with the health and wellness movement shaping consumer behavior,” he says. “Shoppers are increasingly prioritizing nutrient-rich, whole foods, and no category is better positioned than berries. Consumption is surging across all berry types, with strawberries leading the charge during Florida’s winter season. Packed with vitamin C, fiber and heart-healthy benefits, strawberries align perfectly with consumer goals for better eating.”

As the industry looks toward the rest of 2026, the focus remains clear: delivering consistent flavor and quality. When these elements are met, Moran says, berries remain one of the fastest-turning categories in produce, with shoppers willing to purchase every week.

Apple Processing Stocks Climb as Fresh Holdings Dip Below 2025 Levels in Latest USApple Report

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:37:48 GMT

According to the latest USApple Tracker, fresh apple holdings as of Jan. 1 are 7% less than inventories reported in January 2025, but still 4% more than the five-year average for January.

Processing apples are higher year over year, at 47 million bushels, reported in 42-pound bushels, which is 7% more than the inventories reported at this time in 2025. It is also 14% higher than the five-year average for January.

The states with the highest number of apples in storage include:

Washington with 21,497,789 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 66,396,496 bushels of fresh apples in controlled atmosphere (CA) storage and about 6,733,393 bushels of processing apples in regular storage and 26,619,940 bushels of processing apples in CA storage
New York with 858,716 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 4,804,213 bushels of fresh apples in CA storage as well as 3,207,408 bushels of processing apples in regular storage and 3,279,122 bushels of processing apples in CA storage
Michigan with 274,000 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 2,990,000 bushels of fresh apples in CA storage as well as 916,000 bushels of processing apples in regular storage and 2,510,000 processing apples in CA storage

The top varieties in holding include:

Honeycrisp at 20,315,472 bushels
Gala at 19,115,735 bushels
Granny smith at 19,022,557 bushels
Cosmic Crisp at 16,243,810 bushels
Red delicious at 16,221,276 bushels

View the latest report online .

California Lemon Growers Face Uphill Battle as Argentine Imports Saturate Domestic Market

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:58:08 GMT

During a December webinar on agricultural labor, Lisa Tate, a fifth-generation citrus and avocado grower in southern California, spoke about the impact of imports on her family’s farm.

“As a lemon grower, we were very profitable for many years, and then all of a sudden, trade policy changed, and we just got an influx of foreign lemons, which killed our domestic crop immediately,” she says in the webinar. “I went from making very good money on our crop to losing 2 cents per lemon over the course of three years without any other changes, just that policy change.”

Casey Creamer, president and CEO of California Citrus Mutual, says Argentinian lemon imports have been problematic for the state’s citrus growers for almost a decade. But its history dates back about 25 years. In 2000, amid pressure from the Argentine government, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service lifted a phytosanitary ban on imports from the country. However, in 2001, U.S. citrus growers filed a lawsuit noting the science used to justify the opening was flawed, and a judge ruled in favor of the U.S. growers.

In December 2016, USDA announced it would lift a ban on lemons from the northwest part of Argentina. Following negotiations, fresh Argentine lemons were allowed in by around 2018. Creamer says the influx of lemons coming from Argentina started off slow, but it’s become a flood.

“It’s been increasing it feels like every year,” Creamer says. “They’re a pretty big player in lemons, and they’ve shifted a whole lot more tonnage from the EU, which is where they traditionally sent it, to the United States.”

Creamer says what’s problematic for Southern California coastal growers is the timing of these imports.

“It’s really the time that they come in, really impacting our Southern California Coastal growers,” he says. “Who have had negative profitability significant for the last few years, and without any sort of improvement in or reduction in the amount of lemons that are being sent from Argentina. We just don’t see many options there for improvement.”

Creamer says California Citrus Mutual has had discussions with members of Congress and with USDA and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to elevate this issue.

“We’re not against fair, reciprocal access, but we should be having American growers first,” he says. “There’s a balance there that we just feel is not balanced at the moment, and so we’re looking for some remedies, whether they be in the current discussions that are happening with Argentina around the reciprocal tariffs, whether they’re in other areas. Our growers are a good portion of the especially lemon growers in Southern California, are experiencing a lot of pain, and we need some help.”

And that balance, Creamer says, is crucial for all global trade. What is imported, what is exported? What other markets is the USTR working to open?

“There’s the trade-offs that always happen, and it’s a tough deal, and I get it, but we’re going to do our job for our growers and advocate for them,” he says.

Tate acknowledges this too in the webinar, where she says decisions and the subsequent consequences can really impact growers.

“Sometimes those policies are helping one commodity, but they end up hurting another,” she says. “I don’t know how you even that playing field, but the more competitive we can be with foreign growers, the better it is for us.”

And Creamer says while he understands growers feeling the brunt of these polices might get frustrated, he wants to assure the growers that organizations such as California Citrus Mutual are vital to create relationships that can help best communicate those concerns.

“This is why you have organizations to be on top of these types of things, to have the relationships and speak with a collective voice to share these concerns,” he says. “Know they have an advocate who’s working on their behalf 24/7, making sure elected officials and agencies understand what’s happening on the ground.”

And he says growers should understand that while the government might move quickly when there’s a crisis, the pace of government isn’t necessarily quick.

“You’ve got to convince the senators, and then you’ve got to get something signed by the president, and there’s an administrative side of things,” he says. “Our system was not built necessarily on speed. These things take a long, consistent, persistent effort. I understand the growers’ frustration, but this is part of how the system of government works.”

Also, he wants growers to know they are at the table and are presenting the data on the issue of imports and other issues concerning California citrus growers.

“All politics is local. It never hurts for people to be involved in local politics,” he says. “Your member of Congress in your area, you need to know who they are. You need to call the office and say hello, make sure they’re aware of the issues that are affecting the district. All that feeds in and is very helpful for the work that we do, because it’s not only a trade association coming and talking to the member in D.C., but they’ve also heard it from their constituents and back in the district.”

He also says growers should understand how helpful it will be to have Sen. Adam Schiff as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“It’s great that we have Senator Schiff on the Senate Ag Committee now, which gives us a much stronger voice than what we had before,” he says. “We’re really grateful to have connections like that, and people, like the senator, who want to help.”

Tomato Grafting: Where It Delivers, Where It Doesn’t

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:57:22 GMT

Tomato grafting has long been part of the controlled-environment agriculture conversation, but it rarely sits at the center of debate. That’s changing as growers face mounting disease pressure, labor constraints and rising production costs, all while also demanding longer crop cycles and more consistent yields.

Those issues were discussed during Indoor Ag Conversations Presents: Tomato Grafting — Where It Delivers, Where It Doesn’t, and What’s Changed, a Jan. 13 webinar moderated by Matt Korpan, executive director of research and innovation at BiopHi.

Panelists included Hande Saganak, vegetable grafting operation and research and development leader of The Morning Star Company, and Ben Pieterse of TTA-ISO, an automation solutions company.

What Hasn’t Changed

The plant still sets the rules.

Despite advances in rootstock breeding and propagation technology, Saganak says tomato genetics, and basic plant physiology, still dictate outcomes.

“Tomatoes still need a certain amount of nitrogen, light, humidity and heat,” she says. “You can’t bypass that with grafting.”

What has changed is uniformity. In the early 2000s, Saganak recalled working with rootstocks that varied widely in stem diameter, complicating grafting success. Today, improved breeding and propagation practices have made it easier to match scions and rootstocks, one of the most critical factors in successful grafting, she says.

“Matching diameter is one of the most important parts,” Sagaak says. “We adjust growing techniques specifically, so rootstock and scion align at the right time.”

The panelists repeatedly returned to one theme: Grafting is essentially plant surgery, and hygiene failures can wipe out thousands of plants quickly.

After grafting, young tomato plants are left with open wounds that require high humidity and careful environmental control to heal. That same environment also creates ideal conditions for disease if sanitation slips.

“Hygiene, disinfection and sanitation are among the most important factors,” Saganak says. “Anything that touches the plants can introduce disease.”

That includes shoes, tools, hands and even food brought into the greenhouse. Panelists noted many operations now rely on strict zoning protocols, disinfectant footbaths, protective clothing and air and water sanitation systems to reduce risk.

Korpan says propagators, particularly in North America and Europe, have raised the bar in recent years, driven by grower expectations and the high cost of crop failure.

“Growers want to know the plants are coming in clean,” he says. “They’ve already invested heavily in sanitation before those plants ever arrive.”

Automation Shifts the Economics

Labor remains the biggest cost barrier to grafting, particularly for processing tomatoes and outdoor production. That’s where automation is changing the equation.

Pieterse says automated grafting machines are allowing nurseries to reduce labor needs dramatically while improving consistency.

“A machine does the same thing every time,” he says. “People are flexible, but they’re not consistent over long periods, and grafting demands consistency.”

At Morning Star, automated grafting has reduced labor requirements from nine workers to roughly one or two per line, Saganak says. While automation doesn’t eliminate overseeding or plant losses, she says it improves predictability and makes grafting more feasible at scale.

Sorting technology is another key lever. Removing weak or non-germinated plants early saves greenhouse space, energy and labor — critical in high-input CEA systems.

“If you can sort early, you stop wasting resources on plants that won’t make it,” Pieterse says.

When Grafting Makes Sense and When it Doesn’t

Not every grower grafts, and the panelists were clear that grafting isn’t a universal solution.

For high-tech greenhouse tomatoes, grafting often delivers value by extending crop life to 10 to 12 months or longer, improving resistance to diseases such as tomato brown rugose fruit virus, and supporting plant vigor through high-stress periods like summer heat.

In lower-tech systems, or in greenhouses intentionally running short crop cycles, grafting might not pencil out. Some growers opt for fast, non-grafted crops when energy prices spike or disease pressure makes long-term production risky.

“There has to be a payoff,” Korpan says. “If you don’t need the plant to last a full season, grafting may not make sense.”

While the webinar focused on indoor and controlled environments, interest in grafting is expanding into field production, particularly where soil-borne diseases, broomrape or declining soil health limit yields.

Saganak says trials in processing tomatoes have shown 25% to 30% higher yields with grafted plants, even at lower planting densities, though cost remains the primary hurdle.

“Automation is what makes that possible,” she says. “Without it, the labor cost is too high.”

A Tool, Not a Shortcut

Ultimately, the panelists framed grafting as a precision tool rather than a silver bullet. Success depends on matching rootstock and scion to production goals, whether that’s longevity, disease resistance, fruit quality or speed to harvest.

“Rootstock choice reflects priorities,” Saganak says. “Strength, taste, short-term versus long-term production, you have to decide what matters most.”

Sweet Karoline Blackberries Set to Shine in 2026 Season

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:59:29 GMT

Berry Fresh’s 2026 Sweet Karoline blackberry season is expected to be the strongest yet, fueled by expanded acreage, improved yields and rising consumer enthusiasm.

Driven by strategic plantings and continued advances in agronomy, Berry Fresh has significantly increased Sweet Karoline production, according to a news release.

“Over the past several years, we’ve gained key insights into what Sweet Karoline needs to thrive,” says Darren Sinn, vice president of operations and supply chain for Berry Fresh. “As we expand into new growing regions, we can apply these insights to consistently deliver the vibrant flavor that defines the Sweet Karoline experience.”

Now entering its fourth commercial season, Sweet Karoline has earned a passionate following. Known for its reliably sweet flavor, low seed profile and excellent shelf life, the company says it continues to shine with both consumers and retail partners.

Season after season, Berry Fresh says it continues to build on its experience, enhancing the consistency and performance of Sweet Karoline, adding that this steady refinement has strengthened the program’s position as a trusted premium blackberry.

To support long-term growth, Berry Fresh has expanded Sweet Karoline acreage into Oregon, extending the season and enhancing national availability. The first harvest is expected this summer. Additional U.S. plantings are being planned to support scale and reach in the coming years.

“Our expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional flavor,” says Jyoti Bhogal, vice president of sales and marketing for Berry Fresh. “With Sweet Karoline now thriving in new regions, and with consumer excitement continuing to grow, the program is building a longer, stronger and even more flavorful season each year.”

California Pear Industry Speaks Out Against Argentine Imports

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 23:01:30 GMT

“We really got our rear ends kicked this year by Argentine pears being in the marketplace when we started our harvest,” says Chris Zanobini, executive director of the California Pear Advisory Board.

Zanobini says California used to have a thriving pear industry, in which growers produced around 320,000 tons about 25 years ago. This year’s total was around 107,000 tons, or about 30% of U.S. pear production.

“They’re stewards of the land,” Zanobini says of the state’s 60-plus growers that farm around 4,000 acres. “In California, we have to adhere to the strictest environmental policies.”

The majority of those pears, bartlett and bosc, are for processing, but Zanobini says the state’s growers pride themselves on growing for the fresh market, too. He estimates that about 1.4 million 36-pound boxes go to the fresh market.

“We tend to operate within our market window, which is right around the first of July,” he says. “We like to be done by October, because we don’t like to compete with the Northwest, and neither does the Northwest like us to compete with them.”

Zanobini says that the relationship between the California pear season and the Pacific Northwest’s pear season has been good, except when imports get added to the mix. He estimates that since 2016, Argentine imports have increased 125%. He says those pears, treated with ethylene inhibitors, help importers extend pear storage.

“Argentina’s harvest is in December and January,” he says. “So, those pears can store for a very long period of time.”

Zanobini says that while Argentina supplies about 90% of pears during the winter months, about 70% of pear imports from Argentina arrive in April and May, right before the start of the next California season. This year importers brought pears to the U.S. through September, and a major retailer delayed its California pear program by a month as a result.

“That was about 10% of the crop that got pushed back,” he says. “And it was at a premium price.”

He says that really hurt the state’s pear growers, who have farmed since the Gold Rush.

“We still have some of those same families that started back then, still growing pears,” he says. “Finally, our guys said enough’s enough.”

Zanobini says as a response, industry leaders have begun discussions with the U.S. trade representative’s office to help California growers find relief. He sees this as a good time to help prevent Argentinian pears from undercutting U.S. growers.

“We said the time [and] the opportunity is right now to try to get something to happen,” he says. “There’s all these great things about producing fruits and vegetables in California, and I guess we have to fight for our right to do that.”

BASF Introduces Percyst Carrots, New Hope Against Root-Knot Nematodes

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:27:01 GMT

For carrot growers, the subterranean battle against nematodes is a multibillion-dollar struggle. This season, the vegetable seeds business of BASF, operating under the Nunhems brand, has unveiled a new weapon: Percyst.

The result of 20 years of dedicated research and development, Percyst is the first carrot variety to feature intermediate resistance to Southern root-knot nematode and other root-knot nematode species while maintaining the high-quality standards demanded by today’s retailers.

Balancing Resistance With Quality

Historically, breeding carrots for pest resistance has often meant sacrificing the three pillars of retail performance: flavor, color and texture. Percyst was developed specifically to break that trade-off by pairing defensive traits with the eating quality and appearance consumers expect, according to Kaitlyn O’Neal, regional crop lead, Americas: carrot, onion for BASF | Nunhems.

“Percyst is the result of 20 years of innovation,” O’Neal says, noting the timeline reflects both the complexity of the trait and the market expectations placed on modern carrot varieties. “We developed the nematode resistance with help from the USDA, and then it took about that long to make sure that it was a solid trait and to get it into a marketable carrot.”

“We wanted to make sure we had the smoothness, the crack resistance and all of the things that our growers need and that consumers expect in their carrots in the stores — plus the nematode resistance,” she adds

Kaitlyn O’Neal, regional crop lead, Americas: carrot, onion for BASF | Nunhems

(Photo courtesy of BASF)

The timing of Percyst’s launch is especially significant for California growers. As the California Department of Pesticide Regulation continues to tighten restrictions on soil fumigants, growers are increasingly looking to genetics as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy to protect yields.

BASF | Nunhems has already seen encouraging trial results under reduced chemical inputs.

“We’ve done trials where we’ve had this variety compared to a similar variety without nematode resistance on fields that were not fumigated,” O’Neal says. “It has still produced a very marketable yield with the Percyst variety because of that intermediate nematode resistance.”

She adds that, at scale, the variety could meaningfully reduce reliance on fumigants.

“We expect in larger operations that we’ll see a reduced need for fumigants and other methods of control for root-knot nematodes with the use of Percyst compared to a regular carrot variety,” she says.

Beyond pest management, Percyst was bred with market flexibility in mind. The variety is considered dual purpose, making it suitable for both fresh market cello packs and baby carrot processing — a valuable attribute in a volatile supply and demand environment.

“Growers can plant it with either end goal in mind, whether that’s processing for baby carrots or fresh market cello production,” O’Neal says. “If they’re planting and not sure where they’ll need it at the time of planting, by the time they’re ready to harvest, they can make that decision, and this variety can fit both of those needs.”

Early feedback from trials has been positive, particularly around uniformity and appearance, key requirements for processors and retailers alike.

Looking Ahead

As Percyst enters the market through authorized distributors this planting season, BASF | Nunhems views it as the first step in a broader pipeline of nematode-resistant carrots.

“We have a pipeline behind this variety,” O’Neal says. “Percyst is the first of what we hope will be a long line of other varieties with increasing resistance to Southern root-knot nematode and other root-knot nematodes.”

While the trait was developed with Southern California pressure in mind, its potential reach could extend further.

“This is a Southern California trait, but we are trialing it across the U.S. in different areas where they experience different nematode pressure,” O’Neal says. “We’ll see how this trait holds up in those other areas as well.”

For BASF | Nunhems, Percyst represents a shift toward genetics as a front-line solution to regulatory, environmental and economic pressures — and a new tool growers can add to their IPM toolbox.

Dragon Fruit Expected to be Plentiful Through February, Says Tierra Suelta

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:11:43 GMT

Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta reported Dec. 18 that plentiful volumes of dragon fruit are now available for retail promotions.

“We’ve entered peak dragon fruit season with 40,000 boxes arriving weekly,” says Steve Stutz, vice president of sales, in an announcement. “For the next two months, our state-of-the-art packing facility in Ecuador will operate at capacity to support promotable volumes of our highest quality dragon fruit. Tierra Suelta has the production, logistics and infrastructure to meet the needs of major retailers throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Tierra Suelta invested significantly in developing and building a state-of-the-art packing facility dedicated to dragon fruit, the company reports. The new facility is Global GAP and Primus certified. Tierra Suelta says it is committed to helping retailers succeed with this novelty-turned-favorite fruit by providing an abundant supply of dragon fruit along with in-store and online support to generate additional consumer demand.

“In the winter months, the fruit’s vibrant color and festive appearance naturally enhances fruit platters and decorative tablescapes,” says Adrian Abreu, Tierra Suelta CEO. “We have four varieties of dragon fruit — white, red, yellow, and golden — all of which boast antioxidant-rich nutritional profiles. The fruit’s immunity-boosting qualities also make it an ideal snack choice during cold-and-flu season.”

Tierra Suelta, which translates to “loose soil,” is a woman- and minority-owned, vertically-integrated farming business that grows and ships tropical fruits, roots and specialty produce from its headquarters in Miami.

Washington Pear Growers Face Record Flooding and Unusual Pest Management

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:48:51 GMT

Last week, approximately 78,000 residents in the Skagit River floodplain in Washington state were ordered to evacuate as back-to-back atmospheric rivers saturated the region. The water surpassed historical marks, notes Robert Ezelle, director of the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division.

“What we have seen in actuality is it came through right at about the record flood level,” he told AgDay. “That doesn’t mean to say that we’re out of the woods. We’re not, because as the waters come down here, they’re still going to be gaining strength. And as they hit the Burlington, Mt. Vernon area, we’re still expecting to see about 2 feet higher than record flood level. It’s going to be most likely worse than you experienced back in 2021.”

Last week’s storm impacted many parts of Chelan County, as well as other parts of the Pacific Northwest, where officials evacuated Washington State University’s Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in Mount Vernon due to high water and flood warnings.

The impact stretched across the Cascades into the Cashmere Valley, where Randall Chipman, a certified crop adviser in Cashmere Valley between Wenatchee and Leavenworth, scouted area orchards to assess what he saw. In a video he posted on LinkedIn , a pear block in Cashmere that usually sits 10 feet or more above the waterline had trees pulled up with roots almost 5 feet in the air.

“The main concern now is, alright, where are we going to get our topsoil back?” he says in the video. “We have all of our roots exposed. It’s going to be more detrimental than maybe just having regular soggy feet. Now we have to wait for next year, but keep an eye on it.”

Chipman says a bright spot to the flooding is that it hit during dormancy, when trees have already shut down for the winter. Prolonged wetness isn’t necessarily as much of a concern as exposed roots. And, he says in the winter, most orchards are waterlogged with snow, so this is almost the same thing.

“Realistically, dormancy will help,” he says. “We’re not worried about waterlogging. If it was during this season and we had fruit on the trees, then you have no oxygen, and then that’s it’s an issue.”

Chipman says some pear growers in the area have experienced flooding, but nothing to the extent that happened last week.

“It’s going to be this annoying thing that we’ve never really thought we had to deal with,” he says.

Downed trees with exposed roots are a main concern for pear growers in the Cashmere Valley in Washington, says Randall Chipman, a certified crop adviser.

(Photo: Randall Chipman)

And he’s also optimistic that all this rainfall could help limit pear psylla pressure next growing season, though he says he needs to monitor pest pressure next year to see if his assumptions play out. Instead of psylla overwintering under the limbs of nearby pine trees, it could be those rains could have washed the psylla out of the trees, he says.

“We’re essentially doing an overhead wash right now, which is a pest management strategy for washing psylla out of a tree,” Chipman says.

He points out that growers in the Hood River of Oregon have much less pear psylla pressure, which could be due in part to the amount of rainfall the area gets compared with the Cashmere Valley.

“It’s not exactly on the packing side of things, but it would be interesting to find out,” he says. “It’s definitely an interesting horticultural phenomenon of sorts.”

Field Trends 2025 Signal a Precision Push in Specialty Crops

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:22:21 GMT

For specialty crop growers, 2025 marked a turning point. Faced with tighter margins, labor shortages and heightened sensitivity to off-target applications, growers leaned harder than ever into precision agriculture, according to Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio. While adoption once lagged due to concerns around payload, accuracy and drift, those barriers are quickly disappearing, Erickson says.

Specialty crop operations, from citrus and berries to nursery and tree fruit, made notable strides in adopting spray drones and autonomous tools in 2025. Erickson estimates Hylio alone saw roughly a 30% increase in specialty crop adoption year-over-year, driven by advances in drone payload capacity and GPS accuracy.

“Specialty crops are really sensitive,” Erickson says. “You can’t have drift from one field to a neighbor who might have a nursery or another sensitive crop.”

Improved RTK (real-time kinematic) precision and larger-capacity drones addressed earlier concerns, making targeted applications feasible even in smaller, high-value fields, Erickson says.

While both row and specialty crop growers faced a learning curve, Erickson says the shift was often more pronounced for specialty operations. Higher dollars per acre and greater crop sensitivity demanded a more disciplined approach to application.

Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio

(Photo courtesy of Hylio)

“They’re having to implement high-resolution scanning with drones or satellites, use AI tools to analyze that data and then apply only to problem areas,” Erickson says. “They can’t just throw stuff at the wall anymore.”

This precision-first mindset allows growers to protect crop quality while reducing unnecessary chemical use — a key concern in specialty markets.

Erickson says in specialty crops, drones often serve as force multipliers rather than substitutes to the labor force. Many operations simply lack enough skilled workers to execute the number of applications required for optimal crop health, he says.

“You might have two or three people you really trust, but they only have so much bandwidth,” Erickson says. “With drones, one person can do the work of five.”

That capability allows specialty growers to increase application frequency, sometimes from what they could manage to the 12 to 20 passes a crop might actually need, without adding staff.

The Year Ahead: Precision as a Survival Strategy

Looking forward, Erickson sees flexibility and responsiveness as critical for specialty crop success. With market volatility and input cost swings likely to continue, the ability to adapt quickly will separate profitable operations from those struggling to keep up.

“Precision tools are less capital-intensive and much easier to pivot with,” Erickson says. “They let growers respond to whatever the season throws at them.”

While some economic analyses from the row crop world suggest autonomy isn’t broadly cost-competitive with average labor rates, only becoming advantageous when labor costs exceed about $44 per hour, Erickson believes that framework doesn’t fully capture how specialty crop growers are using the technology.

“Specialty crops are less about swapping out one hour of labor for one hour of autonomous machine time,” he says. “Growers are using these tools to get better timing, reduce drift risk, improve crop quality and expand what one crew can do in a day — those benefits aren’t always reflected in a simple labor cost equation.”

This positions autonomy as a tool for value creation, and not just a labor cost substitute, in high-value specialty systems.

Rabobank Projects Almond Price Increase in Five-Year Report

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:50:45 GMT

In a new five-year report, Roland Fumasi, head of RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness North America, says almond prices have improved in the past 18 months for California growers. He says this good news continues as he sees prices going even higher in the next five years.

He says, though, that progress is not linear. He sees higher carry-in, the number of almonds from the previous season coming into the next season, will challenge price potentials for the next two seasons. He sees an overall production decline for the 2026-27 crop year.

“Yield improvements and slower-than-historic demand growth will cause carry-in to rise and will keep a ceiling on price potential in 2026-27 and 2027-28,” Fumasi writes in his report.

Fumasi says he projects California almond yields to peak in 2027 and slowly decline.

“Bearing acreage may have peaked in 2025, but it will most likely peak even higher in 2026,” he writes. “However, any further increase in total bearing acres will be marginal.”

He says as growers remove aging trees and reduce overall bearing acres, the overall supply of almonds will tighten. This, he says, will lessen carry-in and coupled with a stabilized demand growth will help grower prices increase again.

To view and download the entire report at RaboBank.com .