Produce Crops
While the state’s 2022 fresh apple crop may be shorter than some years, the Wenatchee, Wash.-based Washington Apple Commission is gearing up for another big year of promoting fresh apple exports.
The Packer’s Tom Karst visited in August with Nathan Pumplin, president of Norfolk Healthy Produce, about his company’s work on a genetically modified purple tomato.
Citrus utilized production for the 2021-22 season totaled 5.61 million tons, down 19% from the 2020-21 season, according to a new report from the USDA.
Ocean Spray will have ample fresh cranberries this fall, says Jeff LaFleur, vice president of cooperative development and grower relations at the cooperative.
From field to greenhouse-grown, Canada’s Quebec province is known for tradition, technology and innovation that fuels fresh produce production and inspires consumers to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Brothers Charlie and Bruce Talbott of Talbott Farms in Palisade, Colo., share stories of brutal frosts, resiliency and a younger generation of farmers embracing agriculture.
As an easily accessible fruit that makes for a simple and quick snack or side, grapes are highly popular with many American consumers, especially in the fall around harvest-time.
Finding varieties that appeal to consumers is one way the leading state for U.S. apple production continues to innovate and evolve.
Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Farms has started its 10th year of growing and selling the Sweetie branded apple.
With expectations of a bigger crop than a year ago, Naturipe Farms is bringing fresh cranberries to the market again this year, says Brian Vertrees, director of business development for Naturipe.
Oppy expects a good quality season for its proprietary apples, says Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears for the Oppenheimer Group (Oppy).
With orchards spanning Washington state from the Columbia River to the Canadian border, Domex Superfresh Growers offers a full range of apple varieties.
Smaller gala sizes in Washington state will open the door to increased retail promotions of bagged apples, according to Brianna Shales, director of marketing for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is expanding sales and distribution of the proprietary Juici apple variety, said Dan Davis, director of business development for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers.
The International Blueberry Organization has released its 2022 Global State of the Blueberry Industry Report.
The passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010 resulted in major updates in school meal nutrition standards that have translated to substantial gains in governmental fruit and vegetable purchases.
The fruit sales and marketing firm Sage Fruit Co. is growing this season with the addition of grower/shipper Chelan Fruit, says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.
More erratic growing conditions in the last few years have captured the attention of Washington apple industry observers.
The Cosmic Crisp apple is a rising star for Washington apple marketers, but how high it will soar is still a question, marketers say.
With an excellent quality crop now being harvested, Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Marketing is looking forward to connecting consumers with Washington apples.
California’s navel orange production for the 2022-23 season is forecast at 1.52 million tons (38.0 million boxes), up 19% from last season, according to the USDA.
In celebration of the partnership, now through Oct. 24, 2022, fans will have an opportunity to win an Avo-Rams custom electric vehicle, a trip to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru, and a VIP Rams gameday experience.
The USDA has drafted a pest risk assessment for the importation of fresh Hass avocados from Guatemala.
Still battling disease pressures, Florida citrus growers continue to cut their acreage, a new report shows.
Faison, N.C.-based Nature’s Way Farms is a year-round grower, packer, and shipper of North Carolina conventional and organic sweet potatoes.
In Greek mythology, Zeus condemned King Sisyphus to roll an immense rock up a hill, only to have that rock roll down on Sisyphus when he was nearly at the top.
Bushel Boy Farms is now growing cucumbers at its Owatonna, Minn., greenhouse.
Specialty crop growers have nearly doubled their participation in federal risk management programs over the past ten years, according to a new report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service.
With better moisture this year, Bethel, N.C.-based Corey Produce expects a slightly bigger sweet potato crop in 2022, says spokesman Lee Corey.
Barring any weather surprises, the majority of Red River Valley potato harvest should be completed by mid-October, says Ted Kreis, administrator for the Red River Valley Fresh Potato Growers Co-op.