Produce Crops
Strong onion markets this fall seem to be setting the tone for a firm storage onion market outlook throughout the winter.
The Springfield, Ohio, operation has more than 2 million plants growing at any given time, with the capacity to grow more than 2.4 million packages of herbs and leafy greens in a year.
Chilean table grape production and exports may decline about 7% this year, according to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service annual report on Chilean deciduous fruit.
U.S. potato groups are asking the USDA to develop new phytosanitary protocols to prevent the spread of potato wart from Prince Edward Island to U.S. growing areas.
The import division of Philadelphia-based specialty produce wholesaler John Vena Inc. says it expects consistent East Coast arrivals of Wonderful variety pomegranates for its longest-ever import season.
Supplies of some winter vegetables, lettuces in particular, could be a tad tight as the holiday approaches, but availability should be good on others, grower-shippers say.
U.S. imports of Mexican vegetables and fruit through Arizona’s Nogales district ports totaled more than $3.86 billion in 2021, up 1% from $3.82 billion in 2020 and up 7% from $3.6 billion in 2019.
The Grower Shipper Association of Central California said that a shortfall in supply has been largely attributed to crop damage associated with an aggressive pest and disease complex of INSV and soil-borne diseases.
Florida tomato growers were not pleased by the decision of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to reject a petition trade law calling for Tai’s office to protect Florida growers from unfair trade practices.
Florida citrus growers got off easy following Hurricane Nicole, which hit the Sunshine State on Nov. 10, compared to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in late September.
Peruvian grape production and exports are headed higher, according to the USDA.
Nogales, Ariz.-based Divine Flavor’s West Mexican farms are very “program driven” with retailers, said Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator for the company.
Nogales, Ariz.-based EarthBlend will have bagged mini sweet bell peppers grown in Sinaloa from January to June, said Steve Spence, director of sales for EarthBlend.
Nogales, Ariz.-based Frello Fresh expects a very good start to its Mexican winter and spring deal, said Guillermo Martinez, CEO and co-founder.
The goal of Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Fresh Farms is to create “one-stop shopping” for buyers, company officials say.
Colder than normal weather in Sonora during periods in October and November could hold back produce availability in December, says Miguel A. Suarez, CEO of MAS Melons & Grapes LLC, Rio Rico, Ariz.
The Rio Rico, Ariz.-based company imports and distributes watermelons, mini watermelons, honeydew, and conventional and organic hard squash from its farms in Sonora.
With one preliminary estimate of this year’s total economic impact to the state’s ag output at nearly $500 million, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has requested a Secretarial Declaration of Disaster.
Mexican table grape production is expected to dip 3% in the 2023 season compared with 2022, but exports to the U.S. should remain stable, according to a new report from the USDA.
University of Florida researchers have found UV light to be an effective physical control for the two-spotted spider mites that have preyed on Florida’s winter strawberry crops.
Activities will include in-person events and online experiences.
Pelosi said the House this week will “take up a bill adopting the tentative agreement—with no poison pills or changes to the negotiated terms—and send it to the Senate.” Some industry leaders feel it will pass.
Specialty crops including fruits, vegetables and nuts make up almost one-third of total crop sales in the U.S., but a large number of specialty crop acres remain uninsured, according to the group.
October prices received by growers and ranchers declined from September but are running substantially ahead of last year, according to the Nov. 30 Agricultural Prices report.
The new landing page is designed as a resource for retailers, media and industry members, such as watermelon importers.
The increase is largely driven by higher imports of horticultural products, sugar and tropical products, and grain and feed products, as well as a strong dollar.
The annual Canada Fresh Deciduous report predicted both production and import numbers for the fruits.
The new approach for the industry will drive impact in key areas like increasing purchase intent, consumption and usage with a focus on partnerships and agile programming, according to the commission.
The ag census is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county and territory, according to the USDA.
Indoor farming company Square Roots and produce distributor Gordon Food Service have announced the opening of a new climate-controlled indoor farm in Shepherdsville, Ky.