Produce Crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture adjusted its estimate for the Florida orange crop to 77 million boxes, down 3% from October.
Onion growers in South Texas have voted in favor of downsizing the number of members on the South Texas Onion Committee, the marketing order that oversees the industry.
U.S. exports of potatoes in the most recent quarter saw declines across the board, with the largest drop in fresh exports, in what Potatoes USA says reflects trade disputes with Mexico and China.
Greenhouse grower Red Sun Farms, Kingsville, Ontario, will be growing next-generation OZblu blueberries at its Mexico facilities, which promise to deliver a firmer, crunchier and more flavorful berry.
Apeel Sciences plans to bring its shelf-life extending technology to European avocado marketer Nature’s Pride.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are seeking nominations for six trade advisory committees, including one for the fruit and vegetable industry.
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is seeking nominees to fill 26 of the 40 seats available on the council.
The Big Idaho Potato Truck has finished another season on the road, traveling more than 40,000 miles and participating in almost 70 events in 2018.
Limoneira Co., Santa Paula, Calif., has entered into an agreement with FGF Trapani, a family-owned citrus operation in Argentina, acquiring 1,200 acres of lemons up front and another 1,200 over a three-year period.
About two dozen fresh produce and nut companies are recipients of funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s $200 million Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, to alleviate the effects of tariffs on exports.
Houweling’s Group has partnered with investment firm Equilibrium to modernize and expand production at its greenhouses.
The U.S. Apple Association, which represents a specialty crop significantly affected by retaliatory tariffs, asked President Trump for action on trade issues on the night of his State of the Union address.
Elgin, Minn.-based Honeybear Brands expects the first shipments of its 2019 Chilean Honeycrisp apples to arrive on U.S. retailer shelves no later than April 15.
Hydroponic herb and leafy greens grower Great Lakes Growers is delivering directly to customers in Ohio, with plans to expand the program later this year.
Berry grower Wish Farms, Plant City, Fla., is the official grower sponsor of the 2019 Florida Blueberry Festival this week.
Melon grower and importer Sol Group, Pompano Beach Fla., will be shipping honeydews and cantaloupes this summer, and a full line of Kiss brand melons.
The Global Grape Summit’s debut will cover numerous issues around the supply, demand and marketing table of grapes around the world.
The California Table Grape Commission, Fresno, has funded another round of Innovation in Teaching grants.
South Carolina growers are promoting their crops to mid-Atlantic and Northeastern buyers as a seasonal alternative.
Sweet potato grower-shipper Wayne Bailey Produce, Chadbourn, N.C., is closing after 85 years, and its customers will now be served by Jackson Farming Co.
Riveridge Produce, Sparta, Mich., is ready for the asparagus season.
The Florida Watermelon Association is allocating $100,000 for research and development grants, to fight pests and diseases, study growing practices and other projects.
Western Growers and the California Farm Bureau, citing issues important to produce growers, are pushing back on Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s AG Act, which the American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, (foreground), Lef Farms in Loudon, N.H., in September during a “Back to Our Roots” RV tour. Perdue and USDA staff are again traveling in an RV this week.
Avocado marketer Index Fresh, Riverside, Calif., has scheduled its next seminar series for avocado growers.
Avocado sales were downright spooky last fall, when the week of Halloween posted a 4-year high of $42 million, a 28% increase over the previous year.
Raleigh, N.C.-based L&M Cos. and Deming, N.M.-based Billy the Kid Produce LLC have formed a partnership, giving L&M the exclusive rights to market Billy the Kid’s onions.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, acting on requests from cranberry growers, is placing controls on the 2017-18 crop to help bring supplies in line with demand.
Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson continue their campaign for a provision in the North American Free Trade Agreement that would allow growers to seek seasonal trade protection from imports.
The Idaho Potato Commission is seeking out spud lovers for a new consumer contest.