Produce Crops
U.S. citrus production for the fresh market reached 3 million tons in 2022-23, up 10% from the previous season, according to the USDA.
For a fifth straight month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral, according to the January survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.
The USDA is making a pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment for a 60-day period.
In the company’s latest market report, it notes the overall crop size is down from the 2022 season and overall demand is now down 16% from last season.
A research team from apple- and pear-producing states seeks to identify biological controls and develop tools to help growers better detect and control the devastating pathogen.
When subjected to cold temperatures, potatoes convert starch to sugar which can darken the flesh and create a carcinogenic compound during high-temperature processing.
Growers can apply for up to $200,000 in funding for climate resilience and sustainability projects in citrus groves.
West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.
From vibrant artichokes to crisp lettuce varieties and colorful cauliflower, farms across the Golden State are poised to deliver fresh and nutritious vegetables, boosted by optimal weather conditions.
Industry experts recently shared their insight on what to expect for this year’s crop and and avocado trends in retail.
The new quarantine includes portions of Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties.
The company says the packaging change reduces plastics use by 25% and that it hopes to roll it out for other pints by the end of the year.
Controlled environment agriculture continues to grow in Texas. While many growers see the state’s strategic location for distribution as an advantage to setting up shop, it’s more than just location, says one executive.
Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms is expecting a strong crop of Vidalia onions this year to go along with its Gold Rush promotional campaign.
The bio-engineered purple tomato from Norfolk Healthy Produce will soon reach retail shelves, says Harold Paivarinta, senior director of sales for Red Sun Farms.
The Sacramento Bee reports the cooperative of more than 3,000 almond growers faces heightened pressure and that the move is intended to help it stay profitable.
Wynne, Ark.-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms is optimistic for a strong spring sweetpotato season, says Autumn Campbell, sales manager.
Sweetpotato retail per capita availability rose from 3.78 pounds in 2000 to 6.02 pounds in 2020, USDA statistics show. The momentum continued in 2023, according to retail scan data.
San Antonio-based NatureSweet highlighted its Constellation three-color pack of mini sweet peppers at the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ seventh annual Innovation Showcase.
Naturipe Farms expects to have volumes of its Michigan blueberries from late June through September, says Brian Bocock, vice president of product management.
Michigan growers are national leaders for several specialty crops, and the state ships fruits and vegetables every month of the year.
Despite a drop in bearing acreage, New Zealand apple production and exports in 2023-24 will increase following last year’s rocky growing season, according to a new USDA report.
With the season underway, growers remain optimistic despite increased costs and regulations that threaten the future of specialty crop growers in North Carolina and South Carolina.
The Reedley, Calif.-based company says it has added to its specialty organic grape program by introducing new and unique heritage varieties.
The company is marking the milestone with initiatives such as a social media giveaway campaign, as well as incentives for display contests and a peach week celebration.
Chris Sandwick, marketing director for Hess Bros. Fruit Co., talks about the introduction of WildTwist and the challenges of marketing new apple varieties in a competitive market in this “Tip of the Iceberg” episode.
Following eradication efforts, the state’s department of agriculture removed the Oriental fruit fly quarantine, though it remains in place in six other areas of the state.
The Dole Golden Selection pineapple is arriving at select supermarkets in the U.S. and Canada in mid-April. The new fruit will be available in limited quantities based on seasonality and availability.
Melon production got off to a slightly later start than usual in many areas of the U.S., Mexico and Central America this spring, but growers are optimistic about the quality coming out of the fields.
Orchard View says its 100th season is shaping up to be large in volume and excellent in quality, even if it’s set to begin as much as two weeks later than usual due to chilly early spring weather.