Top helpful websites (this week’s version)

(The Packer)

It seems that every single day I am adding a new bookmark (or three) to my Chrome web browser. 

The whole list of bookmarked websites now reads like a Leo Tolstoy novel, too long to lend any easy help to an emergent problem. There are duplicate bookmarks, broken links, and outdated placeholders to sites visited once but never again.

Still, I once found value in each and every one of them. In no particular order, here are some that found favor in recent months.

USDA open purchase requests, fruit: USDA fruit purchases  


USA Spending by Transaction, fruit: Government payments to fresh produce operators


Government index (fruit) 

Includes court cases, (see Produce Pay case here), regulations and more.

Regulations.gov (fruit): Regulations and public comments that contain the keyword fruit

IRI CPG Demand Index - how is produce and other categories performing compared with a year ago?

PACA search

990 Finder: Tax returns for non profits


​Purdue Food and Agriculture Vulnerability Index

CDC Outbreaks Page

Wait, wait, there are dozens more.... well, maybe someday.

 

Latest News

Bland Farms sees Gold Rush for Vidalia onion promotions
Bland Farms sees Gold Rush for Vidalia onion promotions

Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms is expecting a strong crop of Vidalia onions this year to go along with its Gold Rush promotional campaign.

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that led to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

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.