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A rainier-than-usual 2019 is finishing up on a dry, cooperative note in Central America and the Caribbean, as the early winter season in the U.S. gets underway.

Weather issues during the 2019 growing and harvest season had potato prices soaring during the pre-holiday period, with little change expected after the first of the year, marketers said.

The chip, frozen and other potato-processing businesses continue to touch the fresh industry, but that touch might be a bit stronger this year, marketers say.

This once rough-around-the-edges industry was, for centuries, a man’s world. It would take a particularly tenacious individual to change the status quo.

Produce companies and grocery retailers continued to look for more ways to reduce food waste in 2019 as federal government agencies announced a major initiative around that same goal.

For the first time in years, two weather events have created a significant challenge to marketers of potatoes over the winter and spring months.

Plant-based diets seemed to be all the rage in 2019, making it a hot topic among industry professionals trying to determine the best ways to market, sell and promote fruits and vegetables to consumers.

As consumer interest in topics like locally grown food, sustainability, food deserts and urban agriculture continues to grow, innovative produce companies continue to meet demand.

Potato prices may be higher this year than last because of tigher supplies, but the product remains a good value, and its versatility certainly hasn’t changed, marketers say.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $23.5 million in grant funding awards through the Farmers Market Promotion Program and Local Food Promotion Program,