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The California Fresh Fruit Association has prioritized issues for 2019, with federal immigration policies and their effects on the labor force as the leading issue.

The number of huanglongbing (HLB) detections in California increased 160% from 2017 to 2018, according to the California Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program.

Jim Allen, vice president of marketing for New York Apple Sales and former president of the state’s apple association, has been honored by the New York State Agricultural Society.

The USDA’s 2018-19 mushroom production report had some surprises for the industry, showing an 8% drop in both sales and volume, which at 846.5 million pounds is the lowest production since 2009-10.

CHICAGO — The U.S. Apple Association estimate for the 2019 crop is forecast at 247.76 million (42-pound) cartons, 2.2% lower than the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s estimate of 253.09 million cartons.

Americans are eating less produce, but this decline is largely driven by potatoes, orange juice and lettuce. Meanwhile we’re eating more variety. So, should you be concerned? John Phipps shares his thoughts.

CHICAGO — Canada’s apple output is down slightly, but Mexican apple production is way up this year, according to industry reports at the U.S. Apple Association’s Marketing Conference.

SVG Ventures, Los Gatos, Calif., is partnering with PMA, through a three-year agreement that brings tech panel discussions to Fresh Summit and a technology challenge giving companies the chance to pitch to investors.

With the apple industry racked by trade troubles, U.S. Agricultural Trade Under Secretary Ted McKinney had a tough audience when he spoke Aug. 23 at the U.S. Apple Association Marketing and Outlook Conference.

Western Growers, Irvine, Calif., has hired Eric Trost as vice president of employee benefits for the Insurance Services group.