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Yes, there were long-term fallouts from a freeze and a hurricane. But equally weighing on the minds of Georgia’s fresh produce industry leaders were challenges unrelated to the weather.

Hardships born from a big freeze in 2016 have inspired Georgia’s blueberry industry to invest in some protective technology so growers don’t get frozen out of the market again.

Growers in California’s Kern County say their vegetable and fruit crops typically are starting a week or so later than usual this spring, but ample rainfall and plenty of chill hours during the winter should result in abundant supplies and very good quality this spring.

A warm winter and rainy spring with a few hail storms and tornadoes have put a damper on some of Georgia’s crops, which peak in marketable volume mid-May to mid-June.

Greenhouse growers in Ontario are gearing up for what they hope will be another stellar season, said Joe Sbrocchi, general manager of the Leamington-based Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association.

If consumers are putting renewed emphasis on nutritious eating during this trying time, greenhouse grower-shippers are willing and able to help.

The Idaho Potato Commission released a new commercial in its long-running Big Idaho Potato Truck series on Aug. 31 during the ESPNews broadcast of Boise State University’s football season opener against Florida State.

Wholesum Family Farms is expanding its greenhouse facilities in Sonora, Mexico, and Amado, Ariz.

Heavy rains and hail storms during Vidalia growing season, plus typical spring harvest rains, have cut a chunk out of the season’s yield, but harvesting hasn’t been delayed more than usual.

Checking in on top-of-mind issues for Idaho potato growers, The Packer’s Tom Karst visited April 30 with Shawn Boyle, president and general counsel for the Idaho Grower Shippers Association.