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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.

Florida citrus is slowly trying to fight its way through the devastation of Citrus Greening and some ideas are working.

Greenhouse grower Red Sun Farms, Kingsville, Ontario, will be growing next-generation OZblu blueberries at its Mexico facilities, which promise to deliver a firmer, crunchier and more flavorful berry.

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.

Last year proved to be a difficult year for the leafy greens sector, with three outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce.

Citrus growers in California’s Central Valley will be checking for possible damage in the coming weeks as some areas saw temperatures drop to as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

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