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BERLIN — FF Robotics is close to commercializing its robotic apple picker, according to company co-founders Avi Kahani and Gad Kober, and U.S. growers are expressing interest.

The LEAD New York Program, Ithaca, is now accepting applications for its newest cohort, class 18.

The Produce Marketing Association’s Center for Growing Talent is launching a new year of leadership development for women, with the theme “I WILL” for Women’s Fresh Perspective events.

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.

Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms has implemented a rebrand that speaks directly to younger consumers.

A research effort behind the rebranding of Naturipe Farms studied the attitudes of nearly 4,000 participants in the U.S. and Canada to gain consumer insights, company officials said.

The apple industry had 78.9 million (42-pound) bushels of fresh-market apples in storage as of Feb. 1, 12% less than the same time in 2018, and 7% off the five-year average.

While President Trump hasn’t yet indicated he will support it, Congress reached a tentative deal late Feb. 11 on border security that will avoid a government shutdown.

Longtime apple industry salesman John “Roger” Smithey died Feb. 4. He was 81.