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Long-time East Coast tomato industry operator Batista Madonia, 81, has died.

The beginning of the Florida strawberry season has started off lighter than usual but should find strong volume in January.

Florida’s fastest-growing strawberry variety also is its newest.

The time for automated harvest of strawberries is getting closer, said Gary Wishnatzki, co-founder of Harvest CROO Robotics and president, CEO and owner of Wish Farms, Plant City, Fla.

Versatility is a retail promotional bonanza for Florida avocados, suppliers say. Retailers are best-served by providing shoppers with usage ideas and choices, they said.

Miami-based J&C Tropicals has upgraded its packing process, said Jessie Capote, executive vice president and co-owner.

Unity Groves Corp. has expanded its acreage and looked to improve groves by “grafting better varieties,” said Louie Carricarte, president and owner.

Rough tropical weather in 2017 and its fallout in 2018 are now history, and Florida avocado grower-shippers say they are eager to get back to business as usual this year.

Chilean clementines are on the water and Chile’s summer citrus season has begun.

Chilean blueberry export volume in 2018-19 will be down slightly from last year’s record levels, but the North American market will be well-supplied.