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The United Fresh Produce Association is accepting applications for class two of its Produce Safety Immersion Program.

Woodland, Calif.-based Sakata Seed America has tabbed plant breeder Bill McCarthy as its new associate director of research and development.

Bee Sweet Citrus, Fowler, Calif., is ramping up California’s domestic harvest, including specialty citrus varieties.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is allowing the import of blueberries from two regions in Chile without methyl bromide fumigation for pests.

The Oppenheimer Group has acquired a 65% stake in the Temecula, Calif.-based avocado grower Eco Farms.

With Florida groves showing the biggest declines, the 2020-21 U.S. orange crop is forecast 11% lower, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s first crop production report.

Washington apple growers, who are about three-fourths through harvest, are seeing a production dip of about 10%, causing the Washington Apple Commission to revise an August forecast.

With added food safety compliance costs of perhaps $1 to $2 per carton, the complications are just beginning for California Salinas Valley romaine shippers and Canadian importers.

Canadian produce industry leader Garry Wagner, 84, died Oct. 3 in Calgary, Alberta.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against Farm Fresh Packers LLC.