California
With favorable crop conditions reported for California fruits like berries, citrus and melons, some major grower-shippers in the state are gearing up for promotions to help boost summer sales.
California’s produce industry is anticipating a robust 2026 season with increased strawberry yields, steady table grape volumes and high-quality stone fruit, all supported by early harvests and aggressive global marketing campaigns.
With California table grapes coming several weeks early this year, retailers should prepare to clear shelf space and get ready to promote.
With strong volume anticipated, the avocado supplier says strategic programs and seasonal storytelling will help drive category performance.
A record-breaking March heat dome has compressed the state’s bloom, which will force growers and retailers to move major promotions up to early May.
Rachael Kimball Laenen, a fourth-generation avocado farmer and the first female board chair for the California Avocado Commission, shares her vision for building a strong future for the next generation.
With some of the highest production and land costs in the world, California’s avocado growers aren’t looking to compete with imports on price. Instead, they focus on the highest quality and a premium eating experience.
To commemorate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the commission is highlighting contributions of trailblazing California avocado growers.
According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 45,244 women producers operate across the state, managing 11.5 million acres of farms and ranches that contribute $22.2 billion in agricultural sales.
Fifth-generation farmer Justin Wylie is testing algae to rebuild soil health in orchards. By boosting soil microbes through irrigation, he hopes to improve water infiltration, reduce inputs and build resilience in high-cost Central Valley agriculture.
The removal of categorical exclusions sets a dangerous precedent that will force interstate shippers to navigate a maze of new fees and safety hurdles.
Splane and the commission announced annual projections of 330 million pounds of California avocados and a ready-to-go consumer marketing program for the spring.
The seven states that depend on the Colorado River must agree on how to manage the river’s dwindling water by Feb. 14. If they don’t, the feds could step in and litigation could follow.
During his time with FWA, Amaral has also led efforts to achieve long-term water sustainability in the San Joaquin Valley.
The California-based company says while outreach to customers is important, so too is telling the story of its employees and employment opportunities.
She will be the first woman to chair the commission, which will support the CA Grown program’s initiative promoting the role of women in agriculture.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture expanded the state’s huanglongbing, HLB, or citrus greening quarantine boundary in the San Juan Capistrano area of Orange County.
The end of the Tomato Suspension Agreement was just one of several commodity-specific trade battles in 2025’s overall trade wars.
Water will always be a big topic for produce and ag in general, but 2025 saw some big milestones in water news.
A recent impact report out of Westlands Water District in California found wide-reaching ripple effects of water restrictions for San Joaquin Valley growers.
The most recent “Minute,” or amendment, to the 1944 Treaty between the U.S. and Mexico was just signed, but what even are Minutes in the context of the water treaty?
Greg Cyr will succeed Norma St. Amant who is retiring. San Diego Farms says Cyr brings extensive leadership and will help the company expand.
The Watsonville, Calif.-based berry grower says this recognition demonstrates its commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
J.P. Beall, specialty crop farmer-owner earned top honors in the California YF&R Open Discussion Meet, winning $6,000.
Central California grower groups and irrigation districts are applauding the new move from the Bureau of Reclamation, but not everyone in the state is convinced.
The seasonal ‘Be Merry. Feel Good.’ initiative aims to keep walnuts top of mind at retail.
He has spent years as an instructor in postharvest fruit ripening and is unique for his depth of knowledge in postharvest science and ripening technology, the group says.