Latest News From Produce - General

In his State of the Fresh Produce Industry address, Ron Lemaire talked about the current political climate, the need for global sustainability goals and the need to focus on the consumer.

With the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show underway, Chiquita says it is spotlighting the "Chiquita Difference" through its vibrant presence within the Canadian market.

Sens. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, have introduced the Specialty Crops Security Act, which would give industry stakeholders more opportunity for input on specialty crop block grants.

A research report from Skyquest released this year forecasts the U.S. cold storage market will grow from $43.2 billion in 2023 to $118.8 billion by 2031.

The year-round supplier of russet, red and yellow commodity and baby potatoes will showcase its offerings at the April 23-25 event in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce is poised to welcome the industry on its home turf of Vancouver, British Columbia, at the CPMA Convention and Trade Show, April 23-25.

It’s no surprise that the education session on the tomato suspension agreement at this year's Viva Fresh Expo was a packed house, given the extensive discussion recently over its future.

The mood is subdued down on the farm, according to a survey of rural bankers.

Check out video from some of The Packer's booth visits with companies showcasing new products, soon-to-be-released products and more.

Tropicals, tomatoes and a logo in the Smithsonian Museum are among the highlights from booth visits at Viva Fresh Expo 2024.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is accepting applications for a new trade advisory committee called the Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.

From a space-themed networking event to Texas citrus royalty, Viva Fresh 2024 was an action-packed event.

The Idaho Falls, Idaho-based company has appointed Julie DeWolf as director of business development.

With the arrival of spring comes the onset of a plethora of nutritious fruits and vegetables from California’s bountiful Santa Maria Valley.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association's Ron Lemaire and Canadian parliamentarians met with U.S. Congress members and other officials in Washington, D.C., to discuss issues of impact on Canada and U.S. agriculture.

Interest rates likely will not return to their pre-pandemic lows in the foreseeable future, according to the quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

Distributors of Mexican tomatoes say the Florida Tomato Exchange’s claim that Mexican tomato imports suppressed U.S. grower prices over the winter is off base.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show returns to western Canada this year with a focus on sustainability, networking and the strength of the country's domestic market.

Distributors in Florida and North Carolina have recently been awarded Department of Defense contracts to supply fresh produce.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the agency has finalized updates, including expanded fruit and vegetable benefits, to foods prescribed to participants in the Women, Infants and Children program.

The USDA is seeking public input on modifying the membership structure of the South Texas Onion Committee.

With over 100 attendees focused on trade issues, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas concluded its Spring Policy Summit in late March.

The companies say Acadian Plant Health customers can expect better access to products, including its organic product line, as well as agronomists and more.

In his season forecast, Drew Lerner, senior agricultural meteorologist and president of World Weather, shared with USApple members how he sees a relatively favorable growing season.

The vegetable seed breeder says it added marketing and project management to its combined North and Central American operations.

The foundation will fund 11 projects that tackle issues such as biodiversity, social issues, climate and more.

The agency says the herbicide used for broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and onions presents significant health risks to applicators.

After discovering the invasive pest in the southeastern part of the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has added Greene County to a quarantine.

Vestaron, a manufacturer of peptide-based biocontrols for the specialty crop industry, says it will tap into Simplot Grower Solutions' network of clients and retail operations to expand its reach.

Continued inflation industrywide, coupled with an unfavorable exchange for growers, is making life difficult for growers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables from West Mexico.

From vibrant artichokes to crisp lettuce varieties and colorful cauliflower, farms across the Golden State are poised to deliver fresh and nutritious vegetables, boosted by optimal weather conditions.

Following extreme heat in 2023, growers in Washington and Oregon can apply for Farm Service Agency financial services to help recover.

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that led to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

A new agri-food employer survey ranked the most necessary skills for all employees and identified areas with the most significant gap for both current employees and new graduate hires.

The companies have joined with leading Mexican growers to provide 4 million cases of table grapes during May and early June, which is traditionally the lowest volume period of the year.

Since it began in 2001, the advisory committee has met up to two times per year to develop recommendations for submission to the agriculture secretary on issues affecting the U.S. produce industry.

A screening of more than 2,700 FDA-approved compounds shows how ebselen can inhibit fungal infections in many different plant species.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officers discovered 574 suspected packages of methamphetamine with an estimated street value in the millions of dollars.

The allegations relate to what the National Council of Agricultural Employers said was coercion of vulnerable workers and misuse of the USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program.

The Sacramento Bee reports the cooperative of more than 3,000 almond growers faces heightened pressure and that the move is intended to help it stay profitable.

International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns joined fellow industry leaders to discuss agricultural policy and sustainability at the Agri-Pulse 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 18.

Hurricanes last fall, recent drought and other factors have held back some fresh produce output in Mexico in recent months, but the value of U.S. imports from the country continues to climb. 

The state’s department of agriculture added 17 counties to control the spread of the invasive insect.

Now in its fifth year, the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge supports industry peers taking the challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, while making the meaningful first steps to improve their health and lives.

Mishandling an inbound produce load can make the work done before its arrival all for naught — and it's a recipe for rapidly declining quality, unsatisfied customers and increased shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato.

The energy and enthusiasm at Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2024 filled the Tampa Convention Center — as did a host of new products, promotions and packaging from the world of fresh produce.

Check out these booth tour videos to learn more about some of the exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event.