Fruit Growers News

North Carolina Couple Propagates Rare Trees

North Carolina’s apple industry is among the prominent ones in the United States, with more than 4 million bushels produced annually. Most of the state’s 9,000 acres of orchards are planted in Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Rome Beauty and Gala. However, one operation has strayed from the mainstream and is devoted to less well-known varieties, perhaps types commercial growers have never seen. High upon a mountain in northwestern North Carolina, accessible only by heavy-duty vehicles able to withstand a steep climb up a one and one-half mile dirt road, is Big Horse Creek Farm. The 75-acre property is home to an amazing collection of rare apple trees. “Our specialty is the collection and propagation of antique and heirloom apple trees, “ said Ron Joyner, who purchased the farm with his wife, Suzanne, in 1985. ”We have almost 300 varieties of apples growing in our three small orchards,…  » Read more

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New Yorker Aims to Restore Currants to Former Glory

Greg Quinn’s overarching goal is to see New York restored to its former position as the nation’s leading state in currant production – and to be a leader in making it happen. Last May, Quinn’s The Currant Company, Clinton, N.Y., introduced a black currant juice drink to the market. It’s doing pretty well, he said. Called CurrantC, the juice sells for about $4 a 16-ounce bottle. It’s sold in about a thousand stores in 15 states alongside other so-called high-end juice drinks, like POM Wonderful, that are being touted for their high antioxidant levels and other health benefits. Playing with words, CurrantC promises “a wealth of health.” So far, so good. But restoring the industry? That’ll take more time. Quinn planted 9,000 bushes, or nine acres, of currants two years ago ¬– making him New York’s largest grower. That’s just the start of the vision. “In the late…  » Read more

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FDA: Companies Must Stop Promoting Health Benefits of Cherries on Labels

On Oct. 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to 29 companies that manufacture, market or distribute products made from cherries and some other fruits. The letters instructed the companies to stop making unproven health claims on their Web sites and product labels. The warnings came as a surprise to some of their recipients. “We didn’t understand that we were breaking any laws,” said Loren Queen, product manager for TPG Enterprises. “That wasn’t our intention.” If the companies cited fail to take prompt corrective measures, they might face FDA enforcement action – including seizure, injunctions or criminal sanctions – without further notice, according to the FDA. The products in question include dried fruit, fruit juice and juice concentrate. Companies have claimed these products can treat or prevent a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and arthritis, according to the FDA. The warning letter sent…  » Read more

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Government Should Stop Taking Property for Others’ Gains

Regardless of the kind of real property you might own – a home, a vacant lot or a productive farm – government should never be able to make you sell that property just so it can be turned over to someone else who might be able to generate more revenue from that site. Or, as the U.S. Supreme Court recently decided, turn it over to someone who can generate more tax dollars. The court ruling in favor of the city in Kelo v. City of New London could have serious negative consequences for farmers and ranchers. Apparently, no one’s home, farm or ranch land is safe from government seizure because of this ruling. Old-fashioned Land Grab The Kelo case was little more than an old-fashioned land grab, through which the city of New London attempted to seize the homes of Susette Kelo and her neighbors – at closeout…  » Read more

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