Blueberries

Wish Farms owner inducted into Florida strawberry hall of fame

Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Plant City, Florida-based berry grower Wish Farms, has been inducted into the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Hall of Fame. “Gary has been a lifelong supporter of the Florida strawberry industry and... more »

Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine seeks relief for growers

In an answer to spiraling grower expenses, the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine is seeking a year hiatus from the 1.5 cents per pound tax the state levies on the wild berries. The commission met... more »

Pink Cosmo berries a hit in their trial season

Shoppers in select Sprouts Farmers Markets stores in California earlier this year might have thought the Pink Cosmo blueberries were the work of a shrewd marketer who saw an opportunity for yet another Barbie-themed product.... more »

MSU professor receives $4 million grant to study blueberry disease

A scientist at Michigan State University has received a $3.95 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to develop strategies for implementing and maintaining effective management practices for blueberry fruit... more »

Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention to include strawberry growers group

Multiple concurrent educational sessions and a large industry trade show will be featured during the three days of the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. In its 47th year, this coming year’s event is scheduled... more »

Bill seeks protections for specialty crop exports

U.S. senators and representatives have introduced legislation designed to help farmers fight trade barriers to sell specialty crops in export markets. The Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act (Specialty CROP Act), introduced on... more »

USDA Specialty Crops Competitiveness Initiative launched

Through the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to provide additional support to and increase the competitiveness of the specialty crops sector. The effort is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s... more »

Sym-Agro names Pacific Northwest sales manager

Sym-Agro has hired Mark Gibbs as Pacific Northwest sales manager for western Oregon and Washington, focusing on winegrapes, berries, tree fruit and hazelnuts. Gibbs will also focus on other West Coast markets and will assist... more »