Fruits
California, Florida organic strawberries limited but available
As Valentine’s Day approaches, which is a heavy demand holiday for strawberries, there are organic strawberries available — but they are highly priced and in limited volume. “We will have organic strawberries for Valentine’s Day,”... more »
IFPA names vice president of sustainability
Tamara Muruetagoiena is the International Fresh Produce Association’s first ever vice president of sustainability. Muruetagoiena joined the organization in April 2022 and established the critical importance of the produce and floral industry taking the lead... more »
USDA’s fruit and vegetable advisory group meets in February
The USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC) is preparing for its next meeting. The committee will have a virtual meeting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern on March 4-5, 2024. The USDA... more »
Sipcam Agro USA introduces new grape biofungicide
Sipcam Agro USA has introduced a biofungicide available in other states now for use by California growers. Mevalone is designed to treat winegrapes, table grapes and raisin grapes. The Durham, North Carolina, based crop protection... more »
Driscoll’s names new president of the Americas
Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson is leaving the produce marketer to become Driscoll’s president of the Americas. Mathieson has been at Zespri for 21 years, including seven as CEO, according to a statement from Zespri. He... more »
WSU seeks input on phenology-based management of pears
Washington State University researchers are asking for input from pear growers and others in the industry for an annual survey on pear management practices. The purpose of this survey is to gain a better understanding... more »
Washington state to decide on produce sticker ban
Washington state legislators are considering a ban on non-compostable stickers on fresh produce. Specialty crop groups, including the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA), say the ban could lead to an increase in the use... more »
2023: The year in review
To specialty crop growers, and farmers in general, 2023’s big news in the industry wasn’t totally unforeseen: lack of labor is still an issue, severe weather damaged crops and technology continues to advance automation in... more »