Fruits

CIAB recommends no restriction on tart cherries

The Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB), the national marketing order for red tart cherries, convened in Grand Rapids, Mich., in September to calculate and recommend the final free and restricted percentages for the crop year... more »

Made in Michigan: Vacuum-powered apple picker

A new machine could change the way the apples you buy at the grocery store are harvested. It's only being tested right now, but in a few years the West Michigan men behind the machine... more »

Fresh produce sales up again for second quarter of 2013

For the second quarter this year, fresh produce sales are up compared to last year’s figures. Organic fruits and vegetables lead the pack in growth with strong gains in sales and volume according to “FreshFacts... more »

Riveridge adds staff in management roles

Riveridge Produce, a Sparta, Mich.-based apple shipper, has added three staff members to manage various aspects of the operation.“We were fortunate to hang onto almost all of our talent during a very challenging 2012 season,”... more »

USApple searching for new leader

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is searching for a new president and CEO. The previous president, Nancy Foster, recently resigned.Diane Kurrle, USApple’s vice president of public affairs, will temporarily serve as interim president and CEO... more »

Two New York counties cleared of plum pox virus

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently announced that plum pox virus (PPV) has been eradicated from Orleans and Wayne counties in New York state.PPV, considered the most devastating viral disease of stone... more »

Vine size control discussed during viticulture event

Vineyard leaf removal and managing excess vine size are two pivotal operations in high-density grape production. Leaf removal in the fruiting zone is a classical vineyard management practice applied during the summer, from fruit-set to... more »

Traceback system, sorting line aid fruit operation

Bear Mountain Orchards has a thorough traceback system that its vice president, Sheila Gantz, called “fail proof.” Gantz described the system for guests from the International Fruit Tree Association, who recently visited several fruit operations... more »