Archives: News
2026 IFTA Summer Tour: Hudson Valley orchards showcase agritourism, innovation and resilience
Tag along for a photo tour of the International Fruit Tree Association’s 2026 Summer Tour in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Niqo Robotics, Sabanto added to Great Lakes Tek Flex lineup
Great Lakes Tek Flex is expanding its roster of companies demonstrating robotics, AI and precision agriculture technologies for specialty crop growers.
Rest in Peace: Virginia fruit industry icon Henry Montague Chiles passes away
Learn more about the lifelong advocate for fruit growing and rural enterprise. Chiles helped shape Virginia’s apple and peach industries over more than seven decades.
July AppleTracker: Fresh inventories tighten, Honeycrisp and Cosmic Crisp supplies rise
Also of note: processing inventories are currently up year-over-year while overall apple movement remains strong.
Georgia officials warn farmers about online farm equipment scams
Buyers should first verify online equipment sellers are legitimate after reports surface of sophisticated scams that impersonate legitimate dealerships and steal payments.
USDA fertilizer access grant program taking applications through August 17
$500 million is available to expand domestic production capacity and increase fertilizer availability, according to a news release.
New York revamps Nourish New York portal to link farmers, food banks
New York’s redesigned Nourish New York portal includes improved search tools, producer profiles and expanded product listings to better connect farmers with food organizations and institutional buyers.
Specialty crop growers adapt harvests, crop protection during extreme heat
Fruit and vegetable growers are adjusting harvest schedules, protecting workers and investing in heat-mitigation strategies as prolonged periods of extreme weather challenge specialty crop production.
CDC, FDA investigating Cyclospora outbreak across 17 states
The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate Cyclospora outbreak affecting 17 states. Officials have not identified the source of the foodborne illness, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Market report: California grape season ramps up, tomato supplies tighten
The report notes steady supplies of organic strawberries from California at promotable pricing. Meanwhile, Pacific Northwest organic blueberry production is expected to ramp up.
California avocado industry pushes seasonal tariff-rate quota proposal
The California Avocado Commission has launched an advocacy campaign supporting a seasonal tariff-rate quota on Mexican avocado imports during California’s peak harvest season as federal officials review the USMCA trade agreement.
USMCA enters annual review period after U.S. declines 16-year extension
The U.S. declined to extend the USMCA for another 16 years, triggering annual reviews while the agreement remains in force. Here’s what fruit and vegetable growers should know.
2026 Great Lakes EXPO Farm Market Bus Tour
Spend a day exploring innovative farm markets and agritourism destinations across West Michigan. Get registered now before spots fill up!
Long awaited SAWA labor reform drops, H-2A and immigration debate continues
The bill would overhaul the H-2A guest worker program while dividing agricultural organizations and immigration advocates over its approach to workforce reform.
White House seeks $11 billion in aid for specialty crop, Florida growers
Learn what the proposal includes and what it could mean for fruit and vegetable growers.
Okanagan Specialty Fruits CEO Neal Carter buys back orchard he founded
The biotechnology fruit company enters a new chapter focused on innovation, sustainability and industry growth.
How one Sacramento Delta pear orchard continues a century of farming legacy
Today the operation continues on through sustainable management, experienced leadership and a commitment to its pear-growing heritage.
Grape growers to gather for Michigan Viticulture Field Day in Benton Harbor
The event will feature demonstrations of autonomous sprayers, precision viticulture equipment, sustainable vineyard practices and the latest grape-growing research.