fruit
Deadline for USDA local ag grants is May 14
The USDA has several Local Agricultural Market Programs that are offering grants to promote farmers markets, local food programs and regional food partnerships. Application deadlines for the grants are May 14. Farmers Market Promotion Program... more »
Grant Holley to lead Wisconsin cranberry group
Grant Holley is the new executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA). Holley succeeds Tom Lochner, who was in the position for 35 years. Holley will join the WACGA in Wisconsin Rapids... more »
Ed Wengryn leads NJ Department of Agriculture
Edward D. Wengryn recently became New Jersey secretary of agriculture. Wengryn, who started in the role on March 25, succeeds Douglas Fisher, who retired. Joe Atchison III, the assistant secretary, had been interim agriculture secretary... more »
AgroFresh acquires Pace, expands offerings
AgroFresh Solutions Inc. has acquired Pace International LLC. Pace was a subsidiary of Valent BioSciences and is a provider of sustainable postharvest solutions, equipment and technical services. The acquisition includes all domestic and overseas operations.... more »
Neolithics uses AI to inspect fruit
Neolithics, an artificial intelligence (AI) agritech company, is launching Neolithics Light, an automated, portable produce inspection system. The non-destructive technology eliminates inspection waste, improves productivity and increases the volume of saleable product, according to a... more »
IFPA cites 10 key 2023 impacts
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is focusing on consumer health, the planet and Farm Bill policies among the 10 key issues outlined in its Annual Impact Report. “We do so much more together as... more »
How much is your cider and other pressing questions
Fruit Growers News is seeking input on pricing at farm markets across the country. The farm market pricing survey seeks retail per-pound data on specific commodities in these categories: Pre-picked conventionally grown fruits and vegetables;... more »
Purdue Ag-Celerator invests in pathogen detection tech
OmniVis, which focuses on the speed, accuracy and economics of pathogen detection, has received $100,000 from the Purdue Ag-Celerator, an agriculture innovation fund. OmniVis makes iSpyDx hand-held devices that rapidly detect pathogens in food, agriculture... more »
USDA appoints fruit, vegetable industry advisory committee members
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has appointed 25 industry representatives to serve on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. The reappointed and newly appointed members will serve two-year terms beginning immediately and ending in... more »
Brighter Bites bounces back from COVID-19 in 2021
Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh fruits, vegetables and nutrition education resources directly into families’ hands, has released its 2021 annual report. The report features Brighter Bites’ financials, the number of nutrition education... more »