Produce

Just like other summer crops in the Northwest, peak season for Stemilt’s industry-leading crop of apricots has arrived earlier than normal. The peak shipping period for Stemilt’s Washington-grown cots will run through July 15th, which is about 10 days ahead of normal timing. Stemilt has a large organic apricot presence that provides retailers with a great point of differentiation to boost their stone fruit and organic categories during July, a busy month at retail. …

Cathy Burns, president of Produce Marketing Association, issued the following statement in reaction to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s hearing on the potential impacts of trade retaliation as a result of the World Trade Organization dispute brought by Canada and Mexico regarding Country of Origin Labeling for beef, pork and poultry: …

The Blueberry harvest is underway in New Jersey, and according to Atlantic County blueberry grower and New Jersey Farm Bureau member, Denny Doyle, it is a beautiful crop this year.  The rain that fell in New Jersey over the last few weeks followed by current drier conditions is ideal for a good crop.  Doyle said, “We are going gangbusters now!” …

Consumers have spoken. A new consumer survey tells the story when it comes to how they feel about the use of the Pink Lady brand name with the results to be used by Pink Lady America (PLA) to reinforce that preference with retailers. …

Students in California’s grape growing region are ready to attend college thanks to table grape growers. Five field worker scholarships were awarded in 2015: three $20,000, four-year field worker scholarships and two $3,500 two-year scholarships to community colleges. Also, two $20,000 four-year agricultural scholarships were awarded in 2015. …