Produce

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Central American Produce is promoting the benefits of its squash and seedless watermelons. These items will be tagged with the “heart healthy” sticker, reminding consumers of just some of the benefits of these items, and adding eye appeal to produce displays. …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is conducting a referendum among eligible first handlers and importers of mangos in the U.S., to determine whether they favor the continuance of the National Mango Board (NMB) formed in 2005 under the Mango Promotion, Research and Information Order. This referendum will be held on April 6-17, 2015. First handlers and importers who handled 500,000 pounds of mangos or more in the U.S. during the 2014 calendar year are eligible to vote. Eligible members will be receiving a ballot and voting instructions directly from USDA. …

Punxsutawney Phil may be able to predict the end of winter, but fresh California strawberries are the true harbingers of spring. In season from April through October, fresh California strawberries add excitement, color, nutrition and the taste of sun-ripened fruit to favorite and signature dishes. Bursting with sweetness and natural goodness, these luscious berries arrive just in time to refresh tired menus. …

California avocado season is getting underway, and the California Avocado Commission (CAC) has updated its production forecast to 327 million pounds for its fiscal year 2014-15. CAC also announced that Dr. Timothy Spann has returned to the Commission staff and now serves as research program director. …

Lori Taylor, The Produce Mom® will give the lunch keynote address at the 2015 Southwest Ag Summit in Yuma, Arizona on February 26th. Taylor will be speaking to members of the specialty crop industry on the importance of marketing and technology. …