Produce

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam called for increased funding to fight citrus greening, which is threatening to decimate Florida’s famed citrus crop. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revised its estimate today for the 2014-15 harvest season to 103 million boxes of oranges, a decline from the forecast released in 2014. …

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the results of findings from additional tests performed on samples collected from Bidart Bros. apple processing plant. Test results confirm two strains of Listeria monocytogenes were found at the apple processing facility and are believed to be the same strains associated with the outbreak. Those same strains were also found in Bidart Bros. apples collected from a retailer by the FDA. The CDC confirmed that the majority of the persons made ill reported consuming caramel-coated apples. …

Scotian Gold Co-operative Limited is recalling Scotian Gold brand apple slices that used apples sourced from the United States (US) that are now recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. …

Starting off the new year, Mastronardi Produce is proud to announce their latest greenhouse venture: Pepperco USA. …

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association and its partners are proud to launch Half Your Plate, a new healthy eating initiative, across Canada this week. Half Your Plate empowers Canadians of all ages to eat more fruits and veggies to improve their health while providing simple and practical ways to add a variety of produce to every meal and snack. After a successful launch on social media this summer, Half Your Plate is now making its way onto produce packaging and into retail stores across Canada. …