Produce

Village Farms International, Inc. has announced that it has harvested the first fruit from its new state-of-the-art greenhouse located in Monahans, Texas. The initial pick is being harvested a few weeks ahead of schedule due to the excellent greenhouse climate. …

Chiquita Brands has released financial and operating results for 2011, reporting full-year comparable income[1] of $38 million, and GAAP income of $57 million on net sales of $3.1 billion. Fourth quarter results improved versus 2010, resulting in a comparable loss[1] of $6 million, versus a comparable loss of $18 million in the year-ago period. The fourth quarter GAAP loss was $16 million, including $8 million of charges related to the company's headquarters relocation and shipping reconfigurations in Europe. …

Potato farmers in upstate New York have reason to be cheerful. Regulators have lifted restrictions on 300,000 acres of farmland after growers eliminated a devastating potato pest.
…

World Potato Congress 2012 (May 27 – 30, Edinburgh, Scotland) is a unique opportunity for solid business-building, according to Rob Clayton, director at Potato Council. “Reservations are now really starting to take off and great interest is being shown in industry tours. Delegates will all benefit from their participation in this unique event,” says Dr Clayton. “You will come away feeling recharged, motivated and inspired.” …

Rick Hudson, a 13 year veteran of the produce industry recently joined Booth Ranches, Orange Cove, CA on the sales desk. Most recently, Rick was the owner of Finest Fruits in Fresno and also spent several years in the tree fruit industry. He is a UCLA graduate. …