Produce

California Tomato Cooperative (CTF) wishes to thank Ed Beckman for his service in leading the cooperative since its inception in 2007. Beckman announced his departure from CTF earlier this month to take another position within the tomato industry. …

A warm, dry January — what Tangipahoa strawberry farmers call "perfect conditions" — is leading to what could be the best strawberry crop in years. …

Dole Food Co., the biggest tenant at the Port of San Diego’s busiest terminal, appears close to staying for 25 more years despite a lease it can break this year and past talks to move to the Port of Hueneme near Oxnard. …

Midwinter is prime citrus season for both the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California districts, with an abundance of excellent mandarins, oranges, tangelos and lemons. The one laggard is conventional grapefruit, which, as grown in these two areas will be too sour for most palates for a couple of months or more. By compensation, we have three fine locally adapted grapefruit-like hybrids, Oroblanco, Melogold and Cocktail "grapefruit," which are at their peak right now. …

Not many things go together better than strawberries and Valentine's Day. To celebrate Valentine's Day, and to showcase one of the most seductive, healthy and versatile fruits – the California Strawberry Commission is accepting submissions for "The Most Romantic Recipe" Contest. Prizes will be awarded for dishes that best capture the essence of a romantic meal. …