Archaeologists have found evidence of avocado consumption going back nearly 10,000 years in central Mexico, while researchers believe that humans began cultivating the fruit about 5,000 years ago. There’s also much proof that the Mesoamerican tribes like the Inca in Peru and the Olmec and the Maya in Mexico grew domesticated avocado trees.

Uneven weather during the growing season has presented some challenges for Colorado potato growers this year. Despite those speedbumps, spuds from the Centennial State should be in good supply with good quality.

“We had some cool weather early in the season, and then we had a very hot and dry July,” Jim Ehrlich, executive director of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, told The Produce News Aug. 16. “We had multiple days over 90 degrees, which is unusual here in Colorado, but our growers did a good job of keeping up with watering.”

Alexandra Farms, the world’s largest grower of fresh-cut garden roses, proudly announces the latest addition to our collections: Hettie (AUSCP17117), a vibrantly colored variety bred by the renowned David Austin Roses in England.

The Organics Unlimited GROW Fund has selected Carmen Leticia Hidalgo Mujica as the first recipient of the Carlos Cortes Scholarship. This $15,000 scholarship honors the work and memory of organic banana pioneer Carlos Cortes Sr. and is awarded to an individual whose journey embodies the values of commitment to social responsibility, fair-trade and sustainability while championing innovation in the food industry.

While creating a product that is ideal for the retail level is extremely important, officials at the Volm Companies really want to focus on producing packaging with the packer in mind.

“Yes, we want to create a package that is ideal at the retail level, but first you have to get it there,” said Marsha Pozza, the Antigo, WI-based company’s director of marketing and communications. “This is where our experience and knowledge of the packing line equipment comes in. Not only do we manufacture the bags, we make the equipment that runs on.

California Giant Berry Farms recently held its 17th Skirt Steak BBQ fundraising event, which resulted in more than $19,000 raised for the California Giant Foundation, the company’s 501(c)3 non-profit that distributes funds to organizations making a positive change in health and wellness for current and future generations.