Organic sales showed stronger growth in 2010 than in 2009, despite the continued poor economy, according to Barbara Haumann, senior writer and editor for the Organic Trade Association in Greenfield, MA.

"A 7 percent growth rate was projected for 2010, but we witnessed an 8 percent growth rate," she said. "This was inspiring because organics grew by only 5.1 percent in 1999. We have projected a 7 percent growth rate again for 2011, but we feel we could actually hit 10 percent by the end of the year. We're very optimistic for the future."

A year ago, truck drivers were loudly complaining about new California engine emission regulations that required many truck operators to retrofit older engines with costly repairs. This year, the noise has died down, and most produce industry truckers have complied.

WENATCHEE, WA -- Forget the chocolate and flowers. Stemilt Growers is giving Valentine's Day a healthy makeover this year with Pink Lady apples. Colorful display bins, point-of-sale signage and a great manifest of premium quality Pink Lady apples are all available to retailers in order to build a successful Valentine's Day-themed promotion centered on this niche variety.

The f.o.b. price on Iceberg lettuce soared the third week in January as growers continued to fight disease problems which have significantly reduced yields over the past several weeks, especially in the Yuma, AZ, area, which is a major provider of winter lettuce and other vegetables.

WASHINGTON -- First lady Michelle Obama joined Walmart officials Jan. 20 at a Washington community center to announce that the nation's largest grocer will push suppliers to reformulate their processed foods to make them healthier and slash prices on fresh fruits and vegetables to make them more affordable.

"No family should have to choose between food that is healthier for them and food they can afford," Bill Simon, president and chief executive officer of Walmart U.S., said in a statement.

Growers and researchers from 14 countries will gather in early February in Tampa, FL, for the 30th annual meeting of the North American Strawberry Growers Association in conjunction with the seventh annual North American Strawberry Symposium with a focus on "Sustaining Strawberry Production through Science."

The combined meeting will be held Feb. 8-11 at the Westshore Doubletree Hotel in Tampa, featuring speakers from a dozen states and 14 countries. The keynote speaker will be marketing expert Bill McCurry.