The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its initial forecast for 2014-15, pegging the orange crop at 108 million boxes, up from last season's total of 104.4 million.

Early-mid varieties accounted for 52 million boxes, while Valencias came in at 56 million boxes.

"This is a positive number as the Florida citrus grower continues to battle citrus greening disease," Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, said in a press release. "It's been a tight few years for production and 2014-15 is no different."

In order to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, all Big Y Supermarkets will be donating proceeds from their entire produce department as well as additional select products throughout the store to over 22 local breast cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Since 2007, the chain has raised close to $1.1million dollars for this cause. The program, "Partners of Hope," reflects the partnership, commitment and support of breast cancer awareness and research that is so vital for many. Last year, Big Y raised close to $218,000.

Students from the Walker Junior High School in LA Palma, CA, will tackle healthy eating on Friday, Oct. 17 when they put 10 produce-centric recipes to the test at the fourth annual PMA Fresh Summit Sensory Experience Contest. The contest, sponsored by Bolthouse Farms and supported by Disney Consumer Products, features the top 10 recipes submitted by exhibitors that will be judged by the students and 15 key buyers, including Delhaize America, Pro*Act and SuperValu.

Honeybear Brands will introduce Pazazz, its latest apple creation that was seven years in the making, and will unveil TruEarth, a grower-wide commitment to sustainable farming, the highest standards and earth friendly practices, at this year's PMA Fresh Summit, Oct. 17-19 in Anaheim, CA.

Sandy Gatanio has joined the Kingston Fresh team as product manager for specialty vegetables and berries, a new position. With over 35 years experience in fresh produce sales and marketing, his immediate focus will be on establishing these new categories and markets to add to Kingston’s expanding product lines.

Alan Kleinman, sales manager at Gourmet’s Finest Mushroom Co. in Kennett Square, PA, said consumers continue to incorporate mushrooms into meal planning. “There are many new trends, and more people are trying mushrooms,” he told The Produce News. “With the advent of television food networks and menu advancements, we are reaching a whole generation of eaters.”