The farm-grown Christmas tree industry in this country is a billion-dollar industry that sold 24.5 million trees last year, and 2013 should see an increase, according to Rick Dungey, public relations director of the National Christmas Tree Association in Chesterfield, MO.

SANTA BARBARA, CA — Expanded grower tours, more education sessions, a golf tournament on a championship course, awards, a floral fashion show with wearable floral craftsmanship, a flower fair with 42 exhibitors, convention grounds decorated by a team of seven floral designers — all were on hand, along with a record crowd of more than 400 for the NORCAL Sun ‘N Fun Weekend here July 17-20.

It’s show time. NORCAL held its biennial Fun ‘N Sun Weekend earlier this month, and we have a report filed at press time from the show.

Also in this issue are photos from the International Floriculture Expo in Miami Beach, FL, which will move to New Orleans next summer. The Southern California Expo of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council was also held this month in Anaheim, CA.

Beginning the first week of August, Seald Sweet will be importing citrus from Australia into the port of Long Beach, CA. This move adds further growth to the company’s well-established summer citrus programs.

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., a grower-owned cooperative based in Lakeville-Middleboro, MA, announced the appointment of Thano Chaltas to the newly created role of global chief marketing officer.

Chaltas will be responsible for global brand development and will be part of the cooperative leadership team. He will report directly to Ken Romanzi, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Ocean Spray Brands.

Cantaloupe growers in Rocky Ford, CO, have decreased planted acreage dramatically to address water shortages.

“Acreage is down 60 to 70 percent this season,” said Chairman Michael Hirakata, who is also general manager of Hirakata Farms.

The association has a total of 15 members this year. In addition to cantaloupes, some growers have also planted watermelons and honeydews.

Hirakata said water supplies were not as big of an issue at the beginning of the season as planting ramped up.