The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published a proposed rule that would increase the assessment rate on fresh mangos by 50 percent, to three-quarters of a cent per pound from one-half cent per pound, to 

fund the National Mango Board and its activities.

In 2010, about 770 million pounds of fresh mangos were imported into the United States, so under the proposed assessment rate an operational budget of more than $5 million would be created. A 770 million-pound crop at one-half cent per pound assessment would create about a $3.85 million budget.

A lack of supply has caused a sharp increase in the price of celery, and the market should remain strong for at least several more weeks.

WEATHER

Salinas, CA: Temperatures will remain unseasonably cold through May 17. Daytime highs will reach only 58 degrees May 15 with the possibility of rain, thunderstorms and even small hail. Overnight lows will be in the mid- to upper 40s.

Bakersfield, CA: Daytime highs will remain on the 80s through May 13, then dip into the mid- to upper 60s May 15-17. Overnight lows will be in the upper 50s through May 13, then plunge into the mid- to upper 40s.

With blueberries showing category growth across the spectrum and consumption rising annually, what three decades ago was a niche product has in the last few years become a rising-star commodity. Tommy Smith, who has been growing blueberries for 32 years and has been chairman of the Carolina Blueberry Association co-operative for more than a decade, is a little surprised and quite delighted by the attention blueberries are garnering.

A specific lot of grape tomatoes packed on April 11 and distributed by Six L’s Packing in Immokalee, FL, was recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

In its recall notice, Six L’s reported that routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at a distributor’s site in New York had detected the Salmonella.

Testa Produce Inc., an independent wholesale produce distributor based in Chicago, took another step toward its goal of gaining U.S. Green Building Council Platinum certification with the installation of an on-site 750-kilowatt wind turbine.

The company celebrated the grand opening of the facility May 10 with a ribbon cutting and speeches by top