WASHINGTON -- The 2010 Dietary Guidelines should recommend that Americans shift their food intake patterns to a more plant-based diet that emphasizes vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, according to a new report delivered June 15 to top Obama administration officials.

Every five years, the federal government names an advisory panel to scrutinize the latest science and make nutritional recommendations to the U.S. departments of Agriculture and Health & Human Services that later become the Dietary Guidelines.

Cold spring weather and a shift in California varieties have combined to create a demand-exceeds-supply situation in the early stages of the plum market this year.

The U.S. Federal State Market News Service reported June 14 that plum prices are about $25 per carton f.o.b., which is about 25 percent more than nectarines and 60 percent more than peaches.

"The plum deal isn't like it used to be," said Gary Van Sickle, president of the California Tree Fruit Agreement. "We just don't have the early volume like we used to."

BONITA SPRINGS, FL -- Water, water everywhere -- and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it is mostly loaded with nitrogen and phosphorus, so much so that the agency has created a set of new runoff regulations for Florida's lakes, springs and rivers that could drown the state's farmers in a sea of red tape and increased costs.

About 200 Florida citrus growers packed a panel discussion on the new EPA numeric nutrient criteria at the Florida citrus industry annual conference June 10 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, here.

BONITA SPRINGS, FL -- Despite golf and fishing tournaments and a handful of family events, the 2010 Florida citrus industry annual conference held June 9- 11 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, here, was mostly work.

Bananas sourced in Central America will be in short supply at least until the end of June.

Bil Goldfield, communications manager for Dole Fresh Fruit Co. in Westlake Village, CA, on June 8 told The Produce News, "In the wake of recent natural events in Latin America, including volcano eruptions in Guatemala and Ecuador and Tropical Storm Agatha, overall banana volumes will be reduced and forecast to be tight through the remainder of June."

With a history of moving into a new season with zest and verve, 2010 is no exception for Zespri. Projecting beyond the retail trade's traditional tactics of ads and demos, the kiwifruit marketer has chosen to partner with retailers on promotions that engage consumers and direct maximum impact to the point of sale. Zespri also works with wholesalers across the country to reach independent retailers and produce stores, which are important outlets for its kiwifruit.