Production of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries has been hit by intense heat, causing supply and quality issues.

Salinas and Watsonville are past their peak harvest time frame for strawberries as of two weeks ago. We will continue to see a slow and steady decline in production moving into the end of July through September. We will see some softer fruit with increased bruising.

The state of Delaware is partnering with Enstructure, the private operator of the Port of Wilmington, to build a new port terminal at a site in Edgemoor, DE, at an industrial site acquired in 2017 by the taxpayer-owned Diamond State Port Corp.

Expected to cost $635 million, the new port will be largest shipping terminal in Delaware joining the Port of Wilmington, which opened in 1923.

Duane Eaton, a long-time senior staff executive who led the Meetings and Trade shows team at the International Fresh Produce Association's legacy organization Produce Marketing Association, died July 3. He was 75.

On June 27, Ocean Mist Farms officially celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years of successful family farming.

The Washington Apple Commission named Michael Schadler as its new president. Schadler, executive vice president for the Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange and the Florida Tomato Committee, will succeed Todd Fryhover, who plans to retire after leading the Washington Apple Commission for 18 years.

With the onset of summer, Mountain View Fruit showcased its premium peaches, plums and nectarines at the Summer X Games in Ventura, CA. These fruits were distributed to VIP attendees, athletes and media, serving as a refreshing and nutritious snack option throughout the event.