Fritz Koontz

Santa Cruz Berry Farming Co.

In late December, the Coca-Cola Co. told the U.S. Food & Drug Administration that it had discovered low levels of a fungicide not approved for use in the United States in its orange juice.

The contamination came from Brazil, where growers legally use the fungicide carbendazim to fight black spot mold on oranges.

After following a set system for the past 35 years, the Produce Marketing Association has adopted a new points system for the purpose of booth selection by exhibitors for the 2013 show and beyond.

Previously, participation at the group’s annual Fresh Summit trade show was the only way to accumulate points, which were awarded for consecutive years as an exhibitor as well as for each booth unit that was rented for that year. So a single unit exhibitor with a 10-year streak of participation would receive 29 points.

Many will remember 2011 for its economic troubles, the beginning of the 2012 presidential election campaign, and unprecedented political demonstrations around the world and closer to home. But the Organic Trade Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT, wants people to also remember the six myths that research busted about organic agriculture and consumer acceptance of organics during the year.

The introduction of a new watermelon variety at the National Watermelon Association Convention at Amelia Island, FL, in late February will be handled in somewhat of an unconventional manner by Nunhems USA.

According to Travis Estvold, marketing-communications specialist for North America/AUS/NZ, the Diplomat variety of watermelon will make its debut during a fierce competition, which includes a specialized beanbag cornhole board in the international seed company’s booth.

Citrus growers in California and Florida reported very little damage from freezing temperatures that blasted both states — the former in December and the latter in early January — but U.S. Department of Agriculture crop estimates released Jan. 12 show slight decreases in both states’ crops from earlier projections.