After a season dominated by small fruit — especially during the peak of the Navel window — early signs for the 2025–26 California Navel orange crop are encouraging. This year’s crop is expected to increase in both size and volume, with the latest USDA estimate projecting 80 million cartons, a 6 percent rise over last year.

The American Floral Endowment has launched a new AI-powered chatbot, Professor Petal, live on www.endowment.org. Developed in partnership with nextvert, an innovative technology company specializing in intelligent automation, Professor Petal is designed to help industry members easily explore and browse our wide range of resources.

Row 7 Seed Co., an organic food company known for its commitment to flavor and innovation in the seed-to-table movement, launched Sugarcone cabbage at 325 Whole Foods Market locations across California, the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Texas, including Houston, Austin and Dallas. This new variety will be available from September through mid-November.

Bloomin’ Easy Plants Inc. announced that Bubble Bath Hydrangea and MoonShadow Morello Hibiscus, two of its standout new introductions for 2026, earned showcase awards at the Farwest trade show, held in Portland, OR Aug. 20-22.

Equitable Food Initiative is marking Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting the vital contributions of Hispanic people throughout the agriculture sector.