Iceberg lettuce was originally known as “crisphead.” That’s because it was shipped in containers filled with ice. Then it was named “iceberg” in the early 1900s due to the icing process. Iceberg was the most popular lettuce at one time. Green leaf was also popular.

Since 2019, when the minimum wage in California was $11 per hour, wage rates have increased by 45 percent over five years, reaching the current $16 per hour. Some legislators are now proposing bills to raise the minimum wage to $18-$20.

In a crowded apple market, it’s now retailers’ chance to impress shoppers with the most exciting apple—SweeTango. This harvest, growers forecast a longer season, with 20 percent more apples compared to prior years. Growers also report apples will be bigger, juicier and better in bulk, but whether supplying in bags or stacking them on the shelves, they’ll have a selection for any retailer’s needs.

California table grape growers have long sought innovative ways to grow a healthy product in a fruitful and efficient manner. Since 1972 the industry has funded viticulture research projects ranging from the development of new varieties to establishment of best cultural practices to the evaluation of pest management processes.

That’s where the California Grape Commission comes in. All of the commission’s work is about creating opportunity for California table grape growers to grow, pick, pack, ship and market a crop as efficiently and economically advantageously as possible.

The Overgaag family of Westerlay Orchids has a farming story that started generations ago - now they are sustainably producing over 4 million orchids annually. The popularity of orchids is a reflection of their beauty and connection to those who own them. National Indoor Plant Week celebrates the vital role of live plants in indoor environments. They are more than just decorations; they purify the air, reduce noise levels, produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and help us stay connected to nature.

Whether it’s for teachers, parents, students, or other school staff, flowers can make this back-to-school season extra special for everyone involved. Rio Roses wanted to explore how florists can market their beautiful blooms for back-to-school.