Most of the eastern United States enjoyed an unusually warm winter and early spring, leading many crops to come on early in 2012. The state of Connecticut has shared in that scenario.

The Chuck Olsen Co. in Visalia, CA, which increased grape acreage in 2012 with the addition of new growers, will once again see additional growth in acreage from “two growers we have picked up,” according to Jeff Olsen, vice president of the company. That will contribute to an anticipated increase in grape volume for the 2012 season of roughly 20 percent.

“Last year, we ended up with almost 900,000” boxes of grapes, Mr. Olsen said. “We are hoping we will get somewhere around 1.1 [million] by the end of this year.”

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ — Sustainability is a term Leo Holt likes to use — and not just as a buzzword. The president of Holt Logistics Corp. applies the approach throughout his business network and in his approach to the world at large.

As families anticipate the coming of the new school year, Produce for Kids is kicking educational opportunities into high gear with its fall campaign, “Healthy Schools, Healthy Minds.”

The nonprofit organization is partnering with DonorsChoose.org at selected grocery store chains during September and October, and shoppers are encouraged to help support local classroom projects by adding more fresh fruit and vegetables to their carts.

In mid-July, the FoodNetwork.com stated that summer produce won’t last long, and suggested that viewers “Make the most of it with our best recipes for tomatoes, corn, watermelon, zucchini, green beans and peaches.” And the website does just that by offering recipes like zucchini gratin, and cherry tomato salad with buttermilk-basil dressing, proving that even the most common and abundant fresh produce items can be given a dressed-up appearance and flavor.

WASHINGTON — Driven in part by drought relief, the House Republican leadership may schedule a vote next week on a one-year extension of the current farm bill, but advocates for a five-year measure hope a House floor vote moves them closer to a 2012 farm bill this year.