Organic food production is a job creator.

According to a new economic study released on April 25 at the Organic Trade Association's Policy Conference in Washington, DC, producing U.S. foods organically creates thousands more jobs than if that food were produced using conventional agricultural methods.

The Hoosier State has officially created a branding program designed to bring global focus to homegrown produce and production. Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman announced the launch of Indiana Grown at the Artisan Market at the Indiana State Fair Grounds on March 30.

A new style of retail consumer packs for fresh grapes, which was seen to a limited degree last year, appears to have burst into widespread popularity for the 2012 season. It is a gusseted, often high-graphic stand-up bag with a handle, which some refer to as a grab-and-go bag.

Similar style bags have been used for some time now for various food products, and have begun to find application in other produce commodities as well.

CLOVIS, CA — Onion thrips, a serious onion pest that can also carry a viral disease affecting onions, and the development of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides by onion thrips has become a global problem. "We continue to have a problem with onion thrips, and we are very concerned about iris yellow spot virus," which is transmitted by the thrips, said Robert (Bob) C. Ehn, chief executive officer and technical manager of the California Garlic & Onion Research Advisory Board, here, in an interview with The Produce News.

After two years of late starts for the grape harvest in California's San Joaquin Valley, the 2012 season appears to be on track for a more normal start date, according to growers.

The earliest vineyards in the valley are expected to be ready for the first picking by late June. Many growers with vineyards in the southern end of the valley expected to start a day or two after the Fourth of July. By July 15, early varieties as far north as Tulare and Fresno counties are expected to be ready for harvest.