Santa Cruz Berry Farming Co. in Watsonville, CA, was started in February of this year, but its owner, Fritz Koontz, has been farming on his own farms for 16 years and involved in growing for almost 30 years.

“I’ve been in organic production for about 11 years,” said Mr. Koontz. “Prior to starting Santa Cruz Berry Farming I was in partnership with another company that sold berries. I decided to start my own shipping, packing and marketing company. The response from customers has been very good, and things are going well.”

Intergrow Greenhouses Inc. is in the final stages of an 18-acre expansion to its existing 30 acres of greenhouse located in Albion, NY. The expansion started in late 2010 and will be complete with first fall-winter crop planting in September.

David Peri, chief executive officer and president of Yerington, NV-based Peri & Sons Farms, said that his company’s white, yellow, red and sweet organic onions grow so well in western Nevada because the state’s long, sunny days, dry climate and clean underground water have created an environment naturally resistant to pests and disease.

Bruce Klein, director of marketing for Maurice A. Auerbach Inc., located in South Hackensack, NJ, told The Produce News that the company’s accounts, especially the more upscale retailers, are remaining strongly committed to organics.

“In general, consumers are looking for certain organic items,” he said. “If organic prices stay close to that of conventional, and the product looks as good as conventional on grocers’ shelves, the organic line will continue to grow.”

A long history in the organic arena continues to give CF Fresh a competitive edge. Addie Pobst, the company’s import coordinator and food safety officer, said the company has evolved and grown to meet today’s marketplace demand.

Ronni Blumenthal, vice president of administration for Global Organic Specialty Source in Sarasota, FL, told The Produce News that stone fruit season is starting for the company.

“We are excited about pluots,” said Ms. Blumenthal. “We will also have the last of the Florida crops available, which include wonderful crimson watermelons and burgundy okra. And our close relationship with two Chilean growers provides us with a strong apple and squash program that is currently in place.”