Scott Mabs, director of marketing for Homegrown Organic Farms in Porterville, CA, told The Produce News that the company is producing organic clementines this year.

“These are the first true organic clementines to be produced in the U.S.,” said Mr. Mabs. “The program will run during the November, December and January period.”

Homegrown Organic Farms is an organic fresh produce marketing company, representing over 3,500 acres of organic produce. The company was started in 1998 by husband and wife, John and Cindy France in California’s San Joaquin Valley.

Don’t look for dramatic changes in floral offerings at the 2012 Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit. There will not be a preshow floral tour, floral education sessions, a floral packaging award winner or even a Floral Marketer of the Year award. There will be the time-honored floral networking reception.

It was a very difficult experience and certainly one that Larry Nienkerk of Splendid Products Inc. in Burlingame, CA, wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy.

Yet the recall of mangos in late August was also enlightening and added to the respect that he has for everyone involved in the process, including his many customers.

Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, told The Produce News that there is a strong and conscious effort by increasingly more consumers to lean toward buying organic product.

Bill Litvin, regional sales and national account manager for Giorgio Fresh Company in Temple, PA, said that the company, a grower-shipper of fresh mushrooms, has produced and sold organic mushrooms for many years.

CF Fresh has weathered the ups and downs of the organic market from its earliest days, and today occupies a leadership role for its dedication, vision and persistence.