The rain and hail, which caused significant issues in California’s Central Valley fruit-producing regions, was less problematic in the coastal vegetable areas, but it did have an impact -- and a welcome one at that.

Vegetable prices led by lettuce, but affecting almost every item, have been in the dumps for much of the winter and spring. In fact, f.o.b. prices well below breakeven have been commonplace.

Production of fresh fruits and vegetables makes Oregon a national contender in a number of areas. On Aug. 22, 2011, the Oregon Department of Agriculture revised its assessment of the state of agriculture in its publication, Oregon Agriculture: Facts and Figures. According to the report, preliminary figures show 2010 Oregon agricultural production to be valued at $4.4 billion, up 7 percent from 2009.

MORGANVILLE, NJ -- Peppadew Fresh USA won a Value Added Working Capital Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will enable it to expand production and distribution of its Peppadew Goldew fruit.

Lately, when Sakata Seed America holds its regular vegetable seed trial events for the trade near its home office in Morgan Hill, CA, there is a new classification of observer.

These events have always attracted growers, shippers and seed distributors, but recently a fair number of retailers have also found time to discover what's happening at the genetic level.

In August 2011, Bob McGowan was elected for another three-year term as president of the New England Produce Council. He previously served two consecutive terms, but prior to his current election, Jack Salamon served as president for a term. Mr. McGowan manages produce in the Northeast for Advantage Sales & Marketing.

CLOVIS, CA -- Growers in California's San Joaquin Valley were assessing crop damage the week of April 16 following a series of storms over the previous week that caused severe damage to stone fruit and other crops, mainly in the central part of the valley.