Many will remember 2011 for its economic troubles, the beginning of the 2012 presidential election campaign, and unprecedented political demonstrations around the world and closer to home. But the Organic Trade Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT, wants people to also remember the six myths that research busted about organic agriculture and consumer acceptance of organics during the year.

The introduction of a new watermelon variety at the National Watermelon Association Convention at Amelia Island, FL, in late February will be handled in somewhat of an unconventional manner by Nunhems USA.

According to Travis Estvold, marketing-communications specialist for North America/AUS/NZ, the Diplomat variety of watermelon will make its debut during a fierce competition, which includes a specialized beanbag cornhole board in the international seed company’s booth.

Citrus growers in California and Florida reported very little damage from freezing temperatures that blasted both states — the former in December and the latter in early January — but U.S. Department of Agriculture crop estimates released Jan. 12 show slight decreases in both states’ crops from earlier projections.

Ed Beckman, who has served as president of California Tomato Farmers since 2007, left the organization earlier this month to become chief executive officer of the Certified Greenhouse/Hothouse Vegetable Producers Association of North America, based in Clovis, CA.

More supermarkets are using independent nutritional rating systems on shelf tags, which could bode well for increased consumption of fresh produce.