A retaliatory tariff on California grapes imposed last year by Mexico in response to a U.S. ban on cross-border trucking cost the industry $43 million in 2009, and industry leaders as well as a congressional coalition are pushing hard to get the situation resolved before the start of the 2010 grape season, according to Barry Bedwell, president of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League in Fresno, CA.

VISALIA, CA -- Notwithstanding the current state of the economy in California and nationwide, California Citrus Mutual's annual Citrus Showcase, held here March 4, saw near-capacity attendance for the luncheon and sold- out exhibit space for the trade show. Furthermore, there is a waiting list for exhibitors who hope to participate in future Citrus Showcase trade shows, according to Joel Nelsen, president of CCM.

Citing the destruction of infrastructure in Chile as a result of the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake on Feb. 27, a coalition of Delaware River port operators has petitioned U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for a suspension of the April 10 date that regulates the importation of Chilean grapes by the United States. Members of the Desert Grape Growers League of California, however, are opposed to such a move.

It's a welcome change for California avocado growers and retailers alike. After two successive years of light California crops, the 2010 crop has a heavy set and is estimated at a volume two and a half to three times that of the 2009 crop.

The National Apple Month program announced the winners of the fall 2009 National Apple Month retail and military display contests. The annual contest, which jump-starts the domestic apple industry's marketing season, provided retailers and the apple industry with increased sales and gave consumers easy access to great-tasting, good-for-you apples and partner products of Marzetti Caramel Apple Dips, Smucker's natural peanut butter and JIF natural peanut butter.

TAMPA, FL - By any and all accounts, the Southeast Produce Council's 2010 Retail and Foodservice Conference & Expo, held here March 4-6, was a major success, drawing more people to the event than ever before.

"If I were to ballpark [overall attendance], it would be in the 1,300 range," SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees told The Produce News following the conclusion of the event, also known as Southern Exposure. Last year's conference and expo, also in Tampa, drew about 1,150.