Orchard View Cherries is gearing up for a fruitful season, with an outlook of consistent, large sizing and mature sugars. Exclusively marketed by Oppy, the team eagerly awaits its first pick on June 13.

After a challenging few years of weather events, the season is progressing well, experiencing moderate conditions for excellent quality. “It’s the most normal season we’ve experienced in a while, with cool mornings and temperate days,” said Brenda Thomas, president of Orchard View.

A brief mid-week heat wave in Central California will bring inland temperatures into the upper 90s in the Salinas Valley. The San Joaquin Valley will see the first triple-digit temperatures of the season Friday. While short-lived this warm up is a welcome relief from the generally cooler temperatures this spring; weather patterns continue to hold back acreage.

The American Floral Endowment has began a new project that aims to further advancements in floriculture by focusing on helping industry members approach and become more actionable with sustainability.

As of July 1 Héctor Enrique Luján Valladolid will take on the role of CEO for Hortifrut, leading the company's worldwide operations. Luján will initially be based in the United States.

As shopper demand increases for healthy, convenient, cost-effective meals, Side Delights Bakeables now offer the consumer-favorite microwaveable side dish in an eye-catching new package that coordinates with the updated Side Delights portfolio of potatoes.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture maintains inspection programs to ensure that USDA, FDA, and Jersey Fresh standards are met or exceeded. NJDA Agricultural Products Agents attend FDA and USDA training, regional and national conferences, and events including the annual State Agricultural Convention, Jersey Fresh promotions, grower association meetings, farmers markets and fairs. Our extensive networking helps us stay in touch with our stakeholders and any relevant trends in production, marketing, inspection, and food safety.