This year, FirstFruits Farms expanded the Opal Apples Youth Make a Difference initiative, celebrating youth leadership through community grants and a new partnership with The Junior Basketball League. Together, these efforts reflect Opal Apples’ commitment to empowering the next generation to create healthier, stronger communities.

The Foundation for Fresh Produce team has been busy in 2025 re-imagining its website, fruitsandveggies.org, and turning it into the ultimate fruit and veggie hub for health professionals and consumers.

The California cherry crop estimate has been lowered to approximately 4.6 million cartons, down from the 7-8 million projection earlier in the season. Rain during the bloom has caused extensive damage to the fruit, lowering yields. The lighter crop will support demand until the Washington cherry crop begins in early June.

As cherry lovers anticipate the arrival of summer, Orchard View Cherries is preparing to kick off what promises to be a strong season on June 12. With more than a century of expertise growing cherries on the banks of Oregon’s Columbia River, Orchard View is forecasting excellent quality, consistent large sizing and mature sugars, and a 30 percent increase in volume over last year.

Fusionware, one of the fastest-growing SaaS platform modernizing operations for the fresh produce supply chain, announced the addition of Tara Stroud as Customer Success Manager and Daniel Owens as Growth Marketing Manager.

HILLSDALE, NJ — Always a highlight on the Eastern Produce Council calendar, the 15th annual Jersey Fresh BBQ, held May 20 at Demarest Farms, here, did not disappoint, as attendees gathered on a crisp and sunny spring evening to network and hear the latest updates on Garden State crops.