Eclipse Berry Farms adds acreage in Santa Maria
Mirroring an industry-wide trend, Eclipse Berry Farms LLC, a longtime California strawberry grower and shipper in Ventura County, has increased its acreage in the Santa Maria district, which is about 100 miles farther north.
Unlike other Oxnard strawberry growers, Eclipse has not decreased its acreage in that district but owner Stuart Gilfenbain said it is getting much more difficult to get good production out of Oxnard. He said marginal water quality, marginal soil and marginal varieties have seen that district’s acreage decline by about 35 percent over the last three years.
Service is the secret to success for West Lake Fresh
Though he is a broker specializing in berries, Louis Ivanovich of West Lake Fresh, based in Watsonville, CA, said what he is really selling is service.
The actual strawberries he is providing his customers are no different than what others can provide. He has to thrive on the services he offers.
“We are berry specialists,” he said. “Strawberries are our bread and butter. When other people have moved on to tree fruit or grapes, we’re still buying and selling berries.”
USDA files action against GM Brokerage, Felda Vegetable Farms
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative action under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act against Gregory Melton, doing business as GM Brokerage. The company, operating from Tennessee, allegedly failed to remit net proceeds to 22 produce sellers in the amount of $440,902 from December 2013 through October 2014.
Sobeys appoints new president
Sobeys Inc. has named Yves Laverdière as the president of its Quebec business unit. Laverdière served for a 19 years as a senior leader within the Quebec business unit, most recently as the senior vice president of merchandising for the IGA banner.
Dixie Belle Peaches partners with Sunny Valley International
Ward, SC-based Dixie Belle Peaches, poised for another fresh crop starting in May, has formed a new alliance with Sunny Valley International, which will be Dixie Belle's exclusive marketing agent of fresh peaches.
USDA restricts PACA violators in Virginia, Florida and California
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
Purity Organics founder added as featured speaker at Organic Produce Summit
Greg Holzman, founder of Pacific Organic Produce and Purity Organics brand juices, has been announced as a keynote presenter at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, CA, July 13-14.
USDA awards $20 million for citrus greening research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $20.1 million in grants to university researchers for research and extension projects to help citrus producers fight Huanglongbing, commonly known as citrus greening disease. This funding is available through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative Citrus Disease Research & Extension Program, which was authorized by the 2014 farm bill and is administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Central American Produce celebrates 40 years in business
Central American Produce, based in Pompano Beach, FL, experienced a great year in 2015, and is looking forward to an even better one in 2016 as it gets ready to celebrate its 40th year in business.
One such way the company is commemorating this special milestone is with the launch of the CAPCO Farms label in its watermelons, honeydews, butternut squash and spaghetti squash.
LSPC rolling out exciting new campaign
Just about everyone loves a seafood boil, and just about everyone loves sweet potatoes. The Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission is combining the two favorites in its newly launched promotion: Sweeten the Pot When You Boil Add Fresh Louisiana Yams.