Carolinas receive nearly $2 million in specialty crop grants
North and South Carolina farmers trying to combat pests and diseases attacking their blueberries, sweet potatoes and other specialty crops are getting help from the federal government. The U.S. Agriculture Department has provided nearly $2 million for a total of 35 programs in the Tar Heel and Palmetto states to research or promote home-grown fruits, vegetables and nursery plants.
Calif. temperatures stay above danger zone but freeze watch continues
California citrus growers dodged a bullet during the first night of freezing temperatures during the early-morning hours Dec. 31 in the San Joaquin Valley, but the freeze watch continues and the next two days will be critical.
"Our stations clearly indicate that very few locations dipped below 32 degrees for any period of time," California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelsen said in a statement. "Throughout the night and early morning a few locations experienced short durations of cold temperatures requiring some form of frost protection."
Commitment to quality, innovation drives Potandon
Potandon Produce LLC, headquartered in Idaho Falls, ID, has carefully crafted a business model that can be summarized this way: Excellence beyond expectation.
Senior Vice President of Sales Dick Thomas said that attention to the smallest detail gives the company its competitive edge.
Ocean Mist selling unique Frost Kissed artichokes
As a result of the recent widespread frosts in California, highly flavorful artichokes known as Frost Kissed artichokes are now in stores for a short time.
Florida 127 a sweet ‘Sensation’ in strawberry industry
Florida's strawberry industry is abuzz as studies show strong potential for the Florida 127, a relatively new strawberry variety marketed under the “Sensation” brand.
“Florida 127 is a promising new cultivar for west-central Florida growers due to its early yield, robust plant habit, and excellent fruit size and eating quality,” according to the Institute of Food & Agricultural Services of the University of Florida.
The Perishable Specialist experienced good volumes of blueberries and cherries
“We have experienced good volumes of blueberries from Chile, as well as cherries,” said Ana Ramos, co-owner with her husband, Frank, of the Perishable Specialist Inc., headquartered in Miami. “We are seeing good volumes by ocean and a steady stream by air of Chilean blueberries.”
She added that blueberries would be in full swing at the turn of the New Year.
Gourmet Trading anticipating good supply of Chilean blueberries
Gourmet Trading Co., headquartered in Los Angeles, was entering its first peak for the Chilean blueberry season in mid-December.
“We anticipate a good supply that will feed the U.S. demand for blueberries at competitive prices,” said Chloé Varennes, marketing manager for the firm. “Quality and rotation has been excellent this season.”
Stoiber leaves LMTS
Doug Stoiber, vice president of produce transportation operations for L&M Transportation Services Inc., based in Raleigh, NC, has resigned his position with the company, effective January. A 10-year veteran of the third-party logistics company, he will pursue a career as a recruiting consultant in the post-harvest produce industry.
Stoiber will be based in Wilson, NC, and will focus on produce businesses primarily based in the eastern and southeastern United States.
S.C. peach crop finishes strong, close to 2013 production totals
COLUMBIA, SC — Despite an early freeze that killed an estimated 20 percent of the 2014 peach crop, production finished strong and managed to pull within shouting distance of last year’s harvest. Matt Cornwell, marketing specialist for peaches at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture here, said final totals, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in mid-September, were 2,290 truckloads, compared to 2,320 in 2013.
Listeria outbreak prompts caramel apple recall
Two companies have announced recalls for their caramel apples as a result of the current outbreak of Listeriosis. Both companies — California Snack Foods and Happy Apples — cited Bidart Bros. as one of their apple suppliers.
The Center for Disease Control has noted 29 illnesses in 10 states linked to the outbreak, and it has advised consumers not to eat commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples until more is known.