Farm to School pilot program brings fresh produce to schools
The New York State Council on Food Policy released its 2013 annual report this past December. “In 2013, Council members carried out the mission and addressed the key issue areas of the New York State Council on Food Policy in many ways,” the report stated.
New Jersey Peach Promotion Council touting high-quality state-grown peaches
Pegi Adam, director of communications for the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, told The Produce News that the council has produced two videos for retailers to use in their closed loop televisions -- one meant for produce professionals and the other for consumers.
Non-GMO Olathe-area sweet corn available from Ringer & Son
COMMERCE CITY, CO — Excitement was building in mid-June for the first loads of Colorado’s famed Olathe-area sweet corn, on schedule to start shipping early to mid-July from the state’s Western Slope.
Joshua Johnson, president of Ringer & Son Brokerage and the “go-to guy” for sister company Mountain Fresh’s sweet corn, said this year’s crop was expected to be very good — and non-GMO.
Publication provides insights into Colorado agricultural production
Last July, the Colorado Department of Agriculture released its publication, Colorado Agricultural Statistics 2012.
Sunny Valley International: Winter chill, good moisture combined to ensure nice New Jersey peach crop
“The New Jersey peach crop is expected to have a normal start this year,” Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations for Sunny Valley International headquartered in Glassboro, NJ, told The Produce News in mid-June. “The winter chill and good moisture has combined to help ensure a nice crop this coming season.”
Von Rohr noted the peach trees had an outstanding bloom by around April 18, and with a full crop set, stressing that Sunny Valley is expecting a good crop that is on track for its normal seasonal movement start during the week of July 7.
Eastern Propak optimistic for this season’s N.J. peach movement
“I am totally optimistic about this season’s New Jersey peach and nectarine programs,” Jeff Danner, general manager of Eastern Propak LLC in Glassboro, NJ, told The Produce News on June 20. “I now work with three New Jersey peach and nectarine growers — Summit City Farms in Glassboro, which is our largest supplier; Heilig Orchards in Richwood; and Gala Orchards in Elmer. I met with all of them in the past week, and they are all reporting a very full crop.”
Tsamma watermelon juice is new on the market
In June, Keenes, IL-based Frey Farms introduced a new, high-end bottled watermelon juice branded "Tsamma" (pronounced s-amm-a). The juice is manufactured in Lakeland, FL, 30 minutes from Frey's largest watermelon farm.
Wholesum Harvest unveils new website design
Wholesum Family Farms, purveyor of the "Wholesum Harvest" brand of organic produce, relaunched its website (www.wholesumharvest.com) to feature a more easily navigable interface, fresh content and better functionality on mobile devices. The company enlisted produce consulting group FreshXperts to guide the relaunch.
Alison Bos joins Market Fresh's corporate staff
Market Fresh announced the addition of Alison Bos to its corporate staff on June 16.
Bayshore Produce launching new brand
Miami-based Bayshore Produce, well known as an importer of high-quality fruit, especially imported grapes, is entering the California grape deal this season for the first time, and is announcing its new venture to the industry with a colorful new brand.