NoKota Packers Inc. joins Fresh Solutions Network LLC
NoKota Packers Inc. has joined Fresh Solutions Network LLC, a partnership of multi-generational potato and onion companies committed to driving profitable category growth through innovative marketing, category management and operational solutions.
Local Empire-Sweet onions to hit New York and the Northeast
Bland Farms Empire-Sweet onions are set to reach store shelves in the New York area and Northeast in the coming days, a July 27 press release stated. The sweet onion grower, a proud member of the Pride of New York Program, is very excited about enriching the lives of local neighbors and customers with this year's crop.
Omar Cruz, Bland Farms' director of farm production, said the Cato-based New York sweet onion looks great, "I feel very good about the crop. The quality is there and that makes me very happy — the crop overall will make good yields."
Pacific Northwest pear volume down for 2012 crop
Estimates for the 2012-2013 Northwest fresh pear crop were revised by the Pear Bureau Northwest on May 31. According to the report, the region's producers expect a total crop of approximately 19.276 million boxes this season. While the volume will be down approximately 6 percent when compared to 2011, the 2012 crop is expected to be 2 percent higher than the five-year average.
West Pak Avocado hires Jaime Ramirez
Temecula, CA-based West Pak Avocado announced the hiring of JAIME RAMIREZ as its newest sales representative on July 10.
Mr. Ramirez has over 10 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, most recently with Ready Pac Foods.
Delaware River Stevedores President Palaima does double duty as chief of Chilean/American Chamber
PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Tioga Marine Fruit Terminal, managed by Delaware River Stevedores, got a facelift last fall with upgrades to its cold storage facilities, new mechanical systems and a new roof at its riverside warehouse. More recently, the lighting and sprinkler systems were upgraded and now a new security fence-line and gate complex are under construction.
VBZ makes a significant commitment to Sweet Sunshine green seedless grapes
Richgrove, CA-based Vincent B. Zaninovich & Sons will have its first commercial crop this year of a proprietary green seedless grape variety from International Fruit Genetics in Bakersfield, CA, called Sweet Sunshine.
“It is our second season” with the Sweet Sunshine “but our first real crop” said John Zaninovich, a salesman with the company. “We did pick some last year, but this is the first fully developed crop that we will harvest.” It is a variety he feels has great promise and one to which the company has made a substantial commitment.
Chipotle to donate for guacamole purchased throughout Farmers' Market Week
Chipotle Mexican Grill will give back to California farmers by donating $1 to the Farmer-Veteran Coalition (up to $50,000) for every side of guacamole purchased at California restaurants during Farmers' Market Week, which is Aug. 5-12. The promotion celebrates the California farmers who make it possible for Chipotle to serve delicious, handmade guacamole every day, in each of their restaurants.
A happy 10th birthday for Klondike Rose potatoes
In August 2002, after many years of cultivation, Potandon Produce LLC introduced its Klondike Rose potato to the U.S. retail community. The Klondike Rose was the first of many new varieties of fresh potatoes that would soon follow.
Potandon Produce is pleased to be celebrating the milestone 10th birthday of this unique potato, known for its bold and buttery flavor.
Kingsburg Orchards' unique Crunchy Gold
Kingsburg, CA - Harvest of Crunchy Gold apple pears began the week of July 23 at Kingsburg Orchards in California's San Joaquin Valley. It is a new variety to the United States, planted just seven years ago only in Kingsburg.
House ditches one-year farm bill extension, plans vote on drought relief
WASHINGTON - The U.S. House was scheduled Aug. 1 to debate a one-year extension of the 2008 farm bill but the House Republican leadership pulled the legislation off the calendar July 31, raising new questions about the future of the 2012 farm bill.
House leaders decided against the one-year extension after many commodity groups said they opposed the stop-gap measure and it became clear July 31 there were not enough votes to pass it.