Officials from Oregon and Washington are working on an upcoming joint trade mission to expand export opportunities for Northwest potatoes. “We are conducting a trade mission to the Philippines and Vietnam with the directors of Agriculture from both Oregon and Washington State planned for November,” said Bill Brewer, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission. “OPC will be conducting this mission jointly with the Washington State Potato Commission.”

A strong vegetable market remains the order of the day as lighter-than-usual supplies from local and homegrown deals have created a demand-exceeds-supply situation for lettuce, tomatoes and other vegetables.

And experts say there is no expected increase in volume on the horizon that will alleviate the situation.

Stemilt has started packing its premium high-altitude cherries in a new Half Mile Closer to the Moon pouch bag. The cherries for this bag come from fourth generation cherry grower Kyle Mathison’s unique Amigos Orchards, which is located between 2,800 and 3,200 feet above sea level — literally a half-mile closer to the moon.

The Pear Bureau Northwest plans to continue its highly successful consumer ad campaign.

“With the goal being to engage and educate consumers about pear ripening and recipe usage, the ads will reach more than 18 million impressions this fall and winter through magazines like Cooking Light, Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine, Bon Appetit and Weight Watchers Magazine,” Director of Communications Cristie Mather told The Produce News.

As part of its ongoing promotional and educational program, the Georgia Peach Council has launched a YouTube channel to inform consumers about one of the state’s more popular crops.

The Texas International Produce Association 2013 annual convention opened Aug. 7 at the Westin La Canterra Resort in San Antonio, TX, and continues through Aug. 9.

The agenda is loaded with high-priority issues that affect Texans, ranging from the state’s water woes amidst an ongoing drought to international food safety, labor and immigration reform.