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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.