Rod Bangert, general manager of the Carolina Blueberry Association in Garland, NC, said that blueberry growers in the state started picking on May 1, about 10 days ahead of schedule this year.

The California potato deal is underway with red, white and yellow potatoes already being shipped and the russet deal aiming for an early-June start. So far the markets aren’t great, but those involved in the deal say that June and July could see a reversal of fortunes.

A proposed settlement in the Adams Produce bankruptcy case that has been approved by a majority of the PACA Trust claimants is being opposed by a minority group that is calling it a “rush to judgment.”

Herb Abrash of Andrew Bros. Inc., located at the Detroit Produce Terminal Market, died May 13 of complications related to kidney disease. He was 79 years old.

Denise Goodman is well aware of the potential complications inherent in a season like the current one.

Daytime highs in Salinas were expected to range in the upper 60s to low 70s through May 22, with overnight lows in the upper 40s. Rain is not in the near-term forecast.

In Bakersfield, CA, daytime highs were expected to be in the mid- to upper 80s through May 22, with overnight lows in the mid- to upper 50s.