Fruit

US: Medfly quarantine affects Santa Monica farmers markets and others
A recent find of a Mediterranean fruit fly in Santa Monica has caused state authorities to declare a quarantine that has started to affect vendors and customers at 10 farmers markets in that city and adjacent areas – just in time for the pre-Thanksgiving rush.Armando Garcia, whose family grows citrus,..... 0 comments

US: Cranberries bring boost to the fruit bowl
While the dismal half-ounce of cranberry juice in your Cosmopolitan cocktail may not do the trick, there's no doubt that a serving of fresh cranberries with your turkey, a 1/2 cup of dried berries sprinkled on your morning oatmeal or 1/4 cup of cranberry juice can go far to help protect disease given the..... 0 comments

UK: Trials aim to reduce waste levels for fruit and vegetables
WRAP consultant Sophie Easteal, speaking at last month's members' day at East Malling Research (EMR) in Kent, revealed that some of the leading companies in the UK fresh produce industry are taking part in trials that are underway as part of WRAP's food waste prevention strategy.She explained that the trials..... 0 comments

UK: Growers worry as Rural Payments Agency suspends funds to producer organisations
Payments have been suspended to all UK POs while Defra decides on a new policy on the thorny issue of shared facilities. The news was sent by letter from the RPA to all fruit and vegetable POs in the UK earlier this month.Shared facilities such as packing and marketing have been a bone of contention for a..... 0 comments

Government survey canvasses views on declining levels of UK fresh produce
The survey is being conducted by English Farming & Food Partnerships (EFFP) on behalf of Defra. The department aims to halt the decline in domestic production across all sectors (apart from sweet peppers) as UK producers struggle to compete effectively with imports.The EFFP is examining business..... 0 comments

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Immigration priority for U.S. Apple
Early next year is a window of opportunity for Congress to act on immigration reform, says a leading national apple lobbyist.A year ago, Nancy Foster, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Apple Association, said the shift of power to the Democratic Party in Washington, D.C., should create a better..... 0 comments

Indonesia government stricter on fruit and vegetable imports
Indonesia’s agricultural ministry has imposed stricter regulations for fruit and vegetable imports to prevent hazardous chemical residues.Under the new regulation, which will be effective from November 19, 2009, importers are obliged to submit a certificate to declare that imported fruits and vegetables do..... 0 comments

Sri Lanka: Lack of standarization slows agri export expansion
Lack of a globally recognised standardizing mechanism is undermining the export growth of the fourth largest agriculture sector in Sri Lanka and experts yesterday warned that development goals would be seriously undermined if competitiveness was not enhanced in the Rs.3billion foreign exchange earning..... 0 comments

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USApple visits Washington apple operations
USApple’s Todd Hultquist and Mark Seetin visited apple operations in the Yakima and Wenatchee, Washington, growing regions in October. The tour included a broad mix of orchards along with packing, storage and processing facilities. The duo addressed the Board of Directors of the Washington Growers Clearing..... 0 comments


Marlene Apples bring a corner of South Tyrol to Spanish wholesale markets
A new marketing campaign is under way to promote Marlene apples, which are grown in the heart of the Italian Alps by members of the VOG Association. After featuring in Fruit Attraction, the trade fair for the international fruit and vegetable sector held in Madrid from 4 to 6 November, the seven varieties..... 0 comments


Famous Orly and Yuval varieties, take the lead
Israel: It's export season for Carmel's strawberries
End of November will mark the beginning of strawberries export season.Grown in the Sharon with the mild Israeli autumn, the strawberries absorbed the sun rays which turned their cheeks to rose and then red.The famous varieties, Yuval and Orly were developed by Fertiseeds, an Israeli company engaged in..... 0 comments

Worldwide stock of organic top fruit
Favourable growing conditions have resulted in a large crop. However, it is still slightly less than the 2007 crop. Thanks to controls and the limited storage facilities the expected supply has almost been reached. At the moment a certain quantity of organic apples is already available on the market. It is..... 0 comments

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European School Fruit Scheme needs sound implementation and proper communicatio
Although the European School Fruit Scheme (SFS) kicked off at the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year, substantial concerns remain regarding the sound implementation of the scheme and the appropriate communication policy around it. These were the key elements of the message passed yesterday by Freshfel..... 0 comments

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Garcia wants Koreans to enjoy Peruvian foods
Peruvian President Alan Garcia asked Korea to ease conditions on imported Peruvian agricultural products Thursday.In a news conference in Seoul, Garcia insisted that Korea keep the level of conditions imposed on Peruvian agricultural products moderate in order to create a win-win free trade agreement between..... 0 comments

AU: Delegation pushes cherries for China
Orchardists are ramping up their campaign to get Australian cherries into China.A delegation of growers and industry representatives departs for China today for several days of top-level talks.NSW cherry producer, Ian Hay, is part of the group, which will start the tour at a fruit and vegetable trade fair.He..... 0 comments

Stiermarken largest apple region
Austrian biological apple production doubled
In Austria about 200,000 tons of apples are harvested from little more than 6,000 HA (14826 acres). Most of these come from Stiermarken (165,000 tons) with 4,800 HA (118610 acres) of apple orchards. Also in Lower Austria (480 HA), Burgenland (364 HA) and Upper Austria (225 HA) a considerable quantity of..... 0 comments

AU: Fruit and vegie producers tackle contamination issues
Australia's horticultural industry is bedding down a new plan to manage its food contamination issues.Horticulture Australia Ltd product integrity manager, Richard Bennett, says the plan addresses a range of modern issues that fruit, vegetable, nut and flower industries didn't have to contend with earlier.He..... 0 comments

Brazil: Outbreak of Chaga’s disease through contaminated acai berries
Though still under investigation, health authorities in the Para state of Brazil is reporting an outbreak of food borne trypanosomiasis.There have been 13 confirmed cases of Chaga’s in the Belem neighborhood. State officials at present suspect it occurred through contaminated food stuffs, including the fruit..... 0 comments

Afghanistan exports first apples to India
Afghanistan on Thursday exported 12 tonnes of apples to India, officials said, touting the shipment as a key step in exploring much-needed international markets for its agricultural products.The apples were sent to New Delhi via air and road, as part of efforts to encourage farmers to grow crops other than..... 0 comments

India: Heavy rainfall may dent export of major crops
The heavy and incessant rain that has hit Maharashtra and Gujarat over the last three days, is all set to dent the export of cash crops such as grapes, pomegranates, alphonso mangoes and cashewnuts. Output of other crucial crops such as rice, sugarcane and cotton is also expected to suffer in Konkan,..... 0 comments

AU: Fruit & veg the key to cheaper food bills
Families wanting to cut their food bills should include more fruit and vegetables in their diet.That's the view of horticulture body Growcom as it weighs into the debate about rising Australian grocery prices.Growcom chief advocate Rachel Mackenzie said that Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Cost Price Index..... 0 comments

AU: Queensland expecting bumper table grape crop
Dry weather has meant a bumper table grape crop in Queensland.The first grapes of the six-week harvest have been picked in the south-east Queensland region of Mundubbera.Grower Chris Allen says he's never seen it so good."Yes, this is the best crop we've ever had, size wise and quality wise, due to the dry..... 0 comments

US: Triad Strawberry farmer gets "Grower Of Year" award
A Guilford County Strawberry farmer has just added another sweet honor to his name. Kenneth Rudd of Rudd Farm was named "Grower of the Year."Strawberry farmers from around the state attended a NC Strawberry Expo in Durham when Rudd learned of his new title.Every year people can pay and pick their own..... 0 comments

NZ: Growers blame supermarkets for high grocery prices
There was more evidence today about what's happening to food prices, and more dark muttering about what the supermarkets are up to.Overall the price of food dropped 1.5 percent last month, as measured by the Government's Department of Statistics. And it noted that for the first time this decade prices fell..... 0 comments

Fiji: Farmers aim to increase produce for Australian market
Farmers in the Western division are aiming to increase their output for the Australian market.This is after Australian importers indicated that they are interested in buying more products from Fiji and as early as the first quarter of next year the first container of mixed products is expected to be shipped..... 0 comments

Pakistan: ‘New methods for strawberry cultivation introduced’
The Competi-tiveness Support Fund (CSF), in collaboration with the Sindh Government has introduced an interesting innovation in the cultivation of strawberries in the country.The CSF has imported two new varieties of saplings i.e. ‘Sweet Charlie’ and ‘Festival’. These have been imported for the first time..... 0 comments

US: Man accused of hiding more than 4,400 pounds of marijuana in watermelon crates
A federal grand jury has indicted a California man accused of smuggling more than 4,400 pounds of marijuana in watermelon crates.On Tuesday morning Pedro Rene Monteagudo, from Hawthorne, Calif., went before U.S. Magistrate Judge Felix Recio to receive formal notice of the indictment, which charges him with..... 0 comments

Shortage of food products in Mozambique could be reduced by 2011
Basic food shortages in Mozambique could be substantially eased by 2011 with the implementation of the Action Plan for Food Production (2008-11), says Agriculture Minister Soares Nhaca.To lower scarcity of cereals, beans, peanuts, cassava, beef, poultry and fish, said Nhaca, the Maputo government is..... 0 comments

AU: Fruit growers wins travel award
A Queensland strawberry and passionfuit grower, Christina McPherson, has won the first TQA Global Insights Award.The award was presented last night in Launceston at the 6th National Food Safety, Quality and Environmental Assurance Conference, Keep it Real® 2009.The $10,000 travel award is to recognise..... 0 comments

Nutrition Assistance Programs Will Benefit
US: Apple Industry Applauds Fed Plans for $18.6 Million Apple Purchase
The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) today applauded the Obama Administration for its plan to purchase $18.6 million worth of apples in the near future. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement this morning at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters annual convention in Kansas City,..... 0 comments

Fruit and veg can irritate the stomach
When healthy eating hurts
Everybody should eat at least half a kilo of fruit daily, food experts advise. But fruit may irritate the stomach. Nevertheless strawberries, plums and apples are healthy. But many people experience an blown-up feeling, stomach ache or even diarrhoea. It is estimated that 63,000 Germans visited their doctor..... 0 comments

AU: Lower fruit and vegetable prices are good news for consumers but disturbing for industry
Peak horticulture body Growcom weighed into the debate about rising Australian grocery prices today, arguing that families who wished to reduce their food bills should switch to a greater consumption of fruit and vegetables in their diet.Chief Advocate Rachel Mackenzie said that Australian Bureau of..... 0 comments

This year’s crop is average, but it’s good quality
Canada: Good year for apples
Nova Scotia apple growers are finishing up their annual harvest and are expecting an average crop, but of good quality."The crop looks good," Dela Erith, executive director of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association, said Monday. "We had good size and good colour on the apples."Wet weather and a poor bloom..... 0 comments

Fruit and vegies not reason for food hikes - Hort NZ
The national horticulture body is questioning the Government's view that the dramatic increase in the price of food is due mainly to the rise in the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables.An Australian study found the price of food in New Zealand has gone up by more than 42.5% since 2000, the second highest..... 0 comments

India: Mahabaleshwar seeks GI tag for its strawberries
After the Puneri pagdi, Tirupati laddoo, basmati rice, the Mahabaleshwar strawberryis seeking geographical identification (GI) status. “We are seeking to brand the strawberry, which will help us fetch better prices for our fruit in the domestic and overseas markets.We want GI status for the Mahabaleshwar..... 0 comments

US: Prison inmates find drugs in fruit donated by police
Inmates at a state prison discovered some illicit produce last week while unpacking a fruit crate in the facility’s kitchen, law enforcement officials said Tuesday.Prisoners working in the mess hall of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Segovia Unit found 25 pounds of marijuana nestled in a crate of..... 0 comments

US: Farmers markets post record earnings
The 2009 Delaware farmers market season ended as the most profitable season ever, with 15 markets earning more than $1.1 million, a 40 percent increase over last season. This season kicked off in April and ended in October for participating farmers.“It is refreshing and gratifying to see the growth of..... 0 comments

UK: Prisoners banned from having fruit after using it to make alcohol
Prisoners have been banned from buying fruit to stop them from making homebrew following a rise in assaults.Bosses at HMP Dartmoor, which houses 650 category C prisoners, decided to clamp down on fruit - including apples and pears - fruit juices, tins of fruit and syrup to stop inmates brewing hooch.New..... 0 comments

NZ: Blackcurrant research project with Japan planned
The blackcurrant industry has high hopes for a proposed research collaboration between New Zealand and Japanese scientists.The Plant and Food Research Institute has made a joint application with Japanese researchers to both countries' government science funding agencies.They want to exchange information on..... 0 comments

NZ: ZESPRI Funding Highlights the Power of Science
Horticulture New Zealand congratulates kiwifruit marketer ZESPRI and the New Zealand Government for taking a long-range view of the importance of science to growing our agricultural economy.The only way New Zealand can compete cost-effectively on the international market is to get smarter about the products..... 0 comments

India: Nafed, Kerala government join hands to import fruits, spices
The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed) is looking for entering into a tripartite agreement with the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) and Kerala government for exporting spices and perishable goods such as banana, pineapple, and organic vegetable to the Gulf countries, which..... 0 comments

US: Clemson researchers share in $14 million USDA grant for fruit crop research
Clemson University plant scientists are part of the largest USDA grant awarded to improve fruit crops. Federal officials and stakeholders provided $14.4 million for RosBREED. The project seeks to revolutionize the translation of DNA-based information into practical applications for crops in the important..... 0 comments

US: Big apple crop produces some challenges
It has been a big year for apple farmers in Michigan. The weather helped produce 27 million bushels this season ― more than twice what grew last year.Normally, the Michigan Apple Committee says the state produces 19.5 million bushels. Last year, Michigan only saw 12 million bushels.Randy Bjorge said he..... 0 comments

NZ: Fruit, vegetable price rises behind food cost increase - minister
The competition watchdog, the Commerce Commission, is indicating its hands are tied over grocery prices.An Australian study using OECD figures found the price of food in New Zealand has gone up more than 42% since 2000, the second highest increase among OECD countries.South Korea had the highest food price..... 0 comments


Projections see sufficient Pink Lady brand volume for domestic market
There’s some good news for consumers in this season’s projection for the Pink Lady Brand Apple as it shows the potential of a quantity large enough to satisfy the demand.According to an estimate from the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association, the recently completed harvest should be yielding 2,625,000..... 0 comments

Malta: Gozo’s fresh fruit and vegetable crop down 23.6% in 3rd quarter
During the third quarter of 2009, the overall volume and wholesale value of fresh fruit and vegetables declined by 9.1 and 4.6 per cent respectively, when compared to the corresponding period in 2008. In Gozo the volume dropped by 23.6% and the wholesale value fell by 10.1%.The overall supply of fresh fruit..... 0 comments

Growers' views needed for survey examining the decline in UK fruit and vegetable production
The survey is being conducted by English Farming & Food Partnerships (EFFP) for Defra, which aims to halt the decline in domestic production across all sectors (apart from sweet peppers) as UK producers struggle to compete effectively with imports.EFFP is examining business collaboration, environmental..... 0 comments

EU and Israel sign new agricultural agreement
The European Union and Israel have signed an agricultural agreement under which 80 percent of Israeli exported fresh products are totally exempt from all taxes and levies.The agreement was signed last week by Israel’s ambassador to the European Union, Ran Curiel, and his Swedish counterpart, Christian..... 0 comments

US: Stemilt’s new ‘Big Apple’ promotion designed to boost holiday apple sales
Forget candy corn and peppermint sticks! Stemilt recently unveiled a promotion on jumbo-sized apples that will provide the ‘wow-factor’ that many shoppers expect to see in grocery stores during the holiday season. The ‘Big Apple’ promotion was designed by Stemilt to help retailers merchandise jumbo apples,..... 0 comments

US: High tunnel agriculture means longer growing season
New kinds of sustainability were the topic at this year's National Small Farm Trade Show and Conference.Among the ideas offered is High Tunnel Agriculture. Farmers practising HTA grow their crops inside a plastic covered structures similar to a greenhouse. Only the "tunnel" can be temperature controlled..... 0 comments

EU: Pear production ripens up
European pear production is expected to bounce back from last year’s historic low to reach 2.52 million tonnes - a substantial 16 per cent increase on the 2.17 million tonnes achieved in 2008.A larger European pear crop of 2.5 million tonnes will mean that producers are jostling for pole position this..... 0 comments

US: CK International named Iowa Exporter of the Year
Bill and May-May Ng were the recipients of the Exporter Excellence Award presented by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Business Record and RSM McGladrey of Des Moines.The Ngs have been long time supporters of several Newton organizations, utilized the Newton Intermodal on a daily basis in shipping..... 0 comments

PBH's New Survey Comparison Data is Now Available
US: Year-to-year comparison of Gen X Mom survey data available in one report
Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), the nonprofit entity behind the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters national public health initiative, has released a comprehensive, year-to-year comparison of it's annual survey of Moms. This is the fourth year PBH has conducted their Gen X Moms survey, and the..... 0 comments

US: CMI announces the arrival of KIKU Apples
CMI, one of Washington State’s largest grower/shipper of premium quality conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, announces the arrival of the 2009 Washington KIKU crop. Possibly the sweetest apple on earth, the KIKU is a super sweet strain of a Fuji that has been tested to be up to 20% sweeter..... 0 comments

US: Fire destroys Alpine Township apple grower's barn
A barn owned by apple growers burned to the ground this morning, causing about $200,000 in damage. Four fire departments were called in to battle the flames.Nick Schweitzer of Schweizer Orchards said his parents, who live across the street from the barn at 7744 Baumhoff Ave., just north of Nine Mile Road,..... 0 comments

New Queensland RS103-130 apple could be a worldbeater
ONE of these apples a day will keep the doctor, dentist ... the entire medical profession away.Queensland government researchers claim they have spent 20 years developing what could be the "world's best apple".Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said the new apple - at this stage known as RS103-130 -..... 0 comments


Photo report (114 photos)
The first Fruit Attraction 'attracts' lots of visitors
Last week Fruit Attraction opened its doors to a lot of visitors. It was the first time Fruit Attraction held their exhibition, and it was a big succes. The exhibition had 353 exhibitors, most of them were from Spain and a few from overseas. "The amount of visitors is very encouraging. There are a lot of..... 0 comments

US: Supply-demand game costs apple growers
Although on the whole, this year’s crop of apples are well-coloured and sized up well, market prices are down 17 per cent from last year at this time.And, last year was not one of the better years in terms of prices, commented Adrian Abbott, of B.C. Tree Fruits, which markets most of the valley’s apple..... 0 comments

UK: East Malling scientist Professor Jerry Cross endorses GM crops
A leading scientist at East Malling Research (EMR) has endorsed genetic modification (GM) technologies -- claiming that a new scab-resistant form of Gala that has been developed in Switzerland could one day "occur in the collection at Brogdale".Entomologist Professor Jerry Cross, speaking at last week's EMR..... 0 comments

India: State plans cold chain for Rs 100 cr
Farmers in Karnataka need not throw their produce on the road any more when they don’t get the right price as the state-owned agri produce export agency, Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing & Export Corporation Limited (Kappec), is setting up a chain of fruit and vegetable processing units at..... 0 comments

India: Himachal apple output down 50%
Himachal Pradesh has witnessed one of the lowest apple-producing season this year. According to the state government estimate, harvest is expected to settle at around 12.5 million boxes this year, less than half of last year’s output of 26 million boxes.Farmers say an almost snowless winter and a weak..... 0 comments

US: Wisconsin to retain top spot in cranberry output
Wisconsin is likely to retain its number one spot in the US in cranberry production for the fifteenth straight year.According to U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Wisconsin will yield 4.0 million barrels of cranberries. That would be below last year’s record harvest, but..... 0 comments

PBH Involvement is winding down
US: National fruit and vegetable research and promotions board next steps
Between April and October of 2009, Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) sought feedback from the fruit and vegetable industry about the possible development of a national fruit and vegetable research and promotion board. After various webinars, presentations, town hall forums, and an industry survey,..... 0 comments

Major fruit exporters call for lower indicative prices in Ukraine
The major exporters of exotic fruits to Ukraine - South Africa and Venezuela - have sent a claim letter to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine protesting against a recent increase in indicative prices, Ukrainian media reports.The Embassy of South Africa has already confirmed the fact of sending the claims,..... 0 comments

US (NJ): Cold hurts N.B. cranberry crop
Cranberry growers in New Brunswick are expecting smaller yields this year compared to last year.They say their crop is the latest to suffer from the cold, wet spring.Honey bees used to pollinate the cranberries couldn't do their job in the cold weather, said Larry Brown, owner of River Valley Cranberries in..... 0 comments

Study confirms diversity of apple trees endures in American Southwest
US: Conserving historic apple trees
The apple trees of yesteryear are slowly disappearing. Many apple varieties common in the United States a century ago can no longer be found in today's orchards and nurseries. But some historic apple trees still survive in abandoned farmsteads and historic orchards throughout the U.S. Now, scientists..... 0 comments

US: Henderson County apple growers oppose plan
Henderson County's 150 apple growers are facing a potentially devastating change in federal crop insurance rules that could greatly reduce payouts after hailstorms, freezes or other disasters.“It's going to put us out of business, that's what it's going to do,” said grower Henry Barnwell, who works 65..... 0 comments

AU: Price pain for fruit and veg
Falling retail prices for fresh produce are hurting Australian producers, farm leaders have warned.Federal Government statistics show the cost of fruit and vegetables dropped more than 5 per cent in the September quarter.Fruit Growers Victoria general manager John Wilson said the price drop was "a very big..... 0 comments

US: MSU researchers improve yield of Mich. fruit farms
A group of MSU researchers is helping fruit farmers across the state increase their crop yield and cut costs with the help of sex chemicals from female moths.Entomology research technician Peter McGhee is working with farmers and researchers to further a study that shows using female codling moth pheromones..... 0 comments