News

California stone fruit down more than 15% after hail

Production of California stone fruit is about to accelerate but is showing much less volume than usual thanks to an April 11 hailstorm.

“We expect a crop of 40 million boxes or below on peaches, plums and nectarines,” said Barry Bedwell, president of Fresno-based California Grape & Tree Fruit League. “We think it’s down (at least) 15% from a normal crop.”

Tomato webinar teaches about Septoria leaf spot management

Septoria leaf spot is one of the more common foliar diseases of tomatoes, particularly in the East.

To help growers and consultants learn more about this destructive disease, Focus on Tomato has launched a free educational webinar.

California cantaloupe handlers OK mandatory food safety plan

California cantaloupe handlers overwhelmingly approved the state's first mandatory food safety program implemented by a commodity board.

CORRECTED: Pest protection to suffer with budget deficit

A $16 billion state budget shortfall in California will lead to cutbacks in border pest protection activities.

Almond growers conduct environmental show and tell for regulators

Bill and Don Jackson, who farm about 4,000 acres of permanent crops east of Oakdale, Calif., opened their operation up to more than two dozen state and federal regulators recently.

The family farming operation wasn’t in trouble by any means. Instead, the Jacksons and farm manager Mike Burden, of Lent-Burden Farming Inc., wanted to educate the regulators about the science and technology they use to make decisions.

Florida Citrus Mutual begins appeal of OJ anti-dumping ruling

Lakeland-based Florida Citrus Mutual has filed paperwork to begin the appeal of the International Trade Commission's decision to revoke the anti-dumping order against Brazilian orange juice processors.

Pepper yields may be made in the shade

Georgia peppers growers are finding out yields are made in the shade, thanks to research from the University of Georgia.

Horticulturist Juan Carlos Diaz-Perez has been studying pepper production on black plastic mulch under black shade cloth since 2007, according to a news release.

Herb grower receives $1 million fine for illegal labor

A Duvall, Wash.-based organic herb operation, which ships to nearly 2,700 retailers nationwide, was fined $1 million for firing illegal immigrants, then secretly hiring them back on a night shift to avoid detection.

EPA OKs dry formulation of biological insecticide/miticide

The Environmental Protection Agency has registered a new dry formulation of Grandevo insecticide/miticide from Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. of Davis, Calif.

Study: Healthy convenience will drive value-added veggie sales

As the country emerges from the recession, touting the health benefits of value-added vegetables alone may not be a strong enough reason for consumers to increase purchases and consumption.