Ontario field produce growers have seen their crops planted and harvested a week to in some cases 10 days earlier than normal, and according to Brian Gilroy, chairman of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association, that makes this year's deal one for the history books. "It's a funny year that's for sure. It's the earliest year in history that growers have planted and harvested product as far as Ontario is concerned," Mr. Gilroy told The Produce News June 24. "I know one fellow who has been keeping track for over 50 years, and this is by far the earliest he's seen, and if you go back

NOGALES, AZ -- Residents across border communities were reeling after the White House announced a list of requested amendments for an FY 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Bill -- amendments that the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas said drastically missed the mark on securing ports of entry across the border. Specifically, the White House requested funding for 1,000 Border Patrol agents but only 30 Customs & Border Protection officers, the front line of security at the nation's ports of entry. The House of Representatives passed an amendment to the Supplemental Bill that would increase

Fort Pierce, FL-based DNE World Fruit Sales' first 2010 shipment of Australian citrus arrived June 18 at the port of Long Beach, CA, carrying some pleasant surprises. A heat wave after the Australian trees blossomed caused a bloom drop, and subsequent heavy rains resulted in huge, sweet fruit and a "surprisingly pretty strong crop," Stu Monaghan, national sales manager for DNE, told The Produce News June 28. Last year’s Australian citrus was sweet and plentiful, but the fruit was small. This year’s fruit is so large — Navels and tangerines are running “one to two sizes larger” than usual, Mr

RIVERHEAD, NY — Eric Scannelli is eagerly anticipating Fresh from the Start's Maine broccoli program, which was expected to kick off July 6 — about 10 days earlier than in previous years, thanks to the "phenomenal weather" that the Northeast has experienced. Mr. Scannelli, the firm’s sales manager, told The Produce News June 25 that Fresh from the Start, a division of ADS Management LLC, based here, handles transportation in-house for its clients, which are primarily retailers and foodservice providers, and offers next-day delivery for most major cities in the Northeast. It will ship to most

Stemilt Growers commenced harvest on its 2010 blueberry crop the week of June 28 at Ladybug Orchards in Othello, WA, an arid region that is known for producing large, firm and dry blueberries. Kyle Mathison, a fourth-generation farmer and co-owner of Stemilt, uses fertigation to feed and water his blueberries. This advanced farming method ensures that blueberry plants absorb nutrients at the exact time they are needed. Stemilt, which markets blueberries from July to late August under the 'Stemilt Blues' label, doubled its blueberry crop this year as a result of new plantings coming into

DINUBA, CA -- Fruit Patch Inc. announced July 1 that it will install a state-of- the-art pomegranate and specialty citrus line for the 2010-11 season. "Fruit Patch is making a substantial investment in order to build our presence in the fast-growing pomegranate and specialty citrus markets," Scott Wallace, president and chief executive officer of Fruit Patch, said in a July 1 statement. "Our core strength in packing is our ability to handle sensitive fruit such as white nectarines and peaches. Additionally, we have contracted with Reed Engineering, Kingsburg, which has extensive experience