Samples taken from an avocado tree in Florida in late July confirmed that the tree has laurel wilt, a fungal disease that is carried and spread by the ambrosia beetle. The state now finds itself in yet another battle to save a valuable commercial crop. "The beetle was discovered in Martin and Okeechobee counties in the spring, so it has been on our radar," said Adrian Hunsburger, entomologist and urban horticulture agent for the University of Florida, Miami-Dade County Extension, in Homestead, FL. "We are ramping up efforts to get word to homeowners who have avocado trees in their yards. The

Many of the assets of the several firms that made up Mills Family Farms, a longtime Salinas Valley agricultural operation, are scheduled to be auctioned off Aug. 12 at the Monterey County Administration Building. Mills Family Farms suspended operations in July 2008, citing financial difficulties in relationship to several real estate developments in which the firm and its principal owners -- Basil Mills and Roger Mills -- were involved. Records show that Mills Distributing Co. opened its doors for business in 1958. For decades it was one of the leading and more respected shippers in the

California Giant owners and staff are preparing to walk and run around the clock in the battle against cancer for the sixth consecutive year during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life this summer in Watsonville, CA. This 24-hour "celebration of life" brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together. Before the California Giant team pitches their tents for the Relay for Life event Aug. 8, much work is done to raise funds in advance. The staff has been organizing several community fundraisers to meet fundraising goals. As of July 21, the staff had already raised $18

Although the recent downturn in the economy has had a negative impact on its foodservice business, Cutchogue, NY-based Satur Farms has seen an uptick in its retail business. "We've seen a little shift away from dining establishments, and we've noticed quite an increase in demand in the retail component, and that is exciting," said Paulette Satur, who co-owns the firm with her husband, Eberhard Muller, a world-renowned chef with 30 years of experience, who has served as executive chef at some of New York City's more famous restaurants. The firm, which grows on 180 acres on Long Island's North

HARTFORD, CT -- While the main aspects of several new projects for the Connecticut Regional Produce Market remain intact and are expected to eventually come to fruition, some aspects have apparently fallen victim to the economic downturn that has hurt all regions of the country, including the state of Connecticut. The two key projects -- a new facility for one of the wholesale companies at the market and a new farmers market -- are still on track, although they will not be finished as quickly as everyone thought when the original plans were announced a few years ago. Two parts of the original

Brooks Tropicals has added the title of president to its chief executive officer, Craig Wheeling, who has served in that role for the past 15 years. Mr. Wheeling takes over the position previously held by Pal Brooks, who is also the owner of Brooks Tropicals. Mr. Brooks is now chairman of the board. Mr. Wheeling's family has been farming in Miami-Dade County for 100 years, when the city of Miami was only 13 years old. "My grandparents would have never predicted how farming looks today," said Mr. Wheeling. "And I doubt my grandchildren will be getting any practical insight from me either."