CHICAGO - The volume of apples produced in the United States for the 2008- 09 season is expected to be down about 5 percent from the previous season and down about 9 percent from the five-year average, according to the U.S. Apple Association. USApple is forecasting a total national crop of 207.18 million bushels. Those estimates differ slightly from U.S. Department of Agriculture numbers, which indicate a 1 percent increase from last season and a 4 percent decrease from the five-year average. USDA is forecasting a total national crop of 218.22 million bushels. The numbers were announced during

Before airplanes had sophisticated technical instruments and flight control systems, pilots flew planes literally by feel. Pilots felt their way through the sky by the plane's response to their actions at the controls. The largest point of contact between the pilot and the plane was in the feel through the seat of the pants. Thus, the phrase "flying by the seat of your pants" was originated. And it was certainly fitting with the recent tomato fallout. Since April, tomatoes have taken it on the chin with a fierce blow that knocked the category down without giving it a fighting chance. When the

NEWARK, DE -- The Produce Marketing Association's Education Foundation announced Aug. 28 that it has officially changed its name to the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent. The name change culminates a three-month long strategic planning process, and more closely reflects the newly refined purpose and goals of the foundation. "We feel that 'Foundation for Industry Talent' conveys our mission more effectively than our former name," Cindy Seel, executive director for the foundation, said in a statement. "We are indeed dedicated to education of the produce industry's labor talent, but more

California Giant is having a great summer with its premium-quality berries and champion cycling team, and the results could not be better. The company's berry volume and quality has been excellent this year with optimum weather conditions providing consumer satisfaction all summer long. Feedback from buyers and consumers has been extremely positive, and the sales group is hoping for continued mild weather patterns throughout the rest of summer and into the fall so Cal Giant growers are able to ride out the rest of the season on a positive note. The California Giant cycling team has also been

WASHINGTON -- The Salmonella outbreak that sickened more than 1,400 people and wreaked havoc on tomato businesses and other segments of the produce industry is over, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. With the outbreak officially wrapped up, and Mexican-grown Jalapeno and Serrano peppers no longer in the U.S. market, the Food & Drug Administration announced Aug. 28 that it was lifting the advisory that restricted consumers from eating the Mexican-grown Jalapeno and Serrano peppers. "This outbreak appears to be over," Robert Tauxe, deputy director of CDC's division of

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration says it is safe to irradiate spinach and fresh Iceberg lettuce, but that is just one hurdle the produce industry will need to overcome before consumers will buy these products. FDA just approved a petition filed eight years ago by what was then the National Food Processors Association and which is now the Grocery Manufacturers Association, asking the agency to approve irradiation for a host of ready-to-eat foods including fresh Iceberg lettuce and spinach. In 2007, the food companies asked FDA to consider approving the food additive petition