Month: July 2011

After a successful launch of the America Trades Produce Conference, organizers are planning a vibrant educational and networking program that will get at the heart of issues that affect the importation of Mexican fruits and vegetables. The Texas Produce Association and the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas have announced that America Trades Produce 2012 will be held March 21-23, 2012, at the Tubac Golf Resort in Southern Arizona, just miles away from the distributing hub of Nogales, Ariz.
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NatureSeal has received the Organic Materials Review Institute listing for its First Step 3000D product. This listing allows First Step 3000D to be used in certified organic production of food processing and handling according to the USDA National Organic Program Rules. …

Farmers in the Pacific Northwest could use a bit of the oppressive heat that's crippling much of the United States right now. Farmers in parts of Oregon and Washington are struggling with cold, wet weather that's slowing the growth of their crops. Cherries aren't ripe. The region's world-class grass seed won't dry out. …

Can packaged produce get America out of its salad rut? Despite decades of nagging to eat more leafy greens and colorful vegetables, the average American eats a salad at mealtime only about 36 times a year. That’s 20% less often than in 1985, when the average annual frequency was 45, according to market research firm NPD Group. Fewer than half of Americans49%ate at least one “leaf salad” at home in two weeks, compared with 75% who ate a potato dish and 81% who ate beef. …