Damaging Los Angeles Times Article About Mexican Labor

December 18, 2014 Jim Prevor's Perishable Pundit

A few months ago, we started getting calls from US produce companies who expected to be criticized in a report in the Los Angeles Times.  Well, now the four-section/photo-montage series is out; and the series is a blockbuster. Everyone in the produce industry should read it and watch the videos in it. It may win the Pulitzer because it is thorough and large, and shows a substantial commitment of resources, and because it fits ideologically with those who judge these sort of things. But in the end, it is a piece that is incomplete and not very well thought out. However, the industry would be very foolish to ignore it for the following reasons.

Local Roots Farms Turning Shipping Containers Into Urban L.A. Farms

December 18, 2014 Megan Gambino, Smithsonian.com
Local Roots Farms is currently growing organic leafy greens in its first shipping-container farms in Los Angeles. Daniel Kuenzi and the fledging company's three other employees have stacked crops under energy-efficient LEDs. They are running their proprietary hydroponic setup through its paces and gladly taste testing for quality. Local Roots will be supplying lettuce to a few southern California grocery stores in early 2015. Kuenzi shares his story with Smithsonian.com.

Macfrut 2015: A Completely New Edition

December 18, 2014 Macfrut

The next edition of Macfrut, to be held from 23 to 25 September 2015, will be a very specific, future-oriented mission with the aim of offering a large trade fair on the theme of professional fruit and vegetable growing.

Mann Packing Adds New Winter Graphics For Its Vegetable Trays

December 18, 2014 Mann Packing

Mann Packing is spreading holiday cheer this season with new Winter graphics for its vegetable trays available in 18-ounce and 40-ounce sizes for the United States and Canada.  The trays, in market through early February, offer incremental sales for retailers and excitement for consumers as they entertain throughout the holidays.

NC's Sweet Potato Production Rises To Meet Demand

Consumer demand in the USA for sweet potatoes has risen by 40% since 2008.  With exports rising exponentially during the same period, North Carolina, as the leading state in sweet potato production, has increased its volume to meet the demand.