Month: October 2015

For many Americans, their only association with figs comes in the form of a Fig Newton. And indeed, once upon a time, most of the figs grown in California ended up in fig pastes and cookies like those familiar chewy squares. But tastes change, and the fig industry has gone through tough times. Lack of demand and the state's ongoing drought has pushed some growers to other crops. Others went out of business. …

The “Fast Track” program for developing new fresh citrus fruit varieties is beginning to live up to its name. …

A report card released today evaluates critical policies and programs impacting our food choices and their contributions to our nation’s health over the past ten years. Overall, the positive impact has been minimal despite proven scientific data continuously showing that a diet high in fruits and vegetables helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of several serious, chronic diseases that are the leading causes of death. …

John Anderson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Oppenheimer Group, has been named Ernst and Young’s (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Pacific 2015.   …

They’re sweet, crunchy and perfect for snacking. But today’s table grapes go way beyond familiar bunches of Thompson Seedless or Red Flame. These bite-size favorites come in more than 80 varieties, including new hybrids that don’t look or even taste like grapes. …