Month: August 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined that commercial consignments of fresh pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) can be safely imported into the continental United States from Peru with safeguards in place to prevent the introduction of spread of plant pests.  APHIS scientists have assessed the pest risks and determined the phytosanitary measures that will mitigate plant pests and made them available for comment in a previous notice issued for public comment on March 14, 2016. …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined that commercial consignments of fresh fig fruit (Ficus carica) can be safely imported into the continental United States from Peru with safeguards in place.  APHIS scientists have conducted a pest risk assessment and determined the phytosanitary measures that will mitigate plant pests. …

During a year of El Nino rainfall – at times more than 350 percent above average – EAA producers’ Best Management Practices reduced phosphorus in the water leaving their farms by 27 percent. The November-through-January dry season was the wettest on record, with January rainfall breaking all records, according to the South Florida Water Management District. …

Fresh on the heels of a June announcement that Growers Express had acquired Misionero Vegetables of Gonzales, Calif., they announced this week that they have also acquired long time Green Giant Fresh supplier and partner—Curran’s of Biddeford, Maine. …

Every August, Sakata Seed America hosts their annual California Spring Trials for seed distributors, growers and other customers in both their Salinas and Woodland research station locations. But this year, they’re doing things a little differently. On Friday, August 12th, Sakata is set to host their first annual Retail Day at their Woodland, California station. Retail Day will allow retail and foodservice buyers to come get a first-hand look (and taste) of an array of top Sakata varieties in the field. …