Fresh Blueberry Supplies Expand as U.S. Consumers Develop a Taste for Year-Round Blueberries

December 18, 2020 Jaclyn Kramer, USDA ERS

Availability of fresh blueberries to U.S. consumers has grown at a faster pace than that of fresh strawberries over that same time. U.S. production and imports of blueberries both have been increasing rapidly to meet year-round consumer demand.

Stemilt Takes Innovative Step, Adds Chatbot to Website

December 18, 2020 Stemilt

Stemilt’s innovative approach to cultivating people and delighting consumers continues to grow with the latest addition to their tech family: Pip the Chatbot. The automated computer program is an Artificial Intelligence feature that allows users who visit Stemilt.com a way to ask questions and converse with a Stemilt expert.

Florida Closes Apalachicola Bay Until 2025 to Conserve Oysters

December 17, 2020 Associated Press

Because of a dwindling oyster population, a Florida agency voted unanimously Wednesday to shut down oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay through the end of 2025, dealing a blow to an area that historically produced 90% of the state’s oysters and 10% of the nation’s.

AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. Announces Closing of $65.2 Million Upsized Public Offering of Common Stock, Including Full Exercise of Overallotment Option

December 17, 2020 AquaBounty Technologies

AquaBounty Technologies announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 10,028,000 shares of common stock of the Company at a price to the public of $6.50 per share.

Aquaculture Company Pilots New Salmon Farm Containment System On West Coast

An international aquaculture company has launched a trial of a new salmon farm containment system expected to drastically reduce the exchange of sea lice between wild and farmed fish.