Worsening trade relationships result in tariffs moving from 50 to 80 per cent on American apples destined for the subcontinent. Red Delicious apples are hardest hit.

The produce industry is relieved that threats have been cancelled to impose five per cent tariffs on Mexican goods crossing into the U.S. on June 10. The Border Trade Alliance offers some context.

Inclement weather, food recalls and widening trade gaps contributed to a 19-year low in the production of fresh vegetables in the U.S. in 2018. Onions, head lettuce, romaine lettuce and tomatoes accounted for much of the decline.

The world’s largest potato processor needs another 10,000 to 15,000 acres of potatoes to keep its expanded distribution centre humming in Burley, Idaho.

A deep dive into the USDA’s latest economic forecast shows horticultural exports remaining steady at $35.5 billion. Canada remains a top market for American fresh fruits and vegetables.

Data for the growth and practices of controlled environment agriculture remains fragmented. Global automation specialist Autogrow and Agritecture Consulting aim to change that.

President Trump has promised American farmers up to $16 billion through USDA programs – an amount estimated to equal the impact of “unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods” according to a recent USDA news release. This is the second package in as many years.

Hot weather this spring has led to a snowpack of less than 50 per cent of normal for mid-May for the number one apple-producing state. That’s a development worth watching for all Canadian growers experiencing a spring of variable weather.

Fyffes Ireland is launching a banana band that can withstand the rigours of shipping through the cold chain while claiming a sustainable, fully recyclable paper. It’s an example of more alternatives to come in the produce industry.