The International Potato Center (CIP) announced the “Imagine a World without Potatoes” campaign at the 10th World Potato Congress. A marketing specialist framed the campaign as follows: The problem is not that the potato fails to inspire, but that we take it for granted. 

Maersk Line, the world's largest shipping company, is expanding its product portfolio between Europe's Mediterranean region and Canada. The first sailing arrives in Montreal on July 19. 

The harvest season for romaine lettuce ended April 16 in Yuma, Arizona, but contamination with E. coli has caused five deaths and 197 illnesses. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, the toll equals the spinach tragedy of 2006. 

Chinese inspections of U.S. fruit have returned to normal after a month of shipments detained for seven days.

The historic floods of the Saint John River have been devastating in southern reaches of New Brunswick – Fredericton and Moncton -- but have had no effect on potato growers at higher elevations. 

Tensions are growing between China and the U.S. as increased inspections of fruit have on-the-ground implications. A U.S. Apple representative explains the ripple effects. 

One death in California has been attributed to the E.coli outbreak in romaine lettuce, traced to a farm in Yuma, Arizona. As of May 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict more reports of sickness. 

For export-ready companies looking to expand beyond North America, there’s assistance from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program. Seven international shows will be supported as part of the Canada Pavilion Program.