At www.freshfruitportal.com we take a look at the year that was through the most read stories of each month during the first half of 2011. The semester was characterized by corporate scandals, dramatic weather events, diplomatic scuffles and export growth for many fruit-producing countries.  Tomorrow we will go over the top stories from July to December.

January

Chile grape pioneer Prohens enters bankruptcy. Click here

British suspect caught in Costa Rica pineapple cocaine bust. Click here

Thompson killers a new reality for white seedless. Click here

Argentina's fruit producers accept government help and lift blockades. Click here

February

Colombia and Ecuador hit by U.S. tariffs. Click here

Chile drought effects reach 'critical' stage for fruit industry. Click here

Mexico's frost could damage 270 hectares of melon crops. Click here

Berkeley professor hails agroecology success for Chile apple project. Click here

March

Funds seized for Chilean fruit exporter Aconex. Click here

Zespri takes hold of Korean kiwifruit market, Chile takes notice. Click here

Latin American exporters lost in translation. Click here

Latin America prepares for 'draconian' U.S. food safety laws. Click here

April

Chile suspends first grape shipments to Australia. Click here

Heat not the only cause for early grape ripening. Click here

Global blueberry production to double in five years, says Naturipe. Click here

SA fruit industry holds 'grave concerns' over costs, currency. Click here

May

Zespri must go, says OECD. Click here

Chile needs 'forward thinking' to shift crops, says Spezzano. Click here

African expansion carries 'too much risk', says SA fruit company. Click here

Costa Rica pineapple growers blamed for eco degradation. Click here

June

Polar cold wave hits South America. Click here

Brazil's citrus greening lessons: 'there is no cure', just management. Click here

Megakiwi: the next alternative to the wayward Hayward. Click here

GM Special: fighting like cats and dogs in South America. Click here

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