Chairwoman to lead California Avocado Commission board for the first time in its history

Rachael Laenen has served in the CAC board since 2020, and is a sixth generation Golden State farmer.

January 13 , 2026

Chiquita relaunches Panama banana production with first 2026 harvest in Bocas del Toro

The initial harvest is destined for the national market and will allow the assessment of packing houses after maintenance work in Bocas del Toro.

January 13 , 2026

Chinese Honey kumquat growers target the Middle Eastern market amid rising demand

Yao Changfeng, General Manager of Onedayone Group, says that while kumquats are already popular across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and neighboring countries, most are currently imported from Spain and South Africa.

January 13 , 2026

A sting in the tail for European Foulbrood: AI tool aims to sharpen bee disease diagnostics

A new image-based approach could help beekeepers spot sick colonies before they reach orchards at peak bloom. Faster field decisions may mean healthier hives and fewer costly mistakes for growers.

January 13 , 2026

Breakthrough study reveals how warm weather fuels destructive short-spined thrips in Florida

University of Florida researchers have found key biological secrets behind the rapid spread of the pest in the Sunshine state’s produce and ornamental plants.

January 13 , 2026

Florida citrus production to hit new record low in 2025/2026 season, says USDA

The Sunshine State still hasn’t been able to bounce back from the devastating effects of extreme weather events and citrus greening disease. 

January 12 , 2026

Peruvian export boom breaks records, with shipments passing 3 million tons in 2025

Avocados represented over a fifth of total volumes, followed by Peru’s other star products: table grapes and blueberries.

January 12 , 2026

Trade tensions escalate: Mexico launches anti-dumping probe targeting US apples, citing domestic industry harm

The investigation will determine if the United States, which comprises the overwhelming majority of Mexican imports of the pome fruit, has been damaging domestic growers through unfair trade practices.

January 12 , 2026

Brazil’s orange output is set to rise in 2025/26, but La Niña and El Niño threaten weather stability

According to the latest United States Department of Agriculture Citrus Mutual report, late 2025 rains supported orange tree maturity and set the stage for higher-than-expected yields.

January 12 , 2026

The tropical takeover and treatonomics: 5 top fruit trends driving consumer behavior in 2026

From the “sensory getaway” of exotic flavors to bites with added beauty-from-within benefits, fruits are taking center stage this year.

January 12 , 2026