India: Maharashtra grape growers to organize marketing efforts under federation

By joining forces, the 50,000 Indian farmers in the country's Nashik district could better tackle industry problems, such as unfair pricing, the lack of insurance, and demands from export destinations.

July 18 , 2019

Australia ups efforts against Queensland fruit fly with A$10M research project

The money will support the SITplus program, which involves the release of millions of sterile flies, limiting the opportunity for wild flies to mate, and ultimately leading to a collapse in subsequent generations of wild flies.

July 17 , 2019

U.S.: Western Growers urges "swift implementation" of proposed H-2A reforms

Proposals include updating the way wage rates are determined, streamlining and simplifying the application process, strengthening protections for U.S. and foreign workers, and easing burdens on employers. 

July 17 , 2019

Chilean kiwifruit industry works to boost presence in India

In 2018, Indian imports of Chilean kiwifruit nearly doubled year-on-year to 9,604 metric tons (MT), while imports from all origins grew by 38% to 41,375MT.

July 17 , 2019

U.S. Senators introduce bill to hire more ag inspectors at national borders

The Protecting America’s Food & Agriculture Act of 2019 would authorize the annual hiring of 240 agricultural specialists a year until the workforce shortage is filled, as well as more agricultural technicians and canine teams.

July 17 , 2019

U.S. ag secretary tours California avocado grove, discusses industry challenges

Commission representatives informed the Secretary about California avocado industry modernization in progress, including high-density plantings, managed tree height, salt-tolerant varieties and improved water efficiency.

July 17 , 2019

Avocados In Charts: Why falling prices could settle below 2018's levels

The USDA has forecasted a 20% increase on last year's volume from week 28 through week 41. If these figures are accurate, the readjustment in price could take us into October.

July 16 , 2019

AUS: Proposed Great Barrier Reef regulations 'ignore farming realities', says banana group

The banana council suggests that, instead of the proposed Great Barrier Reef regulations, new minimum nutrient and sediment standards be applied to all freehold land.

July 15 , 2019

Mexican tomato growers making false claims about anti-dumping investigation, says FTE

According to the Florida Tomato Exchange, Mexican tomato growers have falsely declared that Florida politicians are pressuring the Commerce Department to “pre-judge” the antidumping investigation of Mexican tomatoes.

July 15 , 2019

Colombia: ICA confirms TR4 quarantine in effect on two farms since mid-June

Colombian authorities have finally confirmed that two banana farms are under quarantine due to concerns they are infected with the devastating disease Fusarium wilt Tropical Race IV (TR4), while nearby banana-growing countries are in a high state of alert.

July 15 , 2019