California avocado industry calls for restoration of USDA inspection program in Mexico

Under the original agreement, USDA employees conducted inspections of avocado orchards and packing facilities in Mexico before shipment to the United States. However, APHIS transferred all orchard inspection responsibilities to Mexico in late 2024. The shift reportedly occurred due to security concerns linked to cartel threats against USDA personnel.

May 21 , 2025

Chilean avocado crop is “the best in a decade”

In 2024, avocado consumption in Chile reached slightly over 18 lbs per person, an increase of 4.8% compared to 2023, making Chile the second-largest consumer of Hass avocados worldwide, after Mexico. 

May 20 , 2025

Agronometrics in Charts: Mexico's avocado industry ramps up production

According to the USDA, Mexico’s avocado industry is poised for another strong year in 2025, with production forecast to reach 2.75 million metric tons (MMT), a 3% increase over 2024.

May 20 , 2025

Trans-Pacific shipments and container rates spiking to U.S. West Coast

The carrier rate increases appear to be supported by a spike in bookings since the U.S. and China announced an agreement that reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% for at least the next 90 days.

May 20 , 2025

The U.S. rejects 15 mango shipments from India

The process exposes the fruit to controlled radiation doses to eliminate pests and prolong shelf life. Officials said they found inconsistencies in that documentation.

May 20 , 2025

Retired Kroger CEO was paid $15.6 million in 2024

McMullen resigned shortly after the failed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Aldi in December 2024, after the company's board investigated matters related to his personal behavior.

May 20 , 2025

IFPA officials discuss impact of Trump administration on fresh produce industry

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) organized a panel with their policy experts to break down the key actions and priorities of the new Administration’s first 100 days. 

May 20 , 2025

Automated irrigation has saved watermelon growers over 160 million gallons in Suwannee Valley

If similar adoption rates were achieved across the region’s 8,000 acres of watermelon cultivation, potential water savings could reach over 696 million gallons annually, a recent UF/IFAS study has determined.

May 20 , 2025

Wonderful Pistachios launches snack campaign for record-breaking pistachio harvest

The upcoming fall 2025 harvest in California is expected to set a record, with yields potentially reaching 1.6 billion pounds. 

May 19 , 2025

Salix Fruits begins citrus season from Southern Hemisphere

One of the main challenges for 2025 is uncertainty surrounding new U.S. tariff policies, which have delayed sales program closures and created complexities in international trade negotiations.

May 19 , 2025