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. 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

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

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

South Africa: Labor court stops striking workers at troubled Port of Ngqura

Port operator Transnet says that operations have been improving at container terminals in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, following weeks' worth of issues for the citrus industry.

July 15 , 2019

U.S.: FDA finds no salmonella outbreak source at Del Monte facility

In addition to the facility, the FDA also investigated distribution and supplier information for produce used in the vegetable trays, and did not identify a potential point of contamination for the outbreak.

July 15 , 2019

Avocado, coffee and citrus ‘threaten global food security’

A recent study, looking at 40 years of data, claims that Western appetites for foods like avocados, coffee and citrus fruit are threatening global food security.

July 12 , 2019

South Africa: Citrus industry hopeful for resolution to port crisis as operator takes action

The South African citrus industry has been greatly affected by numerous issues in the country's ports over recent weeks, but with the port operator taking action against its employees and meeting with government representatives, it is hopeful that a resolution is near.

July 11 , 2019

EU-Mercosur trade deal increases risk of banana oversupply, says Canary Islands group

The Association of Banana Producers of the Canaries has voiced concerns about potentially high volumes of banana imports from Brazil in the future, which it says will likely further push down prices.

July 11 , 2019

Single bunch of grapes sells for US$11,000 in Japan

Ruby Roman grapes were developed in Ishikawa and first came to market in 2008. According to CNN, they've been hugely popular ever since; only a select number are sold to keep demand and exclusivity levels high.

July 10 , 2019