U.S. lowers ag export and import forecasts amid Covid-19 disruptions

The export estimate for the 2020 financial year has been cut by US$3bn amid Covid-19 and recent reports that China has told state-owned agricultural companies to suspend purchases from the U.S. as tensions flare over Hong Kong.

June 02 , 2020

South African avocado export forecast revised downwards, but demand is strong

Derek Donkin, CEO of industry body Subtrop, said the country is now expecting to send 16 million 4kg cartons overseas, down from the pre-season estimate of 18.5 million cartons.

June 01 , 2020

Southern Hemisphere's citrus exports forecast up 12%

The World Citrus Organization has forecast exports from six key countries at 3.5m metric tons (MT) despite a 3% dip in production to 8.4m MT amid strong demand stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.

May 29 , 2020

U.S.: Strong start for summer fruit and veg sales at retail

Sales of summer fruits at U.S. retailers have had a strong start to the season, as overall fresh produce growth steadies at an elevated level following a couple of months of fluctuation.

May 29 , 2020

Argentina expects drop in lemon production and higher orange exports

Despite the challenging growing conditions, the production of lemons for the fresh market to be roughly is expected to be above last year's levels.

May 28 , 2020

Apeel raises US$250M amid rapid global growth

The California-based company has developed a plant-derived coating that is sprayed onto freshly harvested produce to reduce water loss and prevent oxygen from getting in. This increases the shelf life by up to triple, helping to cut down on food waste.

May 27 , 2020

U.S.: Cows may have caused romaine-linked E. coli outbreaks, says FDA

Numerous E. coli outbreaks late last year that sickened nearly 200 people who ate California-grown romaine lettuce were likely due to cattle operations near the fields, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said.

May 26 , 2020

Mexican avocado export value soared by nearly a third in Q1

The increase was driven by a huge increase in March - with exports rising by 56% from US$243 to US$365m - which saw a demand spike as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.

May 25 , 2020

U.S. becomes only country with access to Filipino fresh blueberry market

The development comes on the heels of fresh blueberry market access to China, which industry representatives say is a "significant milestone."

May 20 , 2020

USDA unveils details of $2.1B Covid-19 relief for specialty crops

However, representatives of the United Fresh Produce Association, Western Growers, and the National Potato Council say more support is needed.

May 19 , 2020