U.S.: FDA identifies California farm in romaine E. coli outbreak

Investigators have identified the strain of E. coli causing the current outbreak in a sample collected in the sediment of an irrigation water, but it says that the finding on this farm does not explain all illnesses.

December 16 , 2018

U.S.: Cornell and Washington State University team up to find which fruit characteristics are most valued

Researchers compared preferences from producers, packers, and consumers for a set of appearance and eating quality traits for apple and sweet cherry.

December 13 , 2018

First Australian avocados land in Japan

A new protocol signed in May allows the export of Australian Hass avocados grown in Queensland fruit fly-free areas to Japan.

December 11 , 2018

U.S.: Western Growers, United Fresh pleased with Farm Bill compromise

Both produce associations have welcomed the compromise on the US$867 billion legislation recently approved by the Senate, although Western Growers expressed disappointment over certain aspects.

December 11 , 2018

First bananas grown without soil to be harvested

The initiative, which is part of an association between Wageningen University in the Netherlands and Chiquita, is aimed at preventing the spread of TR4.

December 10 , 2018

Slower start for Chilean avocado exports

Shipments through September were down 58% year-on-year at 18,580 metric tons (MT) due to a later start, but Hass production is expected to rise by 9% during the season.

December 07 , 2018

U.S.: California table grape prices significantly down on three-year average

In week 47 the average shipping point price for all varieties and sizes of domestic table grapes was US$14.90 per carton, which is 26% lower than the average between 2015 and 2017.

December 05 , 2018

Mexico: USDA forecasts similar level of avocado exports for 2018-19

The AMS report also mentioned that FOB prices for Mexican avocados in the U.S. fell from US$72 per carton in September to US$26 by mid-October.

December 04 , 2018

South Africa: Good EU market conditions for early stonefruit deal

Hortgro's Jacques du Preez says that the combination of a slightly later South African stonefruit crop, lower early season volumes for some varieties, and a shorter Italian plum crop are resulting in positive conditions for exporters.

December 03 , 2018

Bayer to cut tenth of global workforce, increase ag focus

Bayer's plans to cut around 12,000 jobs follow its recent takeover of Monsanto and an August U.S. ruling linking glyphosate to cancer.

November 30 , 2018