Fruit Growers News

2 weeks ago | fruitgrowersnews.com | Doug Ohlemeier

Pressed by inflation, escalating input costs, labor availability and competition from other venues, it’s more difficult than ever for farm market operators to effectively price their products. The latest Fruit and Vegetable Growers News Farm Market Pricing Survey reveals farm market operators’ dominant concerns, factors influencing how farm marketers charge for fruits, vegetables, bakery products, cider and other food.

1 month ago | fruitgrowersnews.com | Doug Ohlemeier

Growers participating in orchard tours and sessions at the International Fruit Tree Association’s (IFTA) annual conference learned how to be more efficient in their orchard operations. Sessions highlighted the difficult situation facing apple growers. “We’re in a survival time,” said Justin Finkler, operations manager of Riveridge Produce Marketing in Sparta, Michigan, during a Feb. 19 grower panel discussion.

1 month ago | fruitgrowersnews.com | Doug Ohlemeier

Efficiencies, smart marketing and the willingness to diversify have helped Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill be successful in growing and processing apples for almost 80 years. In addition to apples, the third-generation family-owned and -operated Armada, Michigan, orchard grows a variety of crops, including asparagus and tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins and strawberries. Diversification is important to Blake’s Orchard, an hour’s drive north of Detroit.

Nov 29, 2024 | fruitgrowersnews.com | South Central

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recently concluded its annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, after what’s being described as a transformative three days for fresh produce and floral. The Oct. 17-19 event amassed over 3,000 buyers and attendees from more than 70 countries on one of the largest floors in a decade, according to a news release. “The Global Show is one of the greatest good-for-my-soul moments of the year,”  Cathy Burns, IFPA’s CEO, said in the release.

Nov 27, 2024 | fruitgrowersnews.com | South Central

A Michigan State University researcher has received a $325,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop a yeast-based biopesticide that targets spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive pest of berries, winegrapes and tree fruits. Julianna Wilson, an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology and tree fruit specialist with MSU Extension, leads the multistate team.