California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Non-Video

  • 10th Int’l Strawberry Symposium Unveils “Yanmei-1” Variety

    As spring brings forth its enchanting beauty, the 10th International Strawberry Symposium opened on March 17 in Yandu District, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China. The event attracted over 800 experts, scholars, and guests from 26 countries and regions across six continents, all united by their shared passion for strawberries and their potential to foster industrial and cultural exchanges between China and the global community.

    Centered around the theme “One Strawberry, One World,” the symposium highlighted innovations in technology, sustainable development, and market opportunities in the strawberry industry. It aims to promote the progress and prosperity of the global strawberry industry through in-depth exchanges and discussions. During the opening ceremony, 12 new strawberry varieties were unveiled, and the International Strawberry Advanced Technology Application and Promotion Center was inaugurated.

    “Since hosting the 7th International Strawberry Symposium in Beijing in 2012, we are once again gathering in China to further advance knowledge exchange in strawberry research — this time in the beautiful city of Yancheng,” said Peter Vanderborght, Executive Director of the International Society for Horticultural Science, during the opening ceremony. “Global scientific experts have come together in Yancheng to deepen our understanding and appreciation of strawberries, one of nature’s most wonderful gifts.”

    Known as the “Olympics” of the strawberry world, the International Strawberry Symposium has taken place every four years since 1988. It stands as one of the most influential events in the global strawberry industry, providing a platform for experts, scholars, and professionals involved in strawberry research, production, processing, and trade to exchange ideas, collaborate, and celebrate achievements.

    Though small in size, strawberries embody the grand dream of agricultural modernization. Jiangsu Province, a major producer of high-quality fresh strawberries in China, has gradually developed its strawberry industry into a leading modern agricultural sector, with premium fresh strawberries and related processed products reaching global markets. Yancheng, located on the eastern coast of Jiangsu by the Yellow Sea, is known as the “Oriental Wetland Capital.” With favorable natural conditions, a robust economic foundation, and a rich agricultural landscape, it has earned the reputation of “land of fish and rice.” Yandu District, the core area of Yancheng’s strawberry industry, has made strawberry cultivation a distinctive and prosperous sector for rural revitalization.

    Over five years, researchers from Yandu and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences meticulously selected parent strains from nearly 1,000 resources in the national strawberry germplasm resource pool. Through trait comparison, phenotypic statistics, and data analysis, they proudly introduced the new variety “Yanmei-1.” This variety matures 20 days earlier than traditional ones, yields 3,000 kg per mu (45,000 kg per hectare), and has a 60% improvement in disease resistance. With its unique taste — sweet yet crisp and richly aromatic — it has quickly become a market favorite.

    “Last year experienced generally higher temperatures, and while other strawberry varieties faced challenges during greenhouse seedling cultivation, ‘Yanmei-1’ triumphed in both seedling propagation and growth,” said Cai Weijian, a researcher from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences. “This variety can be cultivated in diverse terrains and possesses significant economic value.”

  • American Olive Oil Producers Association Selected for $2M Study of U.S. Olive Oil

    The American Olive Oil Producers Association (AOOPA) was selected to receive $2 million cooperative agreement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) under the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) Initiative to conduct a four-year study of olive oil produced throughout the United States. The ASCE initiative is an innovative program that provides an opportunity for USDA to partner with U.S. specialty crop producers, such as American olive oil producers, to address non-tariff trade barriers in overseas markets.

    “We are grateful to the Trump Administration under the leadership of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to significantly advance efforts to eliminate non-tariff trade barriers for American producers and support the highest quality standards for extra virgin olive oil consumers,”said Kimberly Houlding, President and CEO of the American Olive Oil Producers Association. “We believe consumers deserve to receive all the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, and that starts with quality standards and a “Best if Used By” date on the bottle that based on science.”

    This funding enables AOOPA, in partnership the University of California, Davis; University of Georgia; and Modern Olives laboratory (three global experts in the collection, testing, and compilation of crop data), the unprecedented opportunity to collaborate, test,and compile olive oil data from the seven (7) olive oil producing states across the United States.

    This effort will answer the call by the Codex Alimentarius Committee for Fats and Oils (CCFO) for data on key quality parameters, pyropheophytin (PPP) and 1,2-diglycerides (DAGs), which are indicators of the age and shelf-life of extra virgin olive oil, for potential inclusion in the CCFO international food standard; provide a better understanding of the natural variations in the chemistry of olive oil produced in different regions of the United States that aren’t currently recognized in international standards;and equip American farmers with important data and scientific analysis of the olive oil they produce

  • Japan Gives Green Light to Genome Edited Potato

    In October 2024, the Government of Japan (GOJ) added a genome edited potato to the list of genome edited products not subject to regulations for genetically engineered food and feed. This is the seventh genome edited product added to the list and the second product developed a by a non-Japanese company. The U.S. company, J.R. Simplot Company, developed the potato product using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to have a high tuber set.

    General Information:

    The J.R. Simplot Company developed a genome edited potato product using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to knock out the “Gn2” gene by deleting 110 base pair, which resulted in a higher tuber set. In October 2024, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) 1 and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) regulatory authorities added the potato to the list of genome edited products that are not subject to Japan’s GE food and feed regulations. For more information, see CAA’s website for Food Safety information, and MAFF’s website for Feed Safety information (Japanese only). As Japan restricts the import of U.S. fresh potatoes due to plant health sanitary and phytosanitary concerns, MAFF considers a biodiversity notification unnecessary.

    Background:

    The CAA and MAFF request that all developers and/or companies that seek regulatory review of genome edited products in Japan undergo a consultation and notification process prior to commercialization in Japan. See JA2020- 0184 for additional details about the policies and procedures for genome edited foods and agricultural products.

    As of March 2025, CAA and MAFF have seven products to their lists of genome edited products that are not subject to Japan’s GE food and feed regulations, including two tomatoes with high GABA content, a high-yield seabream fish, a fast-growing tiger pufferfish, waxy corn, a fast growing olive flounder, and the high-tuber potato. — By Suguru Sato, USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • California State Fair 2025 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition Winners

    The California State Fair proudly announces the winners of the 10th annual Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. This prestigious event celebrates the excellence and diversity of California’s olive oil industry. The competition is exclusively open to Extra Virgin and Flavored Olive Oils made from olives which are 100% grown, milled, and packaged in California. This year’s competition saw an unprecedented 10 double-gold winners, a significant increase from the previous high of just two.

    Head Judge Paul Vossen, alongside a panel of 15 expert sensory evaluation judges, meticulously assessed each entry based on aroma, flavor, and overall quality. Vossen is a former University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor with over 30 years of experience. He has developed statewide and international expertise in olive oil production, processing, and sensory evaluation, including management of the first olive oil taste panel in the USA to become recognized by the International Olive Oil Council in 2001. Vossen is a regular speaker at conferences around the world on these topics and an instructor in olive oil sensory evaluation. As a founding member of the California Olive Oil Council in 1990, he continues to be a key figure in the industry.

    “This year’s group of 188 submitted oils show an astounding level of excellence with an overwhelming number of high level awards given by experienced and trustworthy judges,” said Paul Vossen, Head Judge.

    2025 Best of Show Winners:
    Best Monovarietal: Olivaia’s OLA, Estate Sevillano
    Best Blend: Jubaea Estate, Tuscan Blend
    Best Flavored: Sunshine Olive Oil, Hot Chili

    The Best of Show Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Olivaia’s OLA Estate Sevillano, crafted in Lindsay, CA. This rare and delicate oil is made from Sevillano olives, often called “Queens” due to their large size. Husband and wife producer team Giulio Zavolta and Dr. Rachelle Bross carefully select the best of the crop to produce extra virgin olive oil that is rare, delicate, and as unique as the fruit itself.

    “This Best of Show is an incredible honor and accomplishment for us as it is a testament to the love and respect we have for our trees, their California history, and the soil that sustains them,” said Giulio Zavolta. “It’s our ‘history in a bottle’.”

    The Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend is Jubaea Estate’s Tuscan Blend, produced in Napa, CA. The carefully crafted oil comes from 600 imported Italian olive trees, including Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, and Moraiolo varieties. Certified Organic through California Certified Organic Farmers, this blend features aromatic notes of fresh grass and green apple.

    The Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil is Sunshine Olive Oil’s Hot Chili, a co-milled oil made in Templeton, CA. By crushing fresh olives with seasonal chili peppers, Catherine “Sunshine” Miller has created a bold and aromatic oil with a perfectly balanced spicy finish. Judges praised it as “Outstanding!” and “Perfect.”

    Best of California Winners:
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Micro-Producer: Jubaea Estate, Tuscan Blend
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by an Artisan Producer: Gold Ridge Organic Farms, Picholine Blend
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Large Producer: Cal Pressed, Arbequina
    Delicate Intensity Monovarietal EVOO: Olivaia’s OLA, Estate Sevillano
    Medium Intensity Monovarietal EVOO: Sunshine Olive Oil, Spanish Oaks Picual Organic
    Robust Intensity Monovarietal EVOO: Marcum Olive, Itrana
    Medium Intensity EVOO Blend: Jubaea Estate, Tuscan Blend
    Robust Intensity EVOO Blend: Olivaia’s OLA, Block X Heirloom
    Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Sunshine Olive Oil, Hot Chili

    Friend to the Consumer Awards:
    Séka Hills
    California Olive Ranch

    The Friend to the Consumer Award honors olive oil producers committed to transparency and consumer education through exemplary labeling. The labels are evaluated for information on provenance, freshness assurance, tasting notes, and suggested uses. Dr. Selina Wang, California State Fair olive oil labeling judge and co-author of the labeling standards for olive oil entered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture remarked, “This year’s winners set a high standard for consumer education and transparency.”

    Fair attendees can explore an exhibit featuring award-winning extra virgin and flavored olive oils during the 2025 California State Fair, including complimentary tastings, educational classes, and opportunities to purchase olive oil directly from award-winning producers. For complete results and more information, visit www.CalExpoStateFair.com.

    The 2025 California State Fair runs from July 11 to July 27 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
    About the California State Fair
    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.

  • California Avocado Commission to Hold Annual Meetings in these Regions

    The California Avocado Commission encourages members of the California avocado industry to attend the upcoming CAC 2025 Annual Meetings that will be held in March. The meetings will take place at three different locations within California avocado growing regions.

    The sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about the evolution of the consumer marketing campaign, as well as gain insight into the grower-focused priorities of the Production Research and Industry Affairs teams.

    The meetings will take place as follows:

    Tuesday, March 25 — 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
    South Coast Winery
    34843 Rancho California Road
    Temecula, CA 92591

    Wednesday, March 26 — 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
    Museum of Ventura County
    100 E. Main Street
    Ventura, CA 93001

    Thursday, March 27, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
    SLO Farm Bureau
    4875 Morabito Place
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

    RSVPs are not required. For more information, contact the Commission at 949.341.1955 or cac.iaf@avocado.org.

  • Hass Avocado Board Seeks Nominations

    The Hass Avocado Board seeks to strengthen the global avocado industry by maintaining and developing demand within the U.S. market. HAB provides supply and market data, conducts nutrition research, educates health professionals and brings industry leaders together to make avocados America’s most popular fruit. As a HAB board member, participants can play a leadership role in developing the avocado industry.

    Nominations are now being accepted for the HAB board. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 1 and the deadline for nominees to submit information and a declaration of their eligibility is April 14. Board members meet four times per year. The term for new board begins November 1, 2025. The strategic priorities of HAB are:

    • Communications
    • Nutrition
    • Business support tools and information
    • Sustainability
    • Industry engagement and leadership

    To learn more, visit the HAB nominations webpage. Nomination forms for producers and importers are available in the right hand navigation.

    Paper and e-ballots will be distributed to eligible producers and importers May 1 with a voting deadline of May 30.

  • Watermelon Growers Partner with JPH Law Firm for Labor Policy & Compliance Support

    The National Watermelon Association (NWA) is proud to announce a new partnership with JPH Law Firm, establishing an ongoing resource to help NWA members navigate the complexities of H-2A and other labor policies, laws, and regulations. Labor challenges continue to be one of the most pressing concerns for the agricultural industry, particularly as regulatory requirements evolve. This partnership ensures that NWA members have direct access to reliable legal counsel to help them remain compliant and informed.

    “This partnership with JPH Law Firm represents a major step forward in our efforts to support our members in one of the most critical areas of their business,” said George Szczepanski, Executive Director of NWA. “Navigating labor laws—especially H-2A regulations—can be overwhelming, and having a trusted expert just a phone call away will be an invaluable resource for our industry.”

    Shawn Packer, Principal Member at JPH Law Firm, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with the National Watermelon Association to offer direct legal support to its members. The agricultural labor landscape is complex and constantly changing, and our goal is to provide NWA members with the clarity and confidence they need to successfully manage their workforce. We look forward to working together to ensure they have the guidance and support necessary to thrive.”

    Through this partnership, NWA members will be able to connect with JPH Law Firm for expert insights, compliance strategies, and solutions tailored to their specific labor concerns, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to delivering real, practical value to its members.

    Shawn Packer, Principal Member of JPH Law Firm

    About NWA:

    Since 1914, the National Watermelon Association (NWA) has been the voice of the watermelon industry in the U.S. NWA’s hundreds of members represent the watermelon industry, including growers, shippers, and key suppliers. With a strong presence in over 30 states, Canada, and Mexico, and bolstered by regional chapters across the United States, NWA’s purpose is to advocate for the watermelon industry’s holistic well-being, from production to consumption. Learn more at www.watermelon.ag.

  • National Watermelon Association Honors Industry Leaders at Annual Convention

    The National Watermelon Association (NWA) proudly recognized three outstanding individuals for their dedication and contributions to the watermelon industry during its annual National Convention in Austin, Texas.

    Raymon Land was inducted into the prestigious Watermelon Hall of Fame, celebrating his decades of commitment to farming and his dedicated service to both the National Watermelon Association and the Florida Watermelon Association. His leadership and passion have left a lasting impact on the industry. Jesse James Wiggins received the esteemed Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his tireless work behind the scenes in support of NWA. From assisting with the annual auction to supporting the Queen Program and serving on volunteer committees, Wiggins has consistently demonstrated his deep commitment to the success of the Association.

    Mr. Raymon Land receives his NWA Watermelon Hall of Fame honors from Courtney Davis of Syngenta.

    Chad Chastain was honored with the Future Watermelon Farm Leader Award, acknowledging his hard work, dedication, and commitment to carrying on a legacy of eight generations of watermelon farming. Chastain represents the future of the industry, bringing innovation and passion to the next generation of growers. This year, the award was dedicated to the memory of the late Dan Thomas, an NWA executive committee member who passed last year.

    “We are incredibly proud to recognize Raymon, Jesse James, and Chad for their unwavering dedication to the watermelon industry,” said George Szczepanski, Executive Director of the NWA. “Each of these individuals has made a significant impact in their own way—whether through leadership, service, or innovation. Their commitment ensures a bright future for our industry, and we are grateful for all they have done and continue to do.”

    Mr. Jesse James Wiggins receives the NWA Outstanding Service Award from NWA Executive Director, George Szczepanski.

    About NWA:

    Since 1914, the National Watermelon Association (NWA) has been the voice of the watermelon industry in the U.S. NWA’s hundreds of members represent the watermelon industry, including growers, shippers, and key suppliers. With a strong presence in over 30 states, Canada, and Mexico, and bolstered by regional chapters across the United States, NWA’s purpose is to advocate for the watermelon industry’s holistic well-being, from production to consumption. Learn more at www.watermelon.ag.

  • National Watermelon Association Crowns Elanie Mason National Watermelon Queen

    The National Watermelon Association (NWA) proudly announced the crowning of Elanie Mason as the 2025 National Watermelon Queen during its annual National Convention in Austin, Texas. Elanie, who previously served as the Florida Watermelon Queen, will now take on the role of the watermelon industry’s official promotional ambassador for the next year. Her experience representing Florida will serve her well as she embarks on a nationwide journey to promote watermelon, engage with consumers, and support the industry’s marketing and educational efforts. The crowning was the culmination of a competition between Elanie and the other state watermelon queens, all of whom showcased their knowledge, poise, and passion for the industry. The contest was highly competitive, with an exceptional group of dedicated and talented candidates vying for the honor.

    “We are thrilled to have Elanie represent the watermelon industry as our 2025 National Watermelon Queen,” said Kerri Lee Wiggins, NWA Promotions Coordinator. “Her enthusiasm, experience, and love for this industry make her an outstanding choice for this role. I’m also incredibly proud of Jules Singley, our outgoing 2024 National Watermelon Queen, for her dedication and grace over the past year. She set an incredible example, and I know Elanie will carry on that tradition beautifully.”

    As the National Watermelon Queen, Elanie will travel across the country, advocating for the industry, attending events, media appearances, trade shows, and in-store promotions to share the joy and benefits of watermelon with consumers and industry partners alike.

  • Wonderful Citrus Celebrates 75 Years as a World Leader in Fresh Citrus

    Wonderful Citrus proudly celebrates 75 years as a world-leading, full-service citrus company, delivering exceptional quality from growing and shipping to packing and marketing. With a diverse portfolio, Wonderful Citrus offers more than 10 varieties including mandarins, seedless lemons, lemons, navels, valencias, cara caras, grapefruit, limes, key limes, and minneolas. Additionally, Wonderful Citrus is a trailblazer in branded produce with its iconic brands consumers know and love: Wonderful Halos mandarins and Wonderful Seedless Lemons.

    Wonderful Citrus pioneered the produce industry with consumer marketing and innovation. Originally founded in 1950 as Paramount Citrus, the company marketed and sold citrus for independent California citrus growers who were underserved by packing consolidators and brokers. In 1981, Lynda and Stewart Resnick acquired Paramount Citrus, bringing their marketing prowess and financial acumen to the citrus industry. The acquisition paved the way for what is now one of the largest agricultural portfolios in the world, with The Wonderful Company establishing itself as the leader in branding and marketing of pistachios, almonds, pomegranates, mandarins, and seedless lemons.

    Zak Laffite, President, Wonderful Citrus

    “We are proud to celebrate a legacy built on deep expertise, boundless passion, and an unwavering commitment to putting our people and partners first,” said
    Zak Laffite, president, Wonderful Citrus. “As we celebrate 75 years, Wonderful Citrus is excited to continue leading the citrus category forward through innovation, quality, marketing, and sustainability — because no one knows and grows citrus like us.”

    In celebration of this anniversary milestone, Wonderful Citrus is bringing back its original namesake brand, Paramount Citrus, as a primary label within
    its portfolio, representing its heritage as a citrus grower. Consumers can find the new Paramount Citrus label, including both packaged and stickered loose fruit, in produce departments across the country. Additionally, Wonderful Citrus relaunched a newly revamped website focused on its expertise and capabilities, featuring an enhanced user experience and a dedicated online grower portal to streamline communication and support collaboration.

    Wonderful Citrus’ leadership and success are built around three pillars:

    • Cultivating our people and partners – With hundreds of growing partners around the world, imports from seven countries, and nearly 7,500 employees, Wonderful Citrus believes in investing in its people and partners. It operates 10 packing house locations in various regions across the country, including its main operations in California, Texas, New Jersey, and Mexico. As pioneers in produce marketing, Wonderful Citrus’ team of more than 200 in-store merchandisers – the largest in produce – work closely with retailers to leverage eye-catching branded packaging and high-graphic in-store point-of-sale displays in strategic locations throughout grocery stores to ensure continued growth and success. Similarly, Wonderful Citrus has expanded its impact in the food service sector by collaborating with key distributors to offer fresh, high-quality citrus that enhances menu offerings.
    • Best-in-class brands and fruit – From seed to shelf and root to fruit, Wonderful Citrus offers comprehensive nursery services, expert farming guidance, and state-of-the-art packing and juicing facilities, while delivering best-in-class sales and merchandising capabilities. Wonderful Citrus cultivates and harvests over 74,000 acres of fresh citrus and ships it around the world each year to ensure a year-round supply. By adhering to strict taste and quality standards, Wonderful Citrus maintains optimal quality for its varieties at every point of the season. This unwavering commitment to consistent quality helps set Wonderful Citrus apart from generic produce options, as consumers want brands they know and trust. Additionally, leveraging the innovation and best practices from its success with Wonderful Halos and tapping into consumers’ growing preference for seedless varieties, Wonderful Seedless Lemons is poised to disrupt the produce category. These non-GMO Project Verified, 100% naturally seedless lemons are driving substantial gains for the lemon category, accounting for 100% of bagged lemon category growth for three consecutive years.
    • Value beyond our products – Wonderful Citrus is committed to protecting the environment through sustainable farming practices, not only for the future of its business but for many communities it’s a part of. Its acreage and scale allow Wonderful Citrus to be at the forefront of progressive agricultural techniques, helping to set the bar in quality control, water conservation efforts, specialized nurseries, and integrated pest management systems. To strive for a healthier planet, Wonderful Citrus has taken measurable actions toward waste reduction, water stewardship, and carbon emissions tracking. In fact, 100% of Wonderful Citrus’ operations will be powered by renewable energy by the end of 2025. Additionally, Wonderful Citrus is a strong pillar in the community that supports unique philanthropic efforts where its employees live and work. Wonderful Citrus’ parent company, The Wonderful Company, and its owners, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, have invested more than $2.5 billion in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility initiatives globally, including $1.3 billion in environmental sustainability efforts to help fight climate change.

    As Wonderful Citrus looks ahead, it will focus on long-term growth and expansion, along with supply chain diversification. This will be achieved by continuing to strengthen relationships with growers and suppliers worldwide to ensure a premium-quality and reliable year-round supply, while also expanding into new international markets for exports. Wonderful Citrus is also investing in farming and cultivation activities to introduce and enhance the availability of high-demand varieties throughout the year.

    For more information about Wonderful Citrus and its industry leadership, visit wonderfulcitrus.com

    About Wonderful Citrus

    Wonderful Citrus is the world’s leading vertically integrated citrus company that grows, ships, and packs fresh citrus, including clementine/mandarin, navel, and Valencia oranges; lemons; limes; grapefruits; and other citrus varieties. Wonderful Citrus cultivates and harvests over 74,000 acres of fresh citrus and ships it around the world each year to ensure a year-round supply. Its citrus can be found in the produce department of grocery stores across America under the flagship consumer brands of Wonderful Halos mandarins and Wonderful Seedless Lemons.

    Wonderful Citrus is part of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $6 billion global company, which also has other No. 1 brands such as Wonderful Pistachios, FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, JUSTIN Wine, and Teleflora. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products, and its core values, please visit wonderful.com, or follow The Wonderful Company on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more about The Wonderful Company’s corporate social responsibility impact, visit csr.wonderful.com.