South Central

Texas onion growers renew federal marketing order

Growers of south Texas onions have approved continuation of their federal marketing order. The vote reverses a past referendum that failed to achieve required majority for continuation. Through a 78.6% vote, growers favored continuing the federal... more »

2023 Viva Fresh expo keynote speaker named

Organizers of the 2023 Viva Fresh Produce Expo have named their keynote speaker. Charlie Rocket, who lost weight and improved his life by eating more fruits and vegetables, will be the featured speaker. [caption id="attachment_30783"... more »

South Texas produce vet Marvin Davis dies

Longtime produce industry veteran Marvin Yale Davis, the founder of Tex-Mex Sales LLC, a Weslaco, Texas, grower-shipper of onions, vegetables and melons, died Oct. 31. Davis, 84, passed peacefully and leaves a legacy of loved... more »

LSU breeder LaBonte sets the sweet potato standard

With each new variety from the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter sweet potato program, plant breeder Don LaBonte raises the bar for subsequent releases. For an advanced line to be considered for commercialization, it must... more »

Tips for managing common pumpkin pests

With pumpkin season kicking off, Univeristy of Arkansas Extension Specialist Aaron Cato is sharing recommendations for managing common pumpkin pests. In addition to the recommendations below, please consult the Southeastern Vegetable IPM Handbook for more... more »

Viva Fresh calls for participants in Clean Eating Challenge

The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is seeking participants for next year's Clean Eating Challenge. This year, 11 participants completed the third annual Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge which culminated at April’s Viva Fresh Expo... more »

TX1015 Sweet Onions hosts inaugural restaurant week in Rio Grande Valley

The Texas 1015 Sweet Onion marketing campaign wrapped up the inaugural TX1015 Sweet Onion Restaurant week promotion on May 8. The historic marketing campaign, currently in its second year, was focused directly on Texas consumers... more »

South Texas Onion Committee looking for new members

The South Texas Onion Committee is encouraging producer and handler nominees for two grower districts. The districts are Districts 1, which represents the Coastal Bend + Rio Grande Valley region, and District 2, the Uvalde-Winter... more »