Marketing

Micro markets take produce sales to the next level

Next year marks Vic Pemberton's 30th year in the vending business.And he's the first to say that three decades ago, he never would have predicted the revolution that's happening in the industry today.Owner of several... more »

China offers challenges, potential for produce

It is impossible to survey China without considering an impressive list of superlatives. It is the world's largest producer and consumer of fruits and vegetables and is in the midst of the largest migration in... more »

Texas onion growers to vote on marketing order

South Texas onion producers will vote from May 12-27 on whether to continue their federal marketing order, according to USDA.The marketing order requires that a continuance referendum be held every six years. To be eligible... more »

Michigan asparagus growers get 1-cent price increase

Michigan asparagus growers won’t receive the price boost they saw in 2013, but a 1-cent-per-pound hike for 2014 is seen as a positive sign for the industry.Handlers will pay 79 cents per pound (cash) for... more »

Farm bill promising for fruit, vegetables

An analysis by specialty crop advocates indicates the 2014 Farm Bill contains programs that constitute a 55 percent increase in the government's investment in the produce industry's competitiveness and the nutritional well-being of Americans through... more »

How to prevent fraud at farmers’ markets

You're a farmers' market manager. Your market has a rule: Vendors must grow everything they sell (not all markets require this, but yours does). You suspect, however, that not all of your vendors are following... more »

USDA seeks watermelon board nominees

USDA is seeking nominations for the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Applications for 13 open seats are due by June 2.The 37-member board includes producers, first handlers and importers nominated by their peers, and one member... more »

Voters amend watermelon plan

USDA has announced that watermelon producers, handlers and importers have voted to amend the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan importer eligibility requirements for service on the National Watermelon Promotion Board.USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service conducted the... more »