Marketing

USDA withdraws proposed changes to the handling rules for Florida tomatoes

The USDA is withdrawing a proposal that would have revised the handling requirements under the federal marketing order for tomatoes grown in Florida. After receiving feedback from industry stakeholders, USDA determined there is insufficient support... more »

Vegetable categories cited as USDA AMS terminates harmful consumer standards

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announced April 16 the termination of 10 U.S. consumer standards that are obsolete and impede the effective marketing of specialty crops. Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is terminating the consumer standards for... more »

Farmers’ markets encouraged to to get free equipment for SNAP

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller recently highlighted an opportunity for farmers' markets to address food security in their local communities and expand their consumer base by taking advantage of... more »

Member vote coming regarding PMA, United Fresh new association formation

The Boards of Directors of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) will each host a member vote seeking consent in support of the resolution unanimously approved on March 29,... more »

Comparison to year-ago produce sales levels turned negative for most areas

March 2020 experienced the biggest spikes in the history of grocery retailing as the nation bought supplies to fill their freezers, fridges and pantries in preparation for shelter in place. After an initial flurry of... more »

Southeast cucumber, squash market impact from imports examined

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association released a statement regarding the International Trade Commission’s April 8 hearing on the "Effect of Imports on the U.S. Cucumber and Squash Industries, with a Focus on the Southeast."... more »

Strawberry season under way in North Carolina

April signals the start of strawberry season in North Carolina, and local growers are optimistic about the 2021 season and anticipate a crop that should last through Memorial Day. “The recent hard frost kept strawberry... more »

Colorado offering free marketing webinars for ag, food operators

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is offering six free virtual marketing webinars this spring to help educate ag and food business owners on state-of-the-art ways to connect with consumers through the latest public relations, marketing,... more »