Soilless growing systems inside greenhouses, known as controlled environment agriculture, promise to advance the year-round production of high-quality specialty crops, according to an interdisciplinary research team at Penn State. But to be competitive and sustainable, this advanced farming method will…
After years of research and field trials, CapGen Seeds is introducing the new Panoramix tomato variety. The company is holding its Open Days at Juan José Berenguer’s farm in La Mojonera (Almería) on March 4, 5, and 6. From 10:00 to 14:00, visitors will have the opportunity to see the performance of…
One of the most serious threats to tomato production in Europe is the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). For a number of years, tomato growers using above-ground systems have been applying strict sanitary and phytosanitary preventive measures to control diseases that have the potential to cause…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include…
In Morocco, recent days have seen a rise in tomato and pepper prices, coinciding with the onset of Ramadan, a period marked by increased demand for these staple items. Tomato prices have reached $0.80 US per kilogram, while green peppers have surpassed 10 dirhams. The trend is expected to continue into…
The Nijasol special edition cherry tomato snack, developed by Meteorito for Carrefour, offers a new approach to fresh produce packaging. Part of the ‘Tomatier’ range, this edition is designed as a convenient option for lunches and snacks, with packaging that aims to appeal to both children and parents.…
Harmoniz, a global seed company, presented its comprehensive approach to fresh produce advancement at Fruit Logistica 2025, demonstrating how strategic R&D investment and collaborative partnerships are delivering exceptional value across the supply chain. Visitors to the Harmoniz booth explored the…
Canada has enacted Bill C-280, amending the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act to protect suppliers of perishable fruits and vegetables. This legislation mirrors the U.S. Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), establishing a trust for unpaid suppliers.…
A cyber attack on the South African Weather Service on 26 January 2025 by an outfit identified as RansomHub has barely been noticed by the fresh produce sector. Not a single farmer or production manager approached by FreshPlaza was aware that South Africa’s national meteorological service had been…
The fresh produce sector has always been close to Bauke Derks, despite his long-standing focus on supplying bakery products to the retail market. Now, together with his youngest son Koen, he is shifting back toward fruit and vegetable trading through their company, MK Food, based in Coevorden. The duo…
The Spanish greenhouse vegetable season has gone quite well so far, says Paul van Groningen, who operates as a commercial agent from Spain alongside his wife, Maria Elena. “Prices have generally been satisfactory for growers. However, the ever-increasing virus pressure is becoming a bigger problem. There…
Finger Lakes Community College will be receiving a $1 million grant to support a proposed integrated plant science education complex on its main campus. Empire State Development has awarded the grant, which will help the college and Ontario County work on a plan to replace the college’s 1979 greenhouse…