1. USDA to Invest up to $300MM in New Organic Transition Initiative

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced details of the US Department of Agriculture’s $300 million investment, including with American Rescue Plan funds, in a new Organic Transition Initiative that will help build new and better markets and streams of income for farmers and producers.  Read More

2. Organic Pear Crop Is Promising

The Pacific Northwest organic pear crop looks promising as estimates point to an increase in volume over last year for most varieties. This is welcome in a year where much of the Northwest tree fruit volume has been down.  Read More

3. Brighter Bites Partners with Zespri Kiwifruit for 2022-2023 School Year 

Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables, nutrition education resources, and culinary tools directly into families’ hands, is excited to be working with Zespri Kiwifruit as a key produce partner for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.  Read More

4. Stemilt Launches Sustainable Packaging for Apples This Fall

Stemilt will launch its new EZ Band sustainable 4-pack package for Rave and SweeTango apples this fall to offer consumers a recyclable packaging option and drive sales of larger-sized fruit with a convenient grab-and-go design. “While developing the EZ Band, we knew we wanted to sell apples in a format that drives apple sales and reduces some of the labor involved in selling bulk apples,” explains Stemilt's Marketing Director Brianna Shales. “The package will be in a testing stage this fall starting with Rave and SweeTango, and we will have both a conventional and organic option available for SweeTango.”   Read More

5. Wholesum Celebrates 10 Years of Fair Trade Certification

Wholesum, Fair Trade Certified growers and shippers of organic fresh produce, announces their 10-year anniversary of Fair Trade Certification. As a value-driven company, Wholesum has always maintained a strong commitment to people and the planet through responsible practices, including 100% organic production. In 2012, the company further solidified those commitments by obtaining Fair Trade Certification through the third-party certifier Fair Trade USA.  Read More