Top 5 - Organic News to Help You Grow #346

1. Green, Gold, and Red Kiwifruit Programs from California 

Wild River Fruit, a grower and shipper of California kiwifruit for nearly 50 years, is now offering programs in green, gold, and red kiwifruit grown in the U.S. "Recognizing that kiwifruit has become the fastest-growing fruit in the fruit basket in terms of US retail sales, we believe there is great potential to introduce diversification in the category,” says Travis Noland, vice president of Wild River. Read More

2. Organic Root Vegetable Season Underway in the Pacific Northwest

With cooler temperatures setting in, it’s soup and stew cooking season. For Organically Grown Company, that means it’s kicking off its certified organic winter root vegetable program, which includes organic red and gold beets, burdock, celeriac, parsnips, sunchokes, rutabagas, and turnips, all of which are grown in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Read More

3. Mission Produce Championing Organic Avocados

Mission Produce is a go-to source for fresh, organically grown avocados. “We have mastered the art of growing, packing, and ripening certified organic avocados to meet the needs of our customers all year long,” said Megan Berenbach, director of sales for the Oxnard, California-based company. “Demand for organic avocados continues to grow, so Mission continues to invest additional resources into organic programs, pursuing innovative ways to support and develop the category.” Read More

4. How USDA Plans to Make the US Specialty Crop Sector More Competitive

The USDA is initiating a new effort to further support and increase the competitiveness of the U.S. specialty crops sector. “USDA is working to ensure Americans have continued access to fresh healthy quality food so that we can support the industry's ability to remain competitive domestically and in markets across the world,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. Read More

5. Pajaro High School Celebrates "Farm to Cafeteria" Program that Offers Students Organic Meals
On Monday, Pajaro Valley High School held its annual Farm to Cafeteria Festival. Organized by Esperanza Community Farms and Pajaro Valley Unified School District, the event celebrated the school’s commitment to offer students healthier meals. Read More