Jim Westhoff, Valstar:

“Aubergines and loose tomatoes currently outliers on Dutch greenhouse vegetable market”

Despite the supply of Dutch greenhouse vegetables not being too large, demand has fallen behind a bit in recent weeks, according to Jim Westhoff of Valstar. “As a result, all prices except those of aubergines aren’t skyrocketing. That would’ve been different if demand had been good. This is in contrast…

Tomato export volumes from Azerbaijan disclosed

According to the Azerbaijan government, the nation exported 129,293 tons of tomatoes worth $138.06 million. Overall exports in quantitative terms dropped by 5 percent compared…

Jeroen Buyck (Calsa) on five years of the Russia ban:

“Although very dependent on Russia, we managed to keep turnover up”

Five years ago, Russia implemented a ban on all fruit and vegetables, among other things, from the EU, the US, Australia, Canada and Norway. The import ban came in effect on Thursday 7 August 2014 for the period of one year, but has now been extended four times. We’re asking Belgian and Dutch exporters…

World population, 1 year ago

Population size represented as country size

The country's size on the map is representing the population size.

United Fresh Produce Association

Strong fresh produce sales for Q2 2019

The United Fresh Produce Association came out with a report indicating strong numbers for fresh produce sales for the second quarter of 2019. The FreshFacts on Retail report…

Stabilization of Spanish imports of Moroccan fruit and vegetable products

In 2019, Spanish imports of fruit and vegetable products from Morocco have stabilized following 5 years of strong growth. In the first half of the year, 285,710 tons of Moroccan fruits and vegetables were imported, which entails an increase of 1.3% compared to 2018. The value of those shipments stood at…

Kenya: Attracting youth to invest in greenhouse farming

Imagine that with as little as $150 (Ksh 15,000) per month, you could invest in a business that would yield a return of $3,800 (Ksh 380,000) within the first six months. That’s exactly how Peter Wangai Muriithi, Founder and CEO of Golden Escape Group Limited, hopes to lure young people into agri-business…

Artemis launches first annual Global Ag Report survey

Artemis announced the launch of its first Global Ag Report survey to capture the latest trends, biggest challenges, and opportunities for global enterprise farmers growing…

Poland: Tomato season affected by heat, pink variety popular in local market

The tomatoes in Poland have faced a pretty rough season in terms of weather. Quality was affected, but the Polish tomatoes still find their way to large European markets, like Germany and even the Netherlands. The trend for the local market seems to be focused on pink tomatoes. Green Best is a Polish…

Industry responses

Almost everybody is happy with the new Tomato Suspension Agreement

On August 20th Mexican tomato growers and the United States Department of Commerce reached a new agreement regarding Mexican tomato export. The agreement includes the proposal to inspect 92 percent of the trucks at the border to check their quality, an increase in the reference prices for specialty…

US: Truck rates stable in mid-August

Spot shortages of refrigerated produce trucks were noted in the Midwest states in mid-August, but most growing regions reported adequate supply. A shortage of trucks was reported for melons from southwest Indiana and southeast Illinois, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s weekly truck rate…

The total volume estimated at 2.3 million kilos

15% increase expected in the production of Barbastro Pink tomatoes

The Association of Horticultural Producers of Alto Aragón has estimated this season's Barbastro pink tomato production at 2.3 million kilos. This will entail an increase of…

Turkish exporters in Yenisehir, Bursa:

"Pepper prices are weak due to production surplus and holidays in Europe"

Yenisehir, Bursa, a city located in northwestern Turkey, exports 800 trucks of peppers per year to Europe and to several other countries all over the world. Since it is the…

Promotable volumes of strawberries in time for Labor Day

Weather conditions in California continue to remain largely favorable for strawberry growers. Despite some warmer weather in recent weeks which has presented some challenges, temperatures cooled off again over the weekend and look set to remain in the 70s this week. For companies like California Giant,…

Spanish horticultural exports up by 4.8% in first semester of 2019

Spanish fruit and vegetable exports have reached an all-time high in the first half of 2019, growing by 4.18% compared to the same period of 2018. The 7,453,898 tons sold generated 7,816 million Euro. With regard to vegetable exports, their value totaled 3,531 million Euro, with a growth of 10.06%.…

Supplies of California romaine may be slim in near future

California supplies of romaine lettuce are steady, though tighter supplies may be imminent in the short-term. “We aim to be steady week in week out. But the wildcard in this is weather. And it was certainly very warm last week in the Salinas Valley,” says Greg Beach of Salinas, Ca.-based Steinbeck…

US-Mexican tomato war comes to an end

The US and Mexico have reached an agreement on the Mexican tomato export. Mexican Economy Minister Graciela Marquez says that the renewal of the agreement will suspend the anti-dumping investigation that has been going on. "This is good news since it will keep the US market open for our tomatoes." It was…

Mexico: Authorities seize 4 tons of marijuana smuggled in chilis

Border Patrol agents have seized nearly four tons of marijuana that were hidden in a cargo of jalapeno peppers being shipped from Mexico to the United States. The drug was found on a routine inspection of a truck at the Otay Mesa border crossing in California. Inside, authorities found more than 300…

Trucker shortage takes a toll on supply chain

In 2018, the trucking industry was short roughly 60,800 drivers – up nearly 20% from 2017’s figure of 50,700. If current trends hold, the American Trucking Association (ATA)…

Spain

Over 14,500 Moroccan seasonal workers have taken part in Huelva's berry campaign

This year, 14,583 Moroccan women were hired as seasonal workers for the berry harvest in the Spanish province of Huelva, carried out between February and May 2019. Throughout…

Otay Mesa, California

CBP officers find 4 tons of marijuana inside a Jalapeño pepper shipment

CBP officers assigned to the Otay Mesa cargo facility seized almost four tons of marijuana last week co-mingled in a shipment of jalapeño peppers, valued at $2.3 million. Cbp.gov quoted Otay Mesa Port Director, Rosa Hernandez, as saying: “I am proud of the officers for seizing this significant marijuana…

Egypt: Cairo Chamber of Commerce sees 15-25% drop in vegetable prices

In its weekly report, this Saturday, the Cairo Chamber of Commerce’s Vegetables and Fruits Division stated that the prices of many products have fallen by 15-25 percent in the…

Justin Leonard - Jackie Leonard & Sons

End of an era for Dublin fruit and veg market, sporadic supply and Brexit

Dublin’s fruit and vegetable market is set to close later this month for complete refurbishment and restoration, it will re-open to serve a new generation with retail food producers, artisan bakers, butchers, cheesemakers and more. “There are only a few fruit and vegetable traders left in the market…

AHEFS Director laments neglect of vegetable sector

The Director of the Agency for Health and Food Security (AHEFS), Kwaku Asante has expressed worries over the country’s negligence in putting more efforts in promoting Vegetable production in Ghana. He stressed that the country has done less in improving on the production of vegetables such as tomatoes,…

Fresh produce would be shipped more cheaply to the region

Work to begin on long awaited road through the Arctic tundra

A direct, all-weather connection to southern Canada’s highways would allow everything from fresh vegetables and many other products to be shipped more cheaply and easily by…

Opposition to federal restrictions on tomato imports brings senators together

Arizona's two U.S. senators have found common ground in a simmering trade dispute over tomatoes. Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Kyrsten Sinema expressed concern about a federal plan to intensify inspections of Mexican-grown tomatoes entering the country, largely through the major produce-shipment…

'Bring your own cauliflower':

Manchester restaurants hit by UK vegetable shortage

The UK is in the grip of a vegetable shortage, caused by the heavy rains that have plagued the nation in the last few weeks. It has been damaging crops in Lincolnshire and…

Croatia produces fewer vegetables for winter food storage

According to a report by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), traditional winter food storage vegetables - like peppers and cucumbers - are grown less and less often in…

California root vegetable supplies strong

Supplies of celery roots and parsley roots are looking ample. “These are both fall/winter vegetables so we are looking great heading into those seasons,” says Matt Hiltner of Babé Farms, Inc. in Santa Maria, Ca. “Supplies now are even better than last year. We hit a rough period, particularly on the…

Ghana spends over US$100 million on tomatoes and onions annually

A study by the Agency for Health and Food Security (AHEFS), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed that Ghana spends over US$100 million on the importation of…

Wisconsin celery growers report excellent quality

The opening of the Wisconsin celery season has been met with light showers and moderate heat, growers say. Volume is reportedly slightly down on the long term average, but the high quality of the product is making up for it. Growers are very pleased with the quality, as John Bobek of Trembling Prairie…

Morocco: Tomato exports to EU Increased by 10%

According to Spanish news outlet Horto Info, Morocco exported 426,07 million kilograms of tomatoes to the European Union between October 2018 and May 2019. The number…

Tomatoes in French shops fail taste test

French shoppers are unimpressed with the quality of traditional summer fruit they buy, according to a consumer watchdog study. Nearly 900 shoppers in 25 departments took part…

Egypt: Al-Sisi inaugurates 2nd phase of water-preserving national greenhouse project

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi inaugurated 1,300 greenhouses at Mohamed Naguib military base on Saturday morning, as part of the national agricultural project. The first phase of the project was opened in February 2018 to grow agricultural products using less water for irrigation than traditional…

Expanding opportunity in heirloom tomatoes from Guatemala

Guatemalan tomatoes are now in demand, according to a news release. Several Guatemala Produce Trade Association (GPTA) members are marketing heirloom tomatoes. Southern Specialties has been involved in heirloom tomatoes from Guatemala for about five years. “We were introduced to a greenhouse grower…

China's vegetable export hub hit by Typhoon, may push up global prices

The city of Shouguang in East China's Shandong Province has been left in ruins by torrential rain bought by Typhoon Lekima. Since it is an important vegetable producing and exporting hub in China, experts warned that the disaster may push up vegetable prices in the global market. A local resident sent…

The judicial resolution will be made public at the beginning of November

Mexico's tomato producers await ruling on US tariff increase

Several greenhouses of the Middle zone await the resolution of an international instance to avoid paying and to recover the compensatory fee of the 17.56% tariff that the US…

Central America: Vegetable sales up 10 percent in 2018

Last year, regional exports of vegetables in Central America totaled $180 million - a rise of 10 percent compared with 2017. A report suggested the rise can be explained by the behavior of company sales in Guatemala and Honduras. Honduras and Guatemala lead regional sales According to trade analyst…

CAN (AB): Transforming farming through innovation

Ian Potter, President and CEO at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, explains the significance of the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network and what the future will bring after the federal funding announcement of $49.5 million on July 22, 2019. For more information:…

UK: LSA Fellowship Scheme are seeking new entrants

The LSA CT Fellowship are seeking new entrants for developing manager within horticulture to apply for the Fellowship Scheme. John Cappalonga of Gee Vee Enterprise said: “The…

China: Hot weather leads to hike in cucumber prices

Although autumn this year is supposed to begin on August 8th according to the traditional Chinese calendar, there are many areas in China still experiencing lasting hot…

Flooding funding for Wainfleet and Yorkshire

NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts said: “The Government’s offer to help farmers affected by the devastating floods in Wainfleet and Yorkshire is great news for farmers in…

USDA report:

US: Advertised prices for specialty crops at major retail supermarket outlets

This week retailers again focused primarily on back to school promotions. Lunch box friendly items such as grape tomatoes, baby carrots, tangerines, apples, grapes, cherries, peaches, and nectarines were very well promoted. Several retailers showcased recipes for quick and easy meals for busy families…

Reinoud Nuijten New Agricultural Counsellor in Ukraine

Before his posting in Kyiv, Mr. Nuijten worked as International trade and development specialist with extensive experience in value chain development and export promotion projects. Particular experience in public-private cooperation and institutional capacity development. Over 10 years of experience in…

Rabobank and Caspian launch structured financing facility for agtech start-ups

Rabobank and Caspian together set up a INR150m [2.1 million USD] Rabo-Caspian Agtech Financing Fund that will provide customized debt solutions to companies operating in the Agtech space for the first time in India. The fund specifically is interested in data-driven AgTech companies that deliver products…

Dutch pepper season continues until around week 45

Heavy peppers yield the most because they are the least common

The fruit weight of peppers traditionally reduces slowly after the longest day. Heavier grades then naturally do well, because fewer and fewer of these peppers are cut. “The pepper market is always characterized by considerable highs and lows, but from week 30 onwards those extremes will decrease. Also…

FPAA expresses concerns regarding Tomato Suspension Agreement proposal

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) believes the Tomato Suspension Agreement proposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in July has deeply flawed provisions…

Southeastern US: Farmers organize against Mexican imports

On July 30th, Florida Com missioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried led a gathering of Southeastern produce growers to discuss strategies to protect farmers from subsidized Mexican…

Germany plans to ban plastic bags

A German federal minister said she was working on laws to ban plastic bags, German news agency DPA reported on Sunday. "My ministry is currently working on the legal regulations for a plastic bag ban," German's Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Svenja Schulze…

Moroccan tomato sales to the EU exceed the contingent volume allowed

Even though the contingent volume of tomatoes that Morocco can sell to the EU is 285 million kilos, during the last period subject to quota, between October 1, 2018, and May…

Uncertainty prompting some tomato growers to leave US market

With US regulators changing stance on whether or not to apply tariffs on Mexican fruit and vegetables, as well as the uncertainty regarding the Tomato Suspension Agreement, some growers have opted to stay out of the US market until the dust settles. Many of them are smaller growers who must choose more…

AUG5PACA violations: what you need to know

As a statute, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) plays a key role in the produce industry: it enforces fair trade business practices and helps companies resolve business disputes. According to Travis M. Hubbs, violating the PACA statute, which falls under the United States Department of…

M.K. Exports on the mango season

“Airfreight costs have been rising steadily for the few past years”

The mango season in India has recently ended and overall it’s been quite a good season for Indian exporter M.K. Exports. New varieties are finding their way into Europe, but the costs of transport are rising year after year. Manoj Barai is the general manager for M.K. and has three new varieties to thank…

April strike cost Stop & Shop $345m in net sales

US: April strike cost Stop & Shop $345m in net sales The parent company of Massachusetts-based supermarket chain Stop & Shop says an 11-day strike in April that affected 240 stores in three states cost $345 million in net sales. Dutch company Ahold Delhaize in second-quarter results released…

Canary tomato growers to reduce their production due to fear of Brexit

The election of Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister and his announcement that the United Kingdom will definitely leave the European Union on October 31 has caused panic to…

Visiting Jochen Haubner at Haubner Gemüsebau:

"We are selling ourselves short"

In the German food industry, a trend can be seen: Large farms take over small-scale family farms in many places or displace them. "That was already the case with the bakeries and butchers, and now we are also seeing it in vegetable cultivation," says Jochen Haubner from Haubner Gemüsebau in Nuremberg. He cultivates hydroponic…

The US plans to increase the tariff on Mexican tomatoes

The US Government threatened to increase the compensatory quota for shipments of Mexican tomato from the current rate of 17.56 percent to 25.28 percent, as a result of the investigation conducted by the Department of Commerce of that country. Even though Mexican exporters expected an update on the 17.56…

UK: Highest market share ever for discount giants Aldi and Lidl

The supermarket sales in the UK declined by 0.5% in the 12 weeks leading up to July 14 compared to the same period last year. The discount giants Lidl and Aldi and online supermarket Ocado were an exception to this trend. This was reported by Kantar Worldpanel. Image: Kantar Worldpanel The…

Scottish Lib Dem Rennie urges Johnson to lift the cap on migrant workers

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Will Rennie is urging UK prime minister Boris Johnson to lift the cap on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme following frustrations at…

Dr Sandro Demaio - EAT

"The focus is now turning to the quality of food and particularly diets"

A world-renowned academic and media commentator says one of the biggest shared challenges facing all communities across the globe is non-communicable diseases, with the most common cause being a poor diet. Dr. Sandro Demaio has worked in many countries, and experienced living in many environments; from…

Scottish fears that Brexit will cause fields of rotting fruit and veg

A Tayside MSP has warned a re cent upturn in exports of Scottish soft fruit could collapse if an expected scarcity of workers becomes a reality. Graeme Dey, SNP representative…

Hatch Chile season begins in New Mexico

The much anticipated Hatch Chile season has begun in New Mexico. After a slightly delayed start due to weather conditions, supplies remain tight as growers continue to build volume. This is especially so in this early stage of the season when much of the volume is coming from transplants. Customers can…

Fake microgeens on Russian market

Microgreens (Micro Leaves / Micro Herbs) - 2BFresh are counterfeited in the Russian marketplace. "It was brought to our attention that once again fake Microgreens packages with an imitation of 2BFresh's label on it - are being sold in the Russian marketplace." 2BFresh is issuing this warning to all of…

Undersecretary Jesús Seade:

“Tomato inspections prevent new accord between Mexico and US”

According to a top Mexican official, a US demand to inspect all imported tomatoes is preventing producers from the Latin American nation and its northern neighbor from…

60% of the green peppers consumed in Mexico come from China

60% of the green peppers consumed in Mexico come from China, and only 4 out of 10 are produced in the country, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) revealed on Monday. The NGO…

Spain: Cucumber prices at origin down for three consecutive campaigns

The average price at origin of cucumbers has been falling for three consecutive campaigns, with a decrease of 25 percent, from 0.72 Euro in the 2016/2017 campaign to 0.54 Euro in the 2018/2019 season, according to data from the Prices and Markets Observatory of the Government of Andalusia. By varieties,…

Changes in U.S. fast food industry create opportunity

As the vertical farming industry in the United States grows, its market segments correspondingly diversify and widen. Aerofarms, Gotham Greens and Square Roots, for instance, all deliver their produce to local grocers as well as to Whole Foods Market. Plenty sells its leafy greens through the online…

US farmers vs Mexican tomato growers

US-Mexico trade tensions continue to escalate

Currently, the United States and Mexico are on the brink of yet another trade war. This time US farmers are pitted against Mexican tomato growers and importers. The debate…

US: "Opportunities to bring investment and business to farming cities depend on how economically feasible it is"

According to leaders in tech, politics and agriculture, the main factor that is missing in oft-forgotten farming communities in rural areas and small cities is investment. But investors might not see the opportunities that lie in these smaller communities for making a successful business. According to…

NZ strawberry growers vote on levy for industrial protection

There are about 150 growers in New Zealand, and they collectively handle about 15 million strawberry plants. Last month, the board of Strawberry Growers New Zealand (SGNZ)…

Colombia: Plants are the new boom for special days and celebrations

Over the last three years, the Colombian nursery growers have witnessed a boom in the sale of orchids, bonsai and even succulents to give on special dates. By Laurasofía…

Westland starts cooperation with Yangling, China

A government delegation from the Yangling Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone, located in China’s leading agricultural city, recently visited Westland. Mayor Bouke Arends and Li Jiuhong, deputy director of the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone, signed a letter of…

CAN (BC): Licensing recruiters to protect foreign workers

Foreign workers who help fill labour shortages in a wide range of B.C. sectors will be better protected under a new government licensing requirement for recruiters. Those recruiters who help secure employment in B.C. for foreign workers have until Oct. 1, 2019, to acquire a licence. This new licensing…

Starting August 19th

Russia toughens rules for transportation of fruits, vegetables

New rules for the transport ation of fruits, vegetables and flowers across the border of Russia will take effect from August 19. Under the new requirements, people will be…

Pole tomato season up and running in Southern California

Since the beginning of July, the Singh family at Oceanside Pole have been harvesting their pole tomatoes, a season that will continue through November. As Oppy's Karin Gardner explained, there are not many pole tomato growers remaining in the region. "The Singhs are among the last remaining pole-grown…

Brazil: Tracking food from the farm to the supermarket

The trends show that the profile of consumption is changing around the world. In Brazil, data from the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS) show an increasing demand for products considered healthy, such as fruits and greens. In 2014, these items accounted for 6.4% of purchases in the…

Spain

"Extremadura's plum sector should be better organized"

Francisco Gómez Lozano is the manager of the San Isidro agricultural cooperative, based in the town of Villanueva de la Serena since 1992, which is currently fully involved in…

OFVGA submits response to government’s initiative to modernize Ontario’s Blue Box Program

The Blue Box Program is meant to reduce waste from the sector, but the OFVGA in their response look to address potential issues for growers that could arise from the program. The OFVGA states that the sector is aware that change is necessary to reduce waste production, and that the sector is looking for…

“The veggies are in the supermarket shelf the next day already”

Holland Rail Terminal: from Bleiswijk to Berlin by train

From Bleiswijk, in the Netherlands, to Berlin by train. If preparations and construction go well, the first Ro-Ro train will depart in 2024. The new, still to be built, train connection is an initiative of not only governments but industry organizations as well. It is also the idea of, especially,…

José Carlos Varela, manager of BioAlgarrobo:

"Organic and conventional productions shouldn't be combined"

This week, the sweet potato campaign is starting in Malaga with the prospect of a productive and high quality harvest, as well as a good availability of commercial sizes. As far as prices are concerned, the situation is also looking promising due to the high demand. Adverse weather conditions in certain…

British Growers

Seasonal worker challenge: Finding solutions

British Growers’ C hief Executive Jack Ward has been in meetings with officials from the Home Office looking for practical solutions to the challenge of securing adequate…

In some regions, the water supplies are almost consumed

Spain: Dry weather has taken a toll on the productions of all Andalusian provinces

As reported by COAG Andalucía, the dry weather registered in 2019 in Andalusia has had a massive impact on many parts of the region and has had consequences on the fruit and…

UK: 30% of survey respondents needed seasonal labour

The Seasonal Labour in Horticulture Survey in England collected data regarding the first quarter of 2019. The results presented in this publication are classified as experimental statistics. Experimental Statistics are those that are within their development phase and are published in order to involve…

Japan: Cucumber trouble after Tokyo hit by cloudiest spell ever

Japan has been hit by unseasonably cloudy weather and cool temperatures, Tokyo enjoying fewer than three hours of sunshine a day for 20 days through to Tuesday, the lowest recorded since Japan’s Meteorological Agency started collecting data in 1961. These cloudy have certainly cast a shadow over the…

Moroccan tomato exports to Europe, at the same level as Almeria's

The Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organizations of Almería, Coexphal, has taken stock of the past season in Almería, describing it as a good campaign. It also highlights what a big competitor Morocco has become for the Andalusian tomato exporting sector. Competition According to Coexphal…

KÖHRA - Frisch GmbH still sees potential for growth in the pre-cut segment

"In our delivery area, sales are growing steadily"

In recent years, the German convenience sector is growing and flourishing at a rapid pace. From the traditional salads and peeled raw materials (potatoes, carrots, onions), the national market is increasingly turning towards ready meals, delicatessen and fine menus. As a result, there are new…

Ton van Dalen, Best of Four:

Netherlands: "TOV under enormous pressure, cucumber market starting to recover, bell pepper prices have long been good"

The Dutch greenhouse vegetable market shows very different price curves per vegetable. For example, last week the price for large TOV dropped by 50%. The cucumber market is starting to recover. This is due to Spain falling away and the improved weather condition in Western Europe. The balance between…

Cucumber market up as some regions experience issues

Cucumber growers are witnessing a solid season in their Mexico growing regions. For Texas-based Bebo Distributing, it's a busy time as the second harvest for the summer is about to start. Bebo Distributing's Jimmy Garza said the market has been strong as some regions like Michigan experience…

Attempting to help bees thrive

Netherlands: City of Utrecht turns 316 bus stops into ‘bee stops’

The Dutch city of Utrecht has had a great idea to help bees thrive: turning bus stops into little bee havens. These ‘bee stops’ are basically just standard bus stops with grass and wildflowers on top to encourage pollination. If our natural pollinators would be exterminated, it would cost £1.8bn a year…

Arie Middelburg, GreenMatch:

“Dutch bell pepper market very changeable this year”

The mild temperatures aren’t unfavourable for the sales of greenhouse vegetables, according to Arie Middelburg of GreenMatch, which focuses on sales advice for growers and buyers. “Because of this, there isn’t too much supply in certain product groups, and that keeps prices somewhat level.” “In…

Mexican producers export tomato specialties to beat the increase in tariffs

The Mexican state of Queretaro's tomato production and commercialization generates 789,000 million pesos in income a year. Despite the 17.5% tariff established on tomato…

Japan: Cucumber crisis after Tokyo hit by cloudiest spell since records began

Tokyo’s cloudiest few weeks in nearly 60 years has cast a shadow o ver the capital’s vegetable markets, forcing up the prices of some by 70%. Japan has been hit by unseasonably cloudy weather and cool temperatures, Tokyo enjoying fewer than three hours of sunshine a day for 20 days through to Tuesday,…

UK: Cross-sector coalition sets out blueprint to reform immigration system

A coalition of prominent business and education bodies has written to both Prime Ministerial candidates calling for the Government to commit to clear action on reforming the immigration system to avoid worsening the chronic skills and labour shortages. London First, in partnership with techUK, British…

General situation of the horticultural production in this Spanish province

Start of Almeria's next pepper planting campaign

The greenhouses of Almeria's Poniente devoted to the production of peppers are already harvesting the last batches and preparing the new plantings. Growers in the municipalities of Dalías, Berja and Adra will continue to plant bell peppers. In the seedbeds, the amount of bell and Lamuyo pepper plantings…

Northland to become hydroponic fruit growing capital of NZ

Northland’s future is looking fruitful as the hydroponic horticultural capital of New Zealand. A $2.37 million Provincial Growth Fund partnership today announced by the…

California: Inconsistent lettuce production elevating market

The California lettuce deal has been a challenge lately as growers battle with varying weather conditions and the consequences related to this. Right now prices are high with volume not consistent enough to maintain any decent momentum. Growers say the situation is not likely to be resolved for a few…

India: Tomato prices tripling in Mumbai

The retail rate of tomatoes rose to Rs 50-60 per kilo across Mumbai's shopping markets on Friday, causing concern among households as the normal average is Rs 20. Buyers in Bandra's Pali Market, Khar, Andheri West and Ghatkopar were shocked to pay Rs 60 per kg for the essential item. Traders blame heavy…

How have the prices of fruits & veg in Russia changed between 2018 and 2019?

Analysts of the AGRO24 trading platform have carried out research on the changes in prices for fruits and vegetables, based on the prices of four online stores in Moscow: Utkonos, VkusVill, Perekrestok and Metro Cash & Carry. The average retail prices for pears increased by 13%: it cost 165 rubles…

China: Zucchini prices rise sharply

Recently, the price of zucchinis at the Xinfadi Market has risen sharply. Currently, zucchini supplies at the market mainly come from Langfang and Baoding near Beijing, Wuqing…

The world’s longest train route

The world’s longest train route spans more than 8,000 miles, crosses through eight countries, and covers a greater distance than the diameter between the North and South pole. Click here for a larger image. The China-Europe Block Train begins in the east Chinese city of Yiwu and crosses through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus,…

September 19 is the limit to issue a resolution on tomato tariffs

Mexico: "US is being very inflexible on tomato export agreement"

According to the Secretary of Economy of Mexico, Graciela Marquez, the US Department of Commerce continues to maintain its intention to review 100% of tomato shipments at the…

Total trade worth more than £2.2 bn in 2017

UK vegetable sector showing strong growth

According to the latest Defra statistics, the UK vegetable sector has shown strong growth in values with total trade worth more than £2.2bn in 2017. The value of home-grown…

CanadaGAP to withdraw certification for Aquaponic production

A negative situation is brewing in Canada that could spread across borders and set back aquaponics’ progress worldwide. CanadaGAP, a government-recognized food safety…

Polish green bell pepper season in full swing

“Polish companies are competing with each other to offer the lowest price”

The season for green bell peppers, or green capsicums, is going well for Polish growers and exporters. The weather has been troublesome for numerous other products, however, the green bell peppers are not affected. Although the red and yellow bell peppers should be appearing fairly soon, currently only…

Mexican tomato growers submit data confirming no dumping of exports to U.S

The associations representing Mexican tomato growers are pleased to announce that today the three Mexican grower respondents submitted data in the renewed antidumping…

Australia: vegetablesWA to spearhead visa pilot project

vegetablesWA is about to embark on a landmark pilot project to assess the benefits of Australia’s seasonal worker program to vegetable growers. The State Government will fund the pilot project that will run for 12 months and assess the benefits to the horticultural industry of providing a facilitation…

India: More expensive vegetables in Mumbai as supplies drop off

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai and other parts of the state has led to a short supply of vegetables to Mumbai. As a result, vegetable prices have increased by 30 to 40 % in the city. The supply to the Agricultural Produce and Marketing Committee(APMC) wholesale market at Vashi has reduced considerably. This…

Turkish tomato producers aim for 1 billion USD worth of exports

Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association's chairman, Hayrettin Ucak, announced that they aim to export 1 billion USD (around 890 million Euro) worth tomatoes…

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas issues letter on tomatoes

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas issued a letter addressing its concerns regarding the Mexican and Florida tomato industries. In part, it said the following: "In…

Tomatoes from New Zealand in the limelight

The Horticulture Conference will take place on 31 July – 2 August at Mystery Creek, Hamilton (New Zealand). The TomatoesNZ AGM is at 4pm on Wednesday 31 July. Prior to this are presentations from a range of speakers including many that will appeal to covered crop growers. View the programme and register…

Russia: President Putin under threat as he faces unexpected domestic dilemma

Vladimir Putin has received some severe criticism about how he and his officials are running the Russian economy. There is now one specific problem they are facing. The…

US: Another year of farm labor shortages

As we enter mid-summer, many of our favorite foods are ripe and ready for harvest. There’s fresh corn, fruits and vegetables, peas and beans, and more—all ready to be picked and enjoyed now or preserved for later. by Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation What may not be ready is a…

President Sooronbai Jeenbekov:

'Kyrgyzstan ready to supply environmentally clean vegetables to Switzerland'

During their meeting on July 10, president of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov and Swiss president Ueli Maurer discussed bilateral cooperation. Switzerland today implements healthcare, economic, agricultural, energy, water and environmental projects, Jeenbekov said. He added that the development and…

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers applaud food terminal decision

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers are pleased with the provincial government announcement that the Ontario Food Terminal will stay at its current location in South Etobicoke. The Ontario Food Terminal is the largest wholesale produce market in Canada, with over two billion pounds of produce sold…

US and 15 others criticize EU regulation of farm products at WTO

The United States and 15 other countries came with some serious criticism aimed at the European Union on Thursday, saying its “hazard-based” approach to regulating pesticides and other “critical tools” used by farmers was damaging livelihoods worldwide. Their statement, submitted to the World Trade…

"Horticulture sector actors need constant dialogue"

Mr. Anjo Van Toorn, the Country Director of the Netherlands Development Organisation for Ghana, has called on horticulture sector actors to constantly dialogue to market their products and services. He said new dimensions of scaling up, innovation, and partnerships were triggered to take the sector to…

Forgotten vegetable loses out to tomatoes and imports from India

Cucumber production in Poland is becoming less profitable

Consumers in Poland are increasingly less likely to buy cucumbers, mostly because of the expansion of tomatoes. Cucumber production is becoming less profitable due to the…

Ghana: Five firms allowed to resume vegetable exports

Five Ghanaian vegetable export businesses have received approval to resume trading in the suspended vegetable commodities on the international market. The approval was given…

New Zealand tomatoes hit lowest price ever in June

Although New Zealand food prices may have risen 0.5 percent overall in the year up to June, tomatoes are at record lows. Tomato prices decreased 17 percent, hitting their…

Russia lifts ban on rail transit of sanctioned EU products

Russia has lifted the ban on transit traffic for a range of products that were previously sanctioned, including agricultural products and foodstuffs. The measure is effective per 1 July, subjective to certain conditions, reported by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation. The decision is…

US tomato prices expected to go up following new tariffs

Florida growers have long worried about heavily subsided tomato crops imported from Mexico being sold in the United States at substantially lower prices. This practice, known…

Gert Kogeler, Eosta:

“Shops in Austria, France and Sweden increasingly self-supporting in organic, bulk greenhouse vegetables from May to September”

The market for organic greenhouse vegetables has been very changeable so far, according to Gert Kogeler of Eosta. “The harvest hasn’t just been changeable in the Netherlands, the production in Spain experienced even larger ups and downs, mostly due to considerable climate changes.” “The start of the…

“The Spaniards are currently laughing themselves silly”

Do high Spanish auction prices make Dutch tomato growers think?

Why do Dutch growers not sell at least some of their tomatoes in Spain? Wim Grootscholte has been asking himself this for a while now. Especially now that he is visiting Spain again. There, shelves and trading houses are currently full of tomatoes. These tomatoes are also getting a good price.…

Morocco & EU launch ‘Euro-Moroccan Partnership for Shared Prosperity’

At the end of the 14th meeting of the Morocco-EU Association Council, the launch of the ‘Euro-Moroccan Partnership for Shared Prosperity’ was announced. On Thursday, June 27, Morocco and the European Union expressed their determination to give new “impetus to their strategic, multidimensional, and…

South Africa: Is cauliflower too expensive now?

Since the ‘green revolution’, vegetables have been elevated from boring side-dishes to becoming delicious mains. From sweet potato pizza bases to veggie burgers and even…

CAN (ON): OFVGA makes recommendations for the future of the horticultural sector

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) outlined the key priorities for the Ontario fruit and vegetable sector in their response to an invitation from the…

Bipartisan letter opposes trade barrier proposal impacting US businesses

A bipartisan group of 23 Senators and House Members sent a strong message to the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer reiterating opposition to any attempts to reinsert…

US: Mexican tomato imports still up, even after significant tariffs

Despite a significant tariff in place, Mexican tomato imports have not yet declined. For two months in a row now, Mexican tomato import weights have increased year-over-year…

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