When federal workplace safety inspectors visited three Dollar General stores in Georgia earlier this year, they found exit routes obstructed, boxes of merchandise stacked unsafely and electrical panels hard to access, violations often cited at Dollar General locations.

Favorable microclimate, proximity to the market and new investment put Fowler Farms in a particularly advantageous position for the upcoming Eastern apple season. “Our microclimate allows us to produce apples with consistency of supply and flavor year-in and year-out,” said Austin Fowler, sixth-generation owner and vice president of sales and marketing for the Wolcott, NY-based company. “We feel we grow fruit with excellent flavor more consistently than many other areas who struggle with that.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Ayar Produce NY Inc., J&J Distributing Co. and R&S Export & Import Inc. for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the businesses and the principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

As North Bay Produce enters August, blueberries, both organic and conventional, are in full swing and early variety Michigan apples have begun coming in as well.

“The apple season is looking great as Michigan apples had a productive bloom and looks to be a great fall crop,” said Aaron Hunter, sales representative for the Traverse City, MI-based cooperative. “Washington’s numbers are down, but Miching will have an excellent crop and we continue to grow year after year.”

Michigan is the third-largest producer of apples in the country so it’s very important to the state, being that it’s the largest and most valuable fruit crop.

“The average crop size for Michigan Apples is about 24 million bushels,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “In 2021, frost and freeze events resulted in a smaller crop, approximately 15 million bushels. In 2022, the industry is optimistic that the crop size will be above average.”

Stemilt Growers participated in its national holiday, Chant at the Moon Day, celebrating the 10th harvest of its high-elevation, A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries. Fourth-generation cherry grower Kyle Mathison kicked off the early morning festivities with his usual charm, gracious words and cherry charisma.