The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against Ayar Produce NY Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from NewYork, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 14 produce sellers in the amount of $720,226 from February 2020 through September 2020.

Pear Bureau Northwest celebrates 90 years of fruitful collaboration with Washington and Oregon fresh pear growers to drive demand for Northwest pears. Washington and Oregon pear growers fund the bureau through a federal marketing order, the oldest of its kind. In 1931, the newly created Oregon-Washington Pear Bureau began its first promotion program in the fall with an approved $15,000 budget to market that season’s 2.1 million boxes of winter pears. On Dec. 4, 1931 it was official when growers filed articles of incorporation in Washington.

Winter Sweetz, a Texas-based grapefruit brand owned by Lone Star Citrus, announces the launch of its second annual “Sweeter in Texas” sweepstakes to celebrate the Texas red grapefruit season.

Peppers are a popular and growing category ideal for promoting at this time. The quality is reported as good to outstanding.

There is a good supply of green peppers out of central and southern Florida on all sizes. Product from Mexico is also available through Arizona. There are red and yellow Bell peppers crossing through Texas. A supply of red Bell peppers is available from south Florida and a moderate supply out of the Coachella Valley, CA.

2021 was a year of challenges in many shapes, sizes and forms. Several industries experienced unprecedented uncertainty concerning the future state of their businesses. The floral industry was no exception — taking an immense hit as many companies were forced to close their doors and others, the ones that survived announced massive layoffs.