MBG Marketing-The Blueberry People, the Grand Junction, MI-based blueberry growers’ cooperative, announced the appointment of Orrin (Larry) Ensfield as its new president and chief executive officer, effective June 19. In his new role, Ensfield will also serve on the board of directors of the Naturipe Farms family of companies on MBG’s behalf.

With drought conditions accelerating, water management has become a critical issue facing growers. CropX, an AgTech company focused on adaptive irrigation software, announced that it has raised $9 million in financing. The software increases crop yield while providing water and energy cost savings.

"Our service saves up to 25 percent of the water and energy used in irrigation of large fields," the company states on its website.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 22 that a federal program requiring growers to set aside a certain percentage of their crop to support pricing violates the Fifth Amendment prohibition of taking private property for public use without just compensation.

Signs point to a bright future for blueberry production in the Pacific Northwest. Looking forward, Alan Schreiber, administrator of the Washington Blueberry Commission, said, “Production will continue to climb, both conventional and organic, both processing and fresh. I see the West Coast of North America dominating the blueberry market in the next five to 10 years. I expect you will see big increases in exports in the next five years.

Pear Bureau Northwest has named 39 winners of its second annual “Pear Up with USA Pears” display contest.

The contest invited all retailers from across the United States and Canada to build an eye-catching display that features Green Anjou, Red Anjou and Bosc pears at minimum, with inclusion of other varieties of USA Pears encouraged.

To qualify for the contest, the display was required to be maintained for at least one week during the January-to-March timeframe.

As a socially responsible, grower-owned company, Turbana realizes that sustainability of its crop and the people who produce it is paramount to continued success. Turbana focuses on creating win-win partnerships with retailers and their communities that seek not only to promote positive change, but also to provide a boost to the sales of its retail partners.