WEST COLUMBIA, SC —The Rawl family began growing produce in Lexington County, SC, in 1948, and sold most of the leafy greens and green onions they grew at the South Carolina State Farmers Market here. Today, 67 years later, the Rawl family, doing business as Clayton Rawl Farms, still has a strong presence at the up-to-date farmers market, with added customers including East Coast supermarkets and wholesalers.

Avocados from Mexico will be sharing new program and details at the upcoming 2015 United Fresh Show June 8-10 in Chicago. 

Amid discussions by a state water agency that agricultural users with senior water rights would soon face significant cutbacks, a group of California farmers have voluntarily agreed to a 25 percent reduction in water use in exchange for no further cuts this year.

The voluntary plan was approved May 22 by the California State Water Resources Control Board with participating farmers required to submit their water reduction plans by June 1.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has finalized an exciting list of speakers for its 47th annual Produce Convention & Golf Tournament.  The convention will be held Nov. 5-7 in Tubac, AZ, located just north of the largest port of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico.

Karen Acompora, president of the Louis J. Acompora Memorial, told The Produce News that the organization continues its work with the Minnesota High School Athletic Association and the Medtronic Philanthropy Foundation, whose goal is to expand access to chronic disease care for the underserved around the world.

BARNWELL, SC — In 2013, heavy rains and flooding hit at harvest time, making many fields impossible to harvest. In 2014, planting was delayed by wet and cold conditions and the crop matured late, causing a shortage for the July 4 market and an oversupply after the holiday.