Proof that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree: U.S. soccer star and Rochester, NY, native Abby Wambach has signed on with the New York Apple Association as celebrity ambassador for New York state apples.

20/20 Produce Sales Inc. and New Mexico-based Billy The Kid Produce announced a strategic partnership designed to move top-quality onions into the national marketplace. “Their farming practices are impeccable, and year after year they continue to turn out the best onions from the New Mexico growing region,” said Tom Wason, 20/20 Produce’s managing partner.

Signs are pointing to an increased Northwest blueberry volume in 2013 for Curry & Co., headquartered in Brooks, OR.

“We have geared up our shed for an increase over last year’s tonnage by about 15 percent,” said Director of Sales Bruce Turner. “We expect the fresh crop to be up this year, especially because of the newer plantings that are now maturing into full harvest.”

The company’s acreage has slightly increased this season with new plantings, mostly in later varieties that are harvested in late July and throughout August.

New York-based BrightFarms, which designs, finances and operates hydrophonic greenhouses at or near supermarkets, announced the hire of GRAHAM TUCKER.

In his new position at BrightFarms, he will train and oversee BrightFarms’ developing network of growers for future greenhouses, including those planned for St. Paul, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Brooklyn, NY, Kansas City, MO, Chicago and Washington, DC.

California pear growers couldn't have ordered up better conditions for the 2013 production season.

"[The 2013 crop] is progressing well," said Kyle Persky, sales manager at Scully Packing Co. LLC. "We have had no major issues affecting the crop."

David Thiessen, sales manager for David J. Elliot & Sons Co. in Courtland, CA, agreed. "Weather has been pretty much perfect for growing pears," he told The Produce News.

DNE World Fruit LLC kicked off its 2013 Australian summer citrus program with the recent arrival of the first vessel into the port of Long Beach in California.

The season will run from late June through October starting with Daisies and Navels. Daisies will peak on size 70s followed by 54s. Peak promotion period for Daisies will run early July through early August.

Australian Navels will begin arriving early July but due to intermittent rains heavier volume won't arrive until later in July.