Blueberry production continues to be a growth industry in the Pacific Northwest. “Freshly harvested Oregon blueberries, one of the joys of summer, are on the way, and this year’s crop is looking bigger and better than ever,” said the Oregon Blueberry Commission on its website. “In fact, Oregon growers are expected to harvest more than 70 million pounds of blueberries this year, another production record.”

Michigan fruit growers have weathered the storm following serious crop losses in 2012 and are expressing optimism about a return to normal production in 2013.

“This year’s tree fruit crop will be abundant,” wrote Terry McLean, who is based at the Michigan State University Extension Service. There should be plenty of apples, pears, peaches, sweet and tart cherries, and plums to go around, unlike last year, despite several freezing events that were recorded this April and May.”

Irvine, CA-based Western Growers welcomed MAXIMILIAN MERRILL to its staff on May 13.

This year, Ray & Mascari Inc. will celebrate its 75th year of operation. “We are so excited about that,” Vice President Joseph (Rocky) Ray told The Produce News. “The Ray family has certainly been blessed over the years. Our father and grandfather, Mike Ray Sr., truly deserves all the credit for our success.”

Double D Farms will now be known as Devine Organics. Double D was formed over 20 years ago. Over the years its growing efforts have become more concentrated on organic produce. With about 75 percent of the business now focused on organics, the new identity reflects this shift.

Owners Don and Elvia Devine know that the organic consumer is an informed consumer, therefore packing, labeling and branding will reflect an organic look and feel, connecting their produce to the organic farming practices being used.

WASHINGTON — Specialty crop producers got bad news Thursday as the U.S. House of Representatives voted 195-234 to reject the 2013 farm bill, raising more uncertainty about whether Congress can agree on a five-year, $940 billion bill this year.

The House leadership failed to bridge the divide as many Democrats voted against the bill because of steep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the food stamp program, and many Republicans voted against the measure because of its cost.