As fuel prices continue to escalate with no end in sight, retailers of fresh produce are increasingly turning toward procurement of locally grown commodities to minimize financial impacts to consumers. Steve Carlton, produce coordinator for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, spoke with The Produce News on May 18 and provided his insights.

Mild weather and great pollination will translate to an exceptional cherry crop for L&M Cos. located in Union Gap, WA. “Cherries are growing and have enjoyed a very mild spring,” Sales Manager John Long told The Produce News May 17. “Conditions have been great. “[There is] a very good crop load on the tree. Not too heavy, so we should get good size. Quality should be excellent since we had great pollination that was quick which should lead to even maturity.”

Conditions during the 2012 cherry production season are sounding a note of optimism among cherry growers in the Pacific Northwest. “[Weather has] been absolutely ideal so far,” said Suzanne Wolter, director of marketing for Rainier Fruit Co. in Yakima, WA. “We couldn’t hope for any better. Our mild to warm spring produced a practically perfect bloom and pollination environment.”

Tropical storm Beryl blew into the Southeast United States over Memorial Day like a lion but quickly lost its bluster. The storm system made landfall in northeast Florida Monday with winds approaching 70 mph. Those soon dwindled to maximums of 30 mph and Beryl drenched the parched region with a much-needed drink as it moved northward along the Eastern Seaboard Tuesday and Wednesday.

Growers across the region reported mucky fields that would slow ongoing harvests for a day or two as things dried out but no further damage.

This season, C.M. Holtzinger Fruit Co., headquartered in Yakima, WA, will add its corporate logo to bags of certified-organic cherries it will market for Adolfo Alvarez Farm. The operation is owned by Adolfo Alvarez, a grower who began his career as a field worker. Driven by an intense desire to create a positive environment for his children and those of farm workers, Mr. Alvarez is the owner of the certified-organic farm in Prosser, WA, where organic cherries and apples are grown.

High-elevation orchards and fruit picked at the peak of perfection are hallmarks at Hood River Cherry Co. Mount Hood and the surrounding valley provide the dramatic backdrop for the tree-ripened fruit picked sold to the company’s customers. The company is located in Hood River, OR.