North and South Carolina farmers trying to combat pests and diseases attacking their blueberries, sweet potatoes and other specialty crops are getting help from the federal government. The U.S. Agriculture Department has provided nearly $2 million for a total of 35 programs in the Tar Heel and Palmetto states to research or promote home-grown fruits, vegetables and nursery plants.

California citrus growers dodged a bullet during the first night of freezing temperatures during the early-morning hours Dec. 31 in the San Joaquin Valley, but the freeze watch continues and the next two days will be critical.

"Our stations clearly indicate that very few locations dipped below 32 degrees for any period of time," California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelsen said in a statement. "Throughout the night and early morning a few locations experienced short durations of cold temperatures requiring some form of frost protection."

Potandon Produce LLC, headquartered in Idaho Falls, ID, has carefully crafted a business model that can be summarized this way: Excellence beyond expectation.

Senior Vice President of Sales Dick Thomas said that attention to the smallest detail gives the company its competitive edge.

As a result of the recent widespread frosts in California, highly flavorful artichokes known as Frost Kissed artichokes are now in stores for a short time.

Florida's strawberry industry is abuzz as studies show strong potential for the Florida 127, a relatively new strawberry variety marketed under the “Sensation” brand.

“Florida 127 is a promising new cultivar for west-central Florida growers due to its early yield, robust plant habit, and excellent fruit size and eating quality,” according to the Institute of Food & Agricultural Services of the University of Florida.