The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas is putting the final touches on its 46th Produce Convention & Golf Tournament. The convention will be held Oct. 30–Nov. 1 in Tubac, AZ, located just north of one of Nogales, AZ.

Monte Vista, CO — Mexican marketing campaigns remain in a holding pattern as the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee awaits further word on the border fully reopening for potato exports from the San Luis Valley, according to CPAC Assistant Director Linda Weyers.

Weyers said in mid-August, "We're playing the waiting game right now," noting the committee was awarded a USDA specialty crop block grant early this year to research consumer-direct marketing programs for its Mexican trade.

Robinson Fresh continues to add to its lineup of consumer brands with the addition of Green Giant Fresh asparagus. The asparagus product line is available year-round and nationwide through an exclusive licensing agreement.

Fred Hess, co-owner of Hess Bros. Fruit Co. in Lancaster, PA, told The Produce News that the company’s crop condition was in very good shape this year.

“It’s true that we’re about to enjoy a great upcoming season, but as growers we know better than to make predictions until the fruit is in the bins,” he said. “Still, we’ve had great growing weather and it looks like a premium crop. Volumes may be down a little in spots, but we feel that the quality will make up for some lost volume that would otherwise go to processesing.”

“We have a new packingline and bagging line in place and ready for the coming season,” said Kaari Stannard, president of New York Apple Sales in Castleton, NY.

New York Apple Sales continues to handle the two new New York apple varieties; SnapDragon and RubyFrost, which are managed apples and New York Apple Grower varieties.

According to the online CornellChronicle, the two varieties have been a decade in the making, and how they’ve gone to market is a first for the Cornell University apple-breeding program and the New York apple industry.

Artichokes, the official vegetable of Monterey County and the state of California, will be celebrated at the 78th annual Monterey County Fair Aug. 27-Sept. 1.

Ocean Mist Farms will help celebrate the fair by sending Arti the Artichoke to the fair on Friday, Aug. 29 to meet fans from 3-6 p.m. Interested visitors can visit Arti's Facebook for more details about his appearances.