Nature Fresh Farms recently added organic bell peppers to its product offering, and the line has been so successful, the company plans to double its current five-acre production next year. Nature Fresh is also doing trials for various types of tomatoes and will eventually branch out into cucumbers, zucchini and eggplant.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Quiring said the move was in response to customer demand. “We saw the growth in the category and it wasn’t slowing down. Organic does not seem to be a passing fad. Some of the retailers we deal with were asking for it.”

“We are very well known for our popular ‘Sunset’ brand greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and eggplant,” said Daniela Ferro, communications coordinator for Mastronardi Produce Ltd, headquartered in Kingsville, ON. “And we have strategically positioned distribution facilities across North America to reduce food miles and to better service our customers.”

There's nothing black and white about conditions in Colorado where water is concerned. But Colorado State Engineer Dick Wolfe said it isn't hard to characterize the situation. "It's a tale of two extremes," he told The Produce News. "We are way above average in the northwestern part of the state. In the Southwest, it's clearly a different story."

U.S. Apple Association is encouraging individuals to photograph their favorite summer moments with an apple in hand through its “Summer Selfie” social media and PR campaign.

Roundy’s Inc., a leading grocer in the Midwest, announced the closure of its Stevens Point, WI, distribution facility. Several reports noted that Roundy's contacted the Department of Workforce Development to inform it that the 196 employees working at the facility would be laid off by Sept. 13.

The company operates 174 retail grocery stores and 110 pharmacies under the Pick ’n Save, Rainbow, Copps, Metro Market and Mariano’s retail banners in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

CHARLESTON, SC — In a game that began and ended with watermelon, the Charleston RiverDogs snapped an eight-game losing streak July 5 at Riley Park here by defeating the Rome, GA, Braves, 9-1 in South Atlantic League action. Watermelon Night, an annual event at "The Joe," featured the South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture; a representative of the 2014 South Carolina Watermelon Queen; a watermelon-eating contest for youngsters; the ubiquitous RiverDogs mascots, Charlie T. RiverDog and Chelsea; a South Carolina Ghostbusters performance; and watermelon slices for fans.