TUBAC, AZ — Santa Cruz is one of the poorest counties in Arizona. There is a 54 percent poverty rate and 28 percent unemployment, according to Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer of Ciruli Bros. LLC, located in nearby Rio Rico, AZ.

Temecula, CA — The California Avocado Commission hosted a guided avocado grove tour Saturday, May 3, to educate industry members on the growing and packing process of California avocados — from the plant to the plate.

Temecula, CA — The California Avocado Commission hosted a guided avocado grove tour Saturday, May 3, to educate industry members on the growing and packing process of California avocados — from the plant to the plate. On hand to guide the grove tour — which included trade media, food bloggers, restaurant and supermarket representatives, dietitians and nutritionists — was Jan DeLyser, vice president of marketing for CAC.

A business school professor at Arizona State University has finalized some research about price elasticity in the produce department that indicates specific commodities could see a significant retail price increase this year because of the drought.

Old Man Winter aged to be ancient this winter through much of North America. Ohio produce growers continued to feel the wrath going into mid-April.

On April 15, three large growers around Willard, OH, told very similar tales.

K&M Marketing, based in San Diego, recently hired Ana Maria Campos as a produce buyer and sales specialist.

In her new position, Campos will handle sales for the company, with a focus on potatoes and citrus.

Prior to joining K&M Marketing, Campos worked for Los Angeles-based produce market company, Rainforest, as well as Excell Produce, also based in Los Angeles, and Miami-based JC Tropical. She has been working in the produce industry for a total of 16 years.