South Africa’s main apple and pear production areas in the western region had an excellent winter season with ample rain, snow and cold units. This was followed up by very good flower and set periods between October and December 2020. These favorable conditions provides a good indicator for a strong apple and pear crop this season. 

The Western Cape experienced less wind and overall good weather conditions. Unfortunately the Eastern Cape did not experience the same. In mid-January a hail storm ripped through the Eastern Cape production area of Langkloof.

Instacart has raised $265 million as part of a new financing round led by existing investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, D1 Capital Partners, Fidelity Management & Research Co. LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. This investment comes as the adoption of online grocery has accelerated and consumer demand for Instacart's delivery and pickup services continues to grow. This announcement increases the company's valuation to $39 billion.

The National Mango Board projects the total volume of mangos shipped to the United States over the next two months to be 34 percent higher year-over-year. The 2021 Guatemalan season is expected to be about 40 percent higher year-over-year compared to 2020, which was cut short due to COVID-19.

On Wednesday, March 4, U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, H.R. 1537, which creates a workforce solution for the U.S. agriculture industry by providing stability, predictability, and fairness to one of the most critical sectors of our nation’s economy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Southern Sun LLC in Woolwich, NJ, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Target plans to invest approximately $4 billion annually during the next several years to continue scaling capabilities across its retail platform. Building on years of sales growth and a record 2020 financial performance, Target will accelerate new store openings and store remodels, enhance fulfillment services and strengthen its supply chain as it provides guests with a safe, easy and convenient shopping experience.