Signs are pointing to an increased Northwest blueberry volume in 2013 for Curry & Co., headquartered in Brooks, OR.

“We have geared up our shed for an increase over last year’s tonnage by about 15 percent,” said Director of Sales Bruce Turner. “We expect the fresh crop to be up this year, especially because of the newer plantings that are now maturing into full harvest.”

The company’s acreage has slightly increased this season with new plantings, mostly in later varieties that are harvested in late July and throughout August.

New York-based BrightFarms, which designs, finances and operates hydrophonic greenhouses at or near supermarkets, announced the hire of GRAHAM TUCKER.

In his new position at BrightFarms, he will train and oversee BrightFarms’ developing network of growers for future greenhouses, including those planned for St. Paul, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Brooklyn, NY, Kansas City, MO, Chicago and Washington, DC.

California pear growers couldn't have ordered up better conditions for the 2013 production season.

"[The 2013 crop] is progressing well," said Kyle Persky, sales manager at Scully Packing Co. LLC. "We have had no major issues affecting the crop."

David Thiessen, sales manager for David J. Elliot & Sons Co. in Courtland, CA, agreed. "Weather has been pretty much perfect for growing pears," he told The Produce News.

DNE World Fruit LLC kicked off its 2013 Australian summer citrus program with the recent arrival of the first vessel into the port of Long Beach in California.

The season will run from late June through October starting with Daisies and Navels. Daisies will peak on size 70s followed by 54s. Peak promotion period for Daisies will run early July through early August.

Australian Navels will begin arriving early July but due to intermittent rains heavier volume won't arrive until later in July.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its new Smart Snacks in School standards that seek to improve the nutritional quality of foods and beverages offered for sale to students in schools.

"Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "Parents and schools work hard to give our youngsters the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong, and providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines and snack bars will support their great efforts."

WASHINGTON—The agricultural industry wasted no time hailing the Senate for passing, by a 68-32 vote, an immigration reform bill on June 27, but the focus quickly shifts to the House and a July 10 meeting where the House Republican leadership will carve out next steps for immigration reform.