In 2023, Kyrgyzstan experienced a notable downturn in its potato exports, as revealed by recent data from the National Statistical Committee. The figures indicate a substantial decrease of 29.5%, with total export volumes amounting to 42,200 tons for the year. read more

In a notable exploration of packaging sustainability, Metsa Board and Narpes Grönsaker, a Finnish vegetable cooperative, embarked on a study to assess cherry tomato packages made of paperboard against those crafted from recycled PET plastic. This investigation delves into aspects such as
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The attacks on Moroccan fresh produce trucks in Spain and France betray a major misunderstanding between professionals from the two shores, as well as an unease that cannot be ignored and that must be remedied, declares Mostapha Mohattan, CEO of Fructimoor. read more

Irish markets continue to hold steady with upward pressure on prices reported as the availability of prepack quality material continues to tighten. Trade for the peeling market is very strong. To date it is not shaping up to be an early year as ground remains very wet in many areas. read more

"Abnormally high" temperatures in January and February have given a boost to the cauliflower production in the Spanish region of La Rioja. Specifically, cauliflower producers in Calahorra are facing an unusual season. The weather conditions have led to unexpected growth in the size and quantity
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As the last containers of Chilean cherries are still arriving by ship over the next few weeks the season is being hailed as excellent by exporters. This is despite a slower start mainly due to rain, which was partly offset by a later Chinese New Year. "The Chilean cherry export season ended very
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Fruit Logistica, a notable trade fair in the fruit and vegetable industry, took place from February 7th to 9th and Salix Fruits reflects on their participation. read more

For more than four years, ProExport Papaya has led education, training, research, advisory and supervision actions in the implementation of contamination risk reduction systems in the Mexican Papaya Industry. The members of the Association have adopted measures beyond the national and foreign
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This year's strawberry harvest has been delayed "by at least 25%," says Manuel Alfaro from El Pilonar. "The delay has, in fact, been building up since the planting phase. The nurseries took about 10-12 days longer to deliver the plants to us this year, which translates into at least a month's
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Food processing machines up for auction in Emmeloord (NL). Industrial Auctions organizes this auctions for potato, fruit, and vegetable machines such as peelers, slicers, washers, and centrifuges. There are from renowned brands like Eillert, Kronen, and FAM. Curious buyers are invited to visit
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This year, Lesage Champignons began marketing its own products under a new identity. With André Champignons, a tribute to CEO Michel Lesage's grandfather, the Belgian company wants to gain more recognition for its product. "We're proud of our product. It deserves a name, not just to be called
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In Malta, the agricultural community faced a significant challenge when the traditional intermediaries at the Pitkalija market had their licenses revoked. Despite the dire predictions, the Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation (MaYA) observed a commendable level of cooperation among farmers,
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Last Friday, the Junta de Andalucía published a decree law with a controversial article that would grant amnesty to the farmers who had unlawfully cultivated berries in forest soil next to the reserve and other crops in different areas of the region. This was a surprise and less than three
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With a brief squeeze, you know whether an avocado, peach, or tomato is ripe. This is what a soft robot hand also does, for example, during automated harvesting. However, up until now, such a gripper needed sensors in its 'fingers' to determine whether the fruit was ripe enough. Shibo Zou and Bas
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In the UK, potato aficionados are witnessing significant price hikes across all forms, including chips, mash, roasties, and crisps, following recent storms that have left agricultural fields waterlogged. The aftermath has seen the cost of certain potato varieties climb by up to 22% in just over
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In a vivid demonstration of discontent, French cherry farmers in the Ardeche region, a notable fruit-producing area, vented their frustrations over an EU-wide dimethoate ban by depositing a ton of decaying cherries at a government building in Tournon-sur-Rhone. This action underscores the grave
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EastFruit reports that Moroccan melon exporters bounced back from a dismal year in 2022 and achieved impressive export results in 2023, despite facing a severe drought and other climatic challenges. read more

The supply of melons on the West Coast looks to be steady. "There's ample supply of cantaloupes and honeydews at all the ports right now from all shippers," says Justin Bootz with Legend Produce LLC. "I'm not sensing a shortage at all. All the contracts are being covered and supply definitely
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A chef celebrating her 30th birthday created a viral sensation by making a multi-layered potato cake, embodying every potato lover's dream. Showcased on Instagramby 'Poppy O'Toole, the cake features various potato preparations layered together. The base is mashed potatoes, followed by potato
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The focus at this year's Horticulture breakout session was on the relaunch of the NFU's Horticulture Growth Strategy, and that included plenty of discussion around the Seasonal Workers Scheme, crop protection, planning and fairness in the supply chain. read more