Posts Tagged “feature”
Markon First Crop (MFC) Red and Yellow Potatoes are available in Idaho and North Dakota. Red potatoes are in good supply with larger sizes dominating packouts. Yellow potatoes are limited in multiple regions due to higher demand and lower yields. Increasing prices are expected over the next six to eight weeks, especially for yellow potatoes, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Idaho, North Dakota, Colorado, Washington
- MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available
- Reds: Quality is very good, B size prices are rising
- Yellows: Yields are lower as growers are culling stocks with pressure bruising, air checks, greening and lenticles, and Markets are climbing for all sizes and grades
North Dakota
- MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available
- Reds: Quality is good; skins are dark, Prices are holding steady with a slight market increase in B size supplies
- Yellows: Quality is good, Strong demand is pushing up prices
Colorado and Washington
- Supplies are adequate in both regions but demand is shifting from East Coast
- Reds: Quality is good with light pink skin and occasional blemishes, Increasing demand is affect markets
- Yellows: Quality is good, Prices are inching up
Florida
- Availability across all colors and sizes is tight as growers navigate the impacts of the January freeze
- Reds and Yellows: Quality is very good, Expect elevated markets for all sizes, colors, and grades through April
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
By Michael Riser ALC Boise
In June 2024, a five-year-old child, Dalilah Coleman, was injured in a traffic collision involving a semi-truck in Adelanto, California. The driver of the truck was reported to be an undocumented immigrant. During the annual State of the Union Address on February 24, 2026, President Trump referenced the incident and called on Congress to consider legislation referred to as the “Dalilah Law.” The proposed policy would seek to prevent U.S. states from issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to individuals without lawful immigration status.
Following the address, Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate reflecting the proposal. According to industry reporting, if the bill were passed by Congress and signed by the president, it would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Key provisions described in coverage of the proposal include:
- Prohibiting states from issuing CDLs to undocumented immigrants or individuals with certain temporary or non-qualifying immigration statuses.
- Requiring states to revoke existing CDLs held by individuals who do not meet the new eligibility criteria.
- Implementing English-only requirements for CDL knowledge and skills testing.
- Mandating that all current CDL holders complete a recertification process within 180 days.
The U.S. trucking industry relies heavily on a vast network of commercial drivers to maintain freight movement across supply chains. Out of a total workforce of approximately 3.5-3.8 million CDL holders, FreightWaves estimates indicate that foreign-born drivers now comprise roughly 18-19% of the workforce, or approximately 630,000-720,000 individuals. This demographic shift is significant when viewed over time. According to Logistics Management, foreign-born drivers numbered just 316,000 in 2000. Despite that figure having doubled over the last two decades, the sector faces a structural driver shortage estimated at 80,000-100,000. To keep pace with demand, the industry is projected to require up to 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade, according to the same source.
The downstream effects could include increased costs as capacity tightens and pricing pressures rise. At the same time, trucking companies that remain unaffected by the proposed legislation may find themselves in a favorable position. With fewer competitors operating under the new constraints, demand for their services is likely to grow, giving them greater leverage to negotiate higher rates. This dynamic could ultimately shift bargaining power within the market, amplifying cost disparities across the supply chain.
If enacted, the proposed legislation could affect the supply of eligible commercial drivers in the U.S. truckload market, and changes to licensing eligibility and recertification requirements could result in some drivers being removed from the workforce. Ultimately, the scope of the impact from the proposed “Dalilah Law” would depend on several factors, including the final legislative language, implementation timelines, regulatory enforcement, and how our industry adapts over time.
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Michael Riser graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2012. He has built his career in sales, working across both the logistics and packaging industries. Throughout his career, he has focused on strategic business development, supply chain solutions, and expanding customer partnerships. In the spring of 2023, Michael joined the Allen Lund Company as a National Sales Manager, where he is based in the Boise, Idaho office.
michael.riser@allenlund.com
By Mark Campbell, ProduceIQ
A record-setting heat wave across the West has toppled long-standing March temperature highs from Yuma to Palm Springs, and now that heat is advancing east, according to the article published by the Blue Book.
Forecasts show much of the Southeast running 15–30 degrees above average the week ending March 23.
That surge in temperatures is fast-tracking the close of the Yuma season, raising the stakes for a smooth handoff to California production. If West Coast growers aren’t ready to take the baton, markets could face a brief but impactful supply gap just as production begins a seasonal decline.
Tomato markets are “channeling” the spirit of March Madness. After all varieties posted notable declines last week, prices for round, plum, and grape tomatoes are climbing once again.
Extremely light supply from Florida and Mexico, paired with the +17 percent duty on Mexican tomatoes, is fueling renewed volatility. With supply constrained and demand steady, instability is expected to persist through April.
The same heat driving production shifts in the West is also tightening supply in other categories. Asparagus prices jumped +22 percent week-over-week as heat-stressed supply struggles to keep pace with Easter demand. Week #12 prices are now well above average, ranking as the second-highest in the past decade. Relief remains limited: ongoing heat in the West and delayed shipments from Peru are expected to keep upward pressure on the market through the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, warmer temperatures are beginning to reshape demand patterns. Warmer weather is stirring demand for watermelon, pushing prices up +9 percent from the previous week. Week #12 pricing is now at the second-highest level in the past 10 years. With Florida production still weeks away, the market is leaning heavily on dwindling Mexican supply. Prices are likely to climb further over the next 3–5 weeks until domestic harvests arrive to meet seasonal demand.
Even tropical items are feeling the squeeze as supply struggles to keep pace with warm-weather demand. Pineapple prices continue to hold firm at elevated levels in week #12. Tight import supply, driven by adverse weather, is trailing just behind strong Easter demand. With supply expected to remain limited, prices are forecast to edge higher in the coming weeks.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Extreme heat continues to cause concern for the remaining acreage of row crop vegetables in the Arizona/California desert growing region, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Markon inspectors have observed the effects of the heat in fresh samples and shelf-life retains during recent product cuttings, particularly in value-added romaine items.
With the sustained heat and a limited supply remaining, the quality and shelf-life of commodity and value-added items from the desert region will be challenged until production moves back to the Salinas Valley.
Despite mitigation steps by growers, harvesters, and processing crews, it will not be possible to completely avoid the issues brought on by the extreme conditions. Ordering for quick turns is recommended, and, as always, cold chain management throughout the supply chain will be critical to maximizing quality and shelf-life.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The world is facing a persistent health crisis. Chronic non-communicable diseases – such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer – are the leading causes of death and disability globally.
“Fruits, Vegetables, and Human Health: Key Nutrients and Their Role in Chronic Diseases” written by The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s Chief Medical Officer, Jelena Gligorijevic, MD, is a critical, evidence-based framework for how to begin tackling these problems. The solution is simple and one almost all of us already know: fruits and vegetables.
“This review strengthens the clinical and public health case for produce by confirming that a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone strategy for both preventing and managing chronic noncommunicable diseases.” said Lauren M. Scott, President of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “It moves far beyond ‘eat your veggies because they’re good for you’ and provides a robust scientific rationale for why fruits and vegetables are an essential part of dietary approaches and healthful lives all over the world.”
Heart disease is the leading cause of death. About one in three adult Americans has one or more types of cardiovascular diseases, and one in every three deaths is attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the European Union, prompting the E.U. to launch a new Cardiovascular Disease Action Plan. The plan underscores prevention, nutrition, and early intervention as critical levers for reducing non communicable diseases.
This medical review reinforces the evidence that increased fruit and vegetable consumption plays a vital role in preventing and managing major cardiovascular risk factors both in the U.S., the E.U. and globally.
In addition to examining the effects of fruits and vegetables on heart disease, the review systematically explains how nutrients in fruits and vegetables directly combat the root causes of other major chronic illnesses, such as:
• Vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals reduce the inflammation that underlie many chronic diseases.
• High potassium and low sodium help manage hypertension.
• Low energy density and high fiber promote satiety and combat obesity.
• Fiber and phytochemicals exert a protective effect against diabetes, cancer, and digestive disorders.
• Anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and essential nutrients enhance neurotransmitter function, lower inflammation, and foster a healthy gut, all of which may contribute to better mood regulation and stress resilience.
“The review is more than an academic summary; it is a call to action for the global medical, governmental, and public health communities,” said Gligorijevic. “Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is not just a lifestyle suggestion. It is an essential, powerful, and accessible strategy to improve quality of life and combat the global rise of chronic disease.”
Why it Matters for Global Health
The Foundation urges health professionals and public servants to familiarize themselves with this review. While the produce industry supplies the fruits and vegetables we need, clinicians, dietitians, policymakers, and government agencies must champion their consumption.
The findings are clear: fruits and vegetables provide the essential vitamins, minerals, bioactive phytochemicals, and fiber we need to prevent and treat major common diseases. By focusing on these benefits, the medical community can empower patients, people of all ages and policymakers to shape food environments and public education that move us beyond treatment to a sustainable model of prevention.
For more research and information on resources that support consumption of fruits and vegetables, visit www.fruitsandveggies.org.
About The Foundation for Fresh Produce
The Foundation for Fresh Produce is growing a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. We believe fruits and vegetables are the answer and we must remove barriers that prevent people from eating them.
The Foundation boosts the appeal of fruits and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, improves access, nurtures passionate fruit and vegetable professionals, and scales partner programs that strengthen our collective global impact. To join in changing the trajectory of human health, visit www.freshproduce.com/foundation to learn more and donate. For consumer inspiration and professional nutrition education, go to www.fruitsandveggies.org.
Elevated temperatures are forcing an end to the seasons in Texas and Florida. California volume is rising in Santa Maria and Oxnard; quality is excellent, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria/Oxnard, California
- Current weather is ideal for strawberries
- Volume continues to increase weekly
- Quality is excellent; good shape, color, and flavor are being reported
- Size ranges from medium plus to large (10-14 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell)
- Expect pricing to remain low
Salinas/Watsonville
- Warmer weather in these growing regions has increased yields
- Quality is excellent; defects are minimal
- Size ranges from 14 to 15 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Expect minimal numbers for another two weeks
- Markets are stable
Florida
- Temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s have ended the Florida season for most suppliers
- Fruit has been softened and bruised by heat
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Unseasonably hot weather is forecast for California’s San Joaquin Valley over the next week. March temperatures typically range from a high of 68 degrees to a low of 45 degrees, but this week, highs are forecast in the 90s. This has the potential to create quality defects in current and upcoming crops grown in that region.
Citrus
- Quality will remain strong
- Expect to see more pliability in Navel oranges, but supplies will not break down or decay any quicker than normal
- New crop Valencia oranges expected to start shipping in late April; expect to see an increase in regreening if the weather continues its warm trend
- Lemons are less susceptible to hot weather due to their thicker rinds
Grapes/Stone Fruit
- Growers have no long-term concerns for the upcoming summer crops
- Grapes and stone fruit are more susceptible to hail and rain damage
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The onion market is now entering its seasonal transition as Northwest storage supplies
begin winding down and fresh-run onions start moving out of Mexico and South Texas, according to Pro*Act, of Monterey, CA.
The distributor/broker notes markets are currently soft on yellow and red onions as new crop volume competes with remaining Northwest inventories. White onions remain the exception, where supplies
are tighter and pricing is beginning to firm.
In the Pacific Northwest, Washington, Idaho, and Eastern Oregon continue shipping
storage onions, though the season is clearly entering its later stages. Jumbo and
medium sizes remain available while super colossal sizes are more limited. As we move
deeper into the storage window, buyers may begin to see more translucency or watery
scales in some lots. This is a normal late-season condition and often improves with
proper airflow as the outer rings dry.
One of the biggest shifts this time of year is the transition from cured storage onions to
fresh-run onions.
Northwest storage onions have been cured for months, developing the familiar golden,
papery husk and lower pulp temperatures that allow them to store and ship
exceptionally well.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The world is facing a persistent health crisis. Chronic non-communicable diseases – such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer – are the leading causes of death and disability globally. “Fruits, Vegetables, and Human Health: Key Nutrients and Their Role in Chronic Diseases” written by The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s Chief Medical Officer, Jelena Gligorijevic, MD, is a critical, evidence-based framework for how to begin tackling these problems. The solution is simple and one almost all of us already know: fruits and vegetables.
“This review strengthens the clinical and public health case for produce by confirming that a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone strategy for both preventing and managing chronic noncommunicable diseases.” said Lauren M. Scott, President of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “It moves far beyond ‘eat your veggies because they’re good for you’ and provides a robust scientific rationale for why fruits and vegetables are an essential part of dietary approaches and healthful lives all over the world.”
In the U.S., February is American Heart Month, making the release of this new review especially timely as heart disease is the leading cause of death. About one in three adult Americans has one or more types of cardiovascular diseases, and one in every three deaths is attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the European Union, prompting the E.U. to launch a new Cardiovascular Disease Action Plan. The plan underscores prevention, nutrition, and early intervention as critical levers for reducing non‑communicable diseases.
This medical review reinforces the evidence that increased fruit and vegetable consumption plays a vital role in preventing and managing major cardiovascular risk factors both in the U.S., the E.U. and globally.
In addition to examining the effects of fruits and vegetables on heart disease, the review systematically explains how nutrients in fruits and vegetables directly combat the root causes of other major chronic illnesses, such as:
- Vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals reduce the inflammation that underlie many chronic diseases.
- High potassium and low sodium help manage hypertension.
- Low energy density and high fiber promote satiety and combat obesity.
- Fiber and phytochemicals exert a protective effect against diabetes, cancer, and digestive disorders.
- Anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and essential nutrients enhance neurotransmitter function, lower inflammation, and foster a healthy gut, all of which may contribute to better mood regulation and stress resilience.
“The review is more than an academic summary; it is a call to action for the global medical, governmental, and public health communities,” said Dr Jelena Gligorijevic, MD, Chief Medical Officer, The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is not just a lifestyle suggestion. It is an essential, powerful, and accessible strategy to improve quality of life and combat the global rise of chronic disease.”
Why it Matters for Global Health
The Foundation urges health professionals and public servants to familiarize themselves with this review. While the produce industry supplies the fruits and vegetables we need, clinicians, dietitians, policymakers, and government agencies must champion their consumption.
The findings are clear: fruits and vegetables provide the essential vitamins, minerals, bioactive phytochemicals, and fiber we need to prevent and treat major common diseases. By focusing on these benefits, the medical community can empower patients, people of all ages and policymakers to shape food environments and public education that move us beyond treatment to a sustainable model of prevention.
For more research and information on resources that support consumption of fruits and vegetables, visit www.fruitsandveggies.org.
About The Foundation for Fresh Produce
The Foundation for Fresh Produce is growing a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. We believe fruits and vegetables are the answer and we must remove barriers that prevent people from eating them.
The Foundation boosts the appeal of fruits and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, improves access, nurtures passionate fruit and vegetable professionals, and scales partner programs that strengthen our collective global impact. To join in changing the trajectory of human health, visit www.freshproduce.com/foundation to learn more and donate. For consumer inspiration and professional nutrition education, go to www.fruitsandveggies.org.
Primland, a French marketer and grower projects the company’s Chilean kiwifruit will have a 20 percent yield increase for its green variety, which accounts for approximately 90 percent of the total volume, due primarily to favorable weather and orchard management.
Additionally, the water availability in Chile is contributing to excellent fruit quality this year.
The South American country remains one of the world’s key kiwifruit exporters, supplying the United States, Europe, and Asia when Northern Hemisphere production is out of season.
Alongside its traditional green varieties, Primland continues expanding its yellow-fleshed kiwi program. The Oscar® Gold variety currently accounts for about ten percent of its supply this season in Chile, but there’s room for growth due to the rise in yields, as well as new plantings.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.