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Approximately 70 percent of California’s cantaloupe crop is produced in the San Joaquin Valley, where harvest began June 29, which is right on schedule, notes Garrett Patricio, President of Classic Fruit Company of Fresno, CA and chairman of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, who stressed shippers are expecting promotable volume to be available by early July.
“The good news is that we expect strong cantaloupe volume beginning in early July and continuing throughout the remainder of the summer,” Patricio said. “Consumers and retailers can look forward to a steady supply of high-quality California cantaloupes once the San Joaquin Valley season gets underway.”
About 75 percent of all cantaloupes consumed in the United States are grown in California. As the San Joaquin Valley harvest gets underway, the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board is launching an expanded consumer marketing campaign designed to drive demand throughout the summer season.
In the meantime, unusual weather patterns severely impacted melon production in California’s Imperial Valley and the Yuma, Arizona growing region. Growers had extremely limited supplies of all melon varieties, including cantaloupe, during the last half of June.
The 250th anniversary, also called the Semiquincentennial, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, honor contributions of Americans past and present, and envision the future for the next generations.
Similar to a year ago, supplies of North Carolina sweet potato are tight in the final months of the 2025-26 shipping season.
Triple J Produce of Sims, NC reports volume close to that of last year.
Tight supply has also impacted exporting plans for sweet potatoes from the state, due to less volume and the need to supply domestic customers.
The lower supply traces back to sizing during the growing season. Cooler temperatures set in during October combined with a lack of rain resulting in the remaining part of the crop that hadn’t been harvested yet not sizing up. That part of the crop is shipping now.
Georgia sweet corn shipments started last month and peak volume should continue through mid July.
Shipments are expected to last through the end of the month.
Grower/shipper Rogue River Farms of Clewiston, FL has added acreage in Georgia so it would be able to go further into July with sweet corn supply from the region. That will allow it to have Georgia sweet corn throughout July and until production transitions to the local deals across the country.
As for the rest of the summer season, Rouge River Farms has production ahead in two other regions–Virginia and Ontario, Canada. The Canadian production is on schedule to start at the end of July/early part of August, while early assessments of the crop are positive. The plantings are strong right now. The company is hoping for more heat units in Canada to help keep the crop moving. The Virginia crop is looking very similar.
Oceanside, CA — Oppy and its grower partner Oceanside Pole are preparing for a well-paced and high-quality 2026 tomato season with strong volumes, an early start and continued demand for premium, vine-ripened tomatoes.
The 2026 crop is expected to deliver approximately 2.1 million cases of rounds and 750,000 cases of Romas, with harvest beginning in late June and volumes building steadily through July into peak production in August, September and early October. An earlier start this season is expected to help spread volume more evenly, creating greater flexibility week to week.
Grown in Oceanside, Southern California, Oceanside Pole tomatoes come from a multigenerational operation led by the Singh family, who have been farming in the region since 1939. As the only pole-grown tomato farm west of the Mississippi producing at commercial scale and the last remaining vine-ripe tomato grower in Southern California, the program offers a unique combination of heritage, scale and consistency.
Oceanside Pole tomatoes are vine-ripened and never gassed, harvested only when ready to ensure strong flavor and Brix. Packed once, they maintain quality and shelf life from field to customer. With an upgraded packing line and the ability to ship within 24 hours in many cases, the program supports retail, foodservice and wholesale customers across North America and export markets.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
Berries, especially blueberries and strawberries, are widely regarded as a healthy food choice, not only for their nutritional value, but also for their potential brain health benefits. Neurologists point to their antioxidant content as one reason to include them regularly in the diet, whether fresh or frozen.
“I try to eat blueberries every week,” said David B. Babitt, neurologist at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences Neurology – Texas Medical Center and assistant professor in neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “They seem to have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants and neuroprotective compounds of any fruit, perhaps rivaled only by pomegranates, açaí berries, or cranberries. And blueberries are delicious.”
Much of the attention surrounding berries comes from their polyphenols, antioxidants also found in other deeply coloured fruits and vegetables. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both linked to aging and chronic disease.
“Polyphenols are beneficial for cardiovascular health, supporting the heart and arteries that keep blood flowing to the brain,” Babitt said.
Blueberries and strawberries are also valued for being low in calories and high in fibre, helping people feel fuller for longer. They may also help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Research has linked regular consumption of strawberries and blueberries with better performance on memory and thinking tests in older adults, as well as slower cognitive decline over time. While berries are not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they can form part of a brain-healthy diet.
Babitt stressed that no single food can protect brain health on its own. “Blueberries are one piece of a healthy diet,” he said. “Eating blueberries in isolation is not going to prevent Alzheimer’s or other dementias.”
He noted that overall health also depends on managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep habits, while staying physically active and socially engaged.
Blueberries and strawberries can easily be added to oatmeal, yoghurt, smoothies, salads, or eaten on their own. Babitt aims to eat them at least once a week, although daily consumption is even better.
Frozen berries can also be a practical option. “Frozen fruits are generally known to have the same nutritional content as fresh,” Babitt said. “They’re great for longer storage, usually cheaper, and easy to use in smoothies or shakes.”
One downside is that blueberries can develop mold quickly. Babitt recommends checking containers carefully before buying, rinsing berries with baking soda or vinegar, and storing them in the refrigerator’s low-humidity fruit drawer.
Blue Diamond Growers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) expect the 2026 California almond crop to remain close to recent seasons, although growers continue to face pressure from rising input costs, water restrictions, and weather-related challenges.
Blue Diamond Growers of Sacramento, CA estimates the 2026 crop could range between 2.675 billion and 2.72 billion pounds, with current conditions pointing to approximately 2.69 billion pounds. Separately, NASS forecast the California almond crop at 2.7 billion pounds, down 1 per cent from the previous year, with projected yields unchanged at 1,940 pounds per acre.
The estimates are based on grower surveys, orchard comparisons, field observations, acreage data, and regional yield analysis. Blue Diamond said its in-field assessments covered more than 19,300 kilometres of orchard observations across California.
According to Land IQ, California’s standing almond acreage for 2026 is estimated at 565,753 hectares, with bearing acreage at 560,812 hectares after accounting for projected removals. This marks the first decline in bearing acreage since 1995.
Blue Diamond noted that grower economics continue to affect orchard management. Returns remained below US$2 per pound in four of the past five years, often below production costs. As a result, some growers reduced spending on pest management and nutrition programs, while others abandoned orchards.
The cooperative also reported higher fuel, fertiliser, and groundwater pumping costs for the 2026 season, linked partly to conflict in the Middle East. Fertiliser costs are estimated to be up 30 per cent from last year.
Water availability also remains a factor. According to the report, Fresno, Kern, and Madera counties account for 44 per cent of projected orchard removals for the 2025/26 season. State and federal water allocations currently stand at 30 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.
Bloom conditions also affected crop development. Blue Diamond said low chilling hours, elevated bloom temperatures, reduced bee activity, and rapid flower development limited pollination in some orchards. March temperatures may also affect kernel size, while crop development is estimated to be running around two weeks ahead of normal.
Regional differences remain across California’s production areas. Storms during bloom affected pollination in parts of the Sacramento Valley, while the Southern San Joaquin Valley continues to face variable orchard conditions linked to groundwater restrictions and uneven surface-water access.
“According to the polled growers, the industry is expecting a modestly smaller crop in 2026 compared to last year. This is an early estimate, and we will see how the crop progresses over the coming months,” said Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner.
A strong supply of romaine hearts is coming out of New Jersey this season, reports Consalo Family Farms of Egg Harbor, NJ.
Quality is described as excellent with nice size, color, and uniformity.
Quality is reported on par with last year, with the biggest difference being acreage has more than doubled this season.
This is Consalo’s first full season getting into romaine hearts as a value-added item, which is packed in 3-count bags and field-rinsed and packed right on the farm.
The harvest got underway about a week later than normal due to a cooler spring, although overal growing conditions have been favorable.
Steady loadings are expected through to early fall.
While the company has always grown romaine, this is the first year it has pushed heavily into hearts as a packaged item. On top of that, it also continues to expand across its vegetable program, which includes leafy greens, herbs, and bunched items. It’s also seeing a broader increase in organic acreage.
Orchard View Farms of Dalles, OR is in peak shipping mode with cherries as we head towards the nation’s 250-year celebration on the Fourth of July, according to Oppy, which handles marketing for the grower.
The fourth generation Oregon company anticipates handling approximately 1.2 million boxes of premium cherries during the season, which is expected to conclude by the end of July.
Oppy, of Vancouver, BC has handled marketing for the past 15 years.
America’s Independence Day is the company’s biggest sales event for cherries.
Oppy notes freight rates have risen, and factors such as currency exchange and tariffs are creating a more complex balance between domestic and export programs. Despite these headwinds, the quality and reputation of Pacific Northwest cherries continue to keep global demand high, the company reports.
The Mexican lychee season started in mid May southern Mexico, with the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz and San Luis Potosi.
Importer Freshway Produce of Miami, FL reports the crop is looking very good. The season in this part of Mexico runs until mid-June, before it moves up north to Sinaloa where lychees are typically harvested between mid-June and mid-July. The entire season only lasts eight weeks at most.
Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. market is a huge advantage. Within 72 hours of harvest, lychees cross the border in McAllen, TX, Freshway notes. Harvesting, packing, shipping, and delivery in McAllen all happens within two days. From there, lychees are distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada.
While the outlook for the season is favorable, lychees are a very sensitive fruit. Warm and sunny weather causes the fruit to ripen at a high pace, and harvesters won’t be able to keep up. Hot weather is the biggest enemy of lychees as they are susceptible to sun damage. So if these pitfalls are avoided, the company sees a very nice season.
Approximately 70 percent of California’s cantaloupe crop is produced in the San Joaquin Valley, where harvest began June 29, which is right on schedule, notes Garrett Patricio, President of Classic Fruit Company of Fresno, CA and chairman of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, who stressed shippers are expecting promotable volume to be available by early July.
“The good news is that we expect strong cantaloupe volume beginning in early July and continuing throughout the remainder of the summer,” Patricio said. “Consumers and retailers can look forward to a steady supply of high-quality California cantaloupes once the San Joaquin Valley season gets underway.”
About 75 percent of all cantaloupes consumed in the United States are grown in California. As the San Joaquin Valley harvest gets underway, the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board is launching an expanded consumer marketing campaign designed to drive demand throughout the summer season.
In the meantime, unusual weather patterns severely impacted melon production in California’s Imperial Valley and the Yuma, Arizona growing region. Growers had extremely limited supplies of all melon varieties, including cantaloupe, during the last half of June.
The 250th anniversary, also called the Semiquincentennial, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, honor contributions of Americans past and present, and envision the future for the next generations.
Similar to a year ago, supplies of North Carolina sweet potato are tight in the final months of the 2025-26 shipping season.
Triple J Produce of Sims, NC reports volume close to that of last year.
Tight supply has also impacted exporting plans for sweet potatoes from the state, due to less volume and the need to supply domestic customers.
The lower supply traces back to sizing during the growing season. Cooler temperatures set in during October combined with a lack of rain resulting in the remaining part of the crop that hadn’t been harvested yet not sizing up. That part of the crop is shipping now.
Georgia sweet corn shipments started last month and peak volume should continue through mid July.
Shipments are expected to last through the end of the month.
Grower/shipper Rogue River Farms of Clewiston, FL has added acreage in Georgia so it would be able to go further into July with sweet corn supply from the region. That will allow it to have Georgia sweet corn throughout July and until production transitions to the local deals across the country.
As for the rest of the summer season, Rouge River Farms has production ahead in two other regions–Virginia and Ontario, Canada. The Canadian production is on schedule to start at the end of July/early part of August, while early assessments of the crop are positive. The plantings are strong right now. The company is hoping for more heat units in Canada to help keep the crop moving. The Virginia crop is looking very similar.
Oceanside, CA — Oppy and its grower partner Oceanside Pole are preparing for a well-paced and high-quality 2026 tomato season with strong volumes, an early start and continued demand for premium, vine-ripened tomatoes.
The 2026 crop is expected to deliver approximately 2.1 million cases of rounds and 750,000 cases of Romas, with harvest beginning in late June and volumes building steadily through July into peak production in August, September and early October. An earlier start this season is expected to help spread volume more evenly, creating greater flexibility week to week.
Grown in Oceanside, Southern California, Oceanside Pole tomatoes come from a multigenerational operation led by the Singh family, who have been farming in the region since 1939. As the only pole-grown tomato farm west of the Mississippi producing at commercial scale and the last remaining vine-ripe tomato grower in Southern California, the program offers a unique combination of heritage, scale and consistency.
Oceanside Pole tomatoes are vine-ripened and never gassed, harvested only when ready to ensure strong flavor and Brix. Packed once, they maintain quality and shelf life from field to customer. With an upgraded packing line and the ability to ship within 24 hours in many cases, the program supports retail, foodservice and wholesale customers across North America and export markets.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
Berries, especially blueberries and strawberries, are widely regarded as a healthy food choice, not only for their nutritional value, but also for their potential brain health benefits. Neurologists point to their antioxidant content as one reason to include them regularly in the diet, whether fresh or frozen.
“I try to eat blueberries every week,” said David B. Babitt, neurologist at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences Neurology – Texas Medical Center and assistant professor in neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “They seem to have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants and neuroprotective compounds of any fruit, perhaps rivaled only by pomegranates, açaí berries, or cranberries. And blueberries are delicious.”
Much of the attention surrounding berries comes from their polyphenols, antioxidants also found in other deeply coloured fruits and vegetables. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both linked to aging and chronic disease.
“Polyphenols are beneficial for cardiovascular health, supporting the heart and arteries that keep blood flowing to the brain,” Babitt said.
Blueberries and strawberries are also valued for being low in calories and high in fibre, helping people feel fuller for longer. They may also help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Research has linked regular consumption of strawberries and blueberries with better performance on memory and thinking tests in older adults, as well as slower cognitive decline over time. While berries are not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they can form part of a brain-healthy diet.
Babitt stressed that no single food can protect brain health on its own. “Blueberries are one piece of a healthy diet,” he said. “Eating blueberries in isolation is not going to prevent Alzheimer’s or other dementias.”
He noted that overall health also depends on managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep habits, while staying physically active and socially engaged.
Blueberries and strawberries can easily be added to oatmeal, yoghurt, smoothies, salads, or eaten on their own. Babitt aims to eat them at least once a week, although daily consumption is even better.
Frozen berries can also be a practical option. “Frozen fruits are generally known to have the same nutritional content as fresh,” Babitt said. “They’re great for longer storage, usually cheaper, and easy to use in smoothies or shakes.”
One downside is that blueberries can develop mold quickly. Babitt recommends checking containers carefully before buying, rinsing berries with baking soda or vinegar, and storing them in the refrigerator’s low-humidity fruit drawer.
Blue Diamond Growers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) expect the 2026 California almond crop to remain close to recent seasons, although growers continue to face pressure from rising input costs, water restrictions, and weather-related challenges.
Blue Diamond Growers of Sacramento, CA estimates the 2026 crop could range between 2.675 billion and 2.72 billion pounds, with current conditions pointing to approximately 2.69 billion pounds. Separately, NASS forecast the California almond crop at 2.7 billion pounds, down 1 per cent from the previous year, with projected yields unchanged at 1,940 pounds per acre.
The estimates are based on grower surveys, orchard comparisons, field observations, acreage data, and regional yield analysis. Blue Diamond said its in-field assessments covered more than 19,300 kilometres of orchard observations across California.
According to Land IQ, California’s standing almond acreage for 2026 is estimated at 565,753 hectares, with bearing acreage at 560,812 hectares after accounting for projected removals. This marks the first decline in bearing acreage since 1995.
Blue Diamond noted that grower economics continue to affect orchard management. Returns remained below US$2 per pound in four of the past five years, often below production costs. As a result, some growers reduced spending on pest management and nutrition programs, while others abandoned orchards.
The cooperative also reported higher fuel, fertiliser, and groundwater pumping costs for the 2026 season, linked partly to conflict in the Middle East. Fertiliser costs are estimated to be up 30 per cent from last year.
Water availability also remains a factor. According to the report, Fresno, Kern, and Madera counties account for 44 per cent of projected orchard removals for the 2025/26 season. State and federal water allocations currently stand at 30 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.
Bloom conditions also affected crop development. Blue Diamond said low chilling hours, elevated bloom temperatures, reduced bee activity, and rapid flower development limited pollination in some orchards. March temperatures may also affect kernel size, while crop development is estimated to be running around two weeks ahead of normal.
Regional differences remain across California’s production areas. Storms during bloom affected pollination in parts of the Sacramento Valley, while the Southern San Joaquin Valley continues to face variable orchard conditions linked to groundwater restrictions and uneven surface-water access.
“According to the polled growers, the industry is expecting a modestly smaller crop in 2026 compared to last year. This is an early estimate, and we will see how the crop progresses over the coming months,” said Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner.
A strong supply of romaine hearts is coming out of New Jersey this season, reports Consalo Family Farms of Egg Harbor, NJ.
Quality is described as excellent with nice size, color, and uniformity.
Quality is reported on par with last year, with the biggest difference being acreage has more than doubled this season.
This is Consalo’s first full season getting into romaine hearts as a value-added item, which is packed in 3-count bags and field-rinsed and packed right on the farm.
The harvest got underway about a week later than normal due to a cooler spring, although overal growing conditions have been favorable.
Steady loadings are expected through to early fall.
While the company has always grown romaine, this is the first year it has pushed heavily into hearts as a packaged item. On top of that, it also continues to expand across its vegetable program, which includes leafy greens, herbs, and bunched items. It’s also seeing a broader increase in organic acreage.
Orchard View Farms of Dalles, OR is in peak shipping mode with cherries as we head towards the nation’s 250-year celebration on the Fourth of July, according to Oppy, which handles marketing for the grower.
The fourth generation Oregon company anticipates handling approximately 1.2 million boxes of premium cherries during the season, which is expected to conclude by the end of July.
Oppy, of Vancouver, BC has handled marketing for the past 15 years.
America’s Independence Day is the company’s biggest sales event for cherries.
Oppy notes freight rates have risen, and factors such as currency exchange and tariffs are creating a more complex balance between domestic and export programs. Despite these headwinds, the quality and reputation of Pacific Northwest cherries continue to keep global demand high, the company reports.
The Mexican lychee season started in mid May southern Mexico, with the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz and San Luis Potosi.
Importer Freshway Produce of Miami, FL reports the crop is looking very good. The season in this part of Mexico runs until mid-June, before it moves up north to Sinaloa where lychees are typically harvested between mid-June and mid-July. The entire season only lasts eight weeks at most.
Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. market is a huge advantage. Within 72 hours of harvest, lychees cross the border in McAllen, TX, Freshway notes. Harvesting, packing, shipping, and delivery in McAllen all happens within two days. From there, lychees are distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada.
While the outlook for the season is favorable, lychees are a very sensitive fruit. Warm and sunny weather causes the fruit to ripen at a high pace, and harvesters won’t be able to keep up. Hot weather is the biggest enemy of lychees as they are susceptible to sun damage. So if these pitfalls are avoided, the company sees a very nice season.