Biosecurity New Zealand is asking the public to report any sign of the wood-boring granulate ambrosia beetle. The unwanted pest has been detected in 4 Auckland areas since 20 February. read more...

Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburbs of Devonport and Otara have been lifted after no further fruit fly have been found there. read more...

German importer Global Fruit Point GmbH has received its first Demeter certified organic Williams pears from Argentina. read more...

The Italian pear sector is struggling. Despite the relatively limited volumes available, prices remain low. The sector is experiencing quality problems in both Spain and the Netherlands. In France, consumption is lagging behind, while European pears are selling quickly on the German market. In Australia, exports have increased by no less than 75% last year. In the US, the domestic production is expected to last until June, at which time the market will switch to exports. Chinese traders are exporting somewhat less this year due to their disappointing production, but are doing well in the domestic market. read more...

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is calling the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list, released today, both “inaccurate” and “harmful” to Americans. The report, issued annually, offers consumers an extremely biased view of various fruits and vegetables to avoid based on misleading and flawed reporting by the activist group. read more...