7/26 discussion board threads

No, it is not all farm bill all the time. Here is a window to the world of Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group threads this morning:

At last, sweet blackberries stay the course Luis comments on the rise of the blackberry and New York Times coverage of improvements in varieties. Luis also adds perspective on strawberries:
If not already aware, some blog members who like history and the in- outs of how produce leaders and researchers make such progress possible, may want to check out Herbert Baum's (of CA Strawberry Commission) book/thesis that you can get at Amazon's.
Quest for the Perfect Strawberry: A Case Study of the California Strawberry Commission and the Strawberry Industry: a Descriptive Model for Marketing Order Evaluation

Should United and the PMA merge? Some thoughts from discussion board members on the pros and cons.

Big Apple post numerous newsy links this a.m., including:

Leafy green audits begin in California

China hasn't kept promise to give report on manufacturers of recalled goods

Officials design agriculture emergency plans for central valley

USDA announces availability of four pest risk analyses for the importation of fruits and vegetables from Africa