Today’s release of the 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans comes with a critical message to “Make Every Bite Count.” That begins with the simple step to make half our plates fruits and vegetables, including a wide variety of mostly whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
December 29, 2020
An unprecedented year highlighted innovation and integrity at Rainier Fruit Co. that lead to groundbreaking and industry-setting standards. “I am extremely proud of the accomplishments we have made in 2020,” said Blake Belknap, vice president of sales. “We have continued to push the envelope and evolve as an industry leader.” Rooted in family, Rainier has always prided itself on doing what is going to benefit everyone from their farms to the consumer, the company said in a statement. This is seen in the certifications that were earned in 2020, one of the proudest being the Equitable Food Initiative certification. The EFI certification addresses over 300 standards including labor conditions, food safety, and pest management.
December 25, 2020
Hazel Technologies Inc., a USDA-funded technology company delivering new solutions for the fresh produce industry to extend shelf-life, increase sales, and fight food waste, announced a new partnership with Reedley, CA-based Kliewer Farms, a leading grower of California kiwifruit, stone fruit, and table grapes.
The partnership focuses on the use of Hazel for kiwi to ensure post-harvest quality. The technology, whose development has been funded in-part by the USDA, is a small biodegradable sachet, placed in the box during packing, which reduces the sensitivity of kiwifruit to ethylene, resulting in longer shelf life and less food waste. Hazel Tech manufactures sachets for both organic and conventional kiwi, providing growers, shippers, and retailers with compliance flexibility.