FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
US begins refund process for $166bn in invalidated tariffs
The United States government has launched the process to reimburse approximately $166 billion in tariffs that were ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court in February, overturning a key part of the trade measures introduced under former President Donald Trump
International Banana Congress focuses on sector challenges
More than 1,200 participants are expected to attend the event at the Yucatán International Convention Centre
Global food production at risk without stable fertiliser supply
The World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) has warned that global food production could decline by up to 15% next year if fertiliser trade is not stabilised, as ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt supply chains
Spain calls for safeguards in EU–Morocco agreement to protect producers
Spain’s Joint Committee of Congress and Senate for the European Union has approved a non-legislative motion urging the government to oppose certain modifications to the EU–Morocco Association Agreement and to introduce effective safeguard measures to protect Spanish and European producers
Farmers lead fuel protests in Ireland
Participants, angered by a diesel price increase of more than 20%, have blocked Whitegate, two ports, a refinery and several roads in Dublin
Macfrut: a global meeting point for the fruit and vegetable sector
The 43rd edition, scheduled from 21 to 23 April at the Rimini Expo Centre, is set to be the most international yet: over 800 top buyers (+20%), exhibitors from 5 continents and 5 Ministers in attendance (2 from the Dominican Republic, plus Lebanon, Syria and Italy)
ONIX™ arrives in South Africa
Pilot launch across selected Checkers supermarkets introduces award-winning, Spanish-grown ONIX™ to consumers
EU moves closer to regulating gene-edited plants under new framework
The European Union is approaching the final stages of a new regulatory framework aimed at facilitating the use of gene-edited plants, particularly those developed using CRISPR technology. A key step is expected on 21 April, when EU agriculture ministers will deliberate on the proposed legislation
Chiquita takes over Times Square with AI for National Chiquita Day
Iconic banana brand brings “Pop by Nature” to life with larger-than-life creativity, music, and a social dance moment designed to inspire global participation
FAO: Prolonged Hormuz crisis threatens global agri-food supply
Chief Economist urges anticipatory policy actions to mitigate price and supply crunch for key agrifood inputs
EU agri-food trade records €3.2bn surplus in January
Despite lower monthly trade flows, the EU agri-food sector continued to generate a solid trade surplus in January 2026, underlining its strong position in global markets. Part of the adjustment in trade values reflects lower prices for key commodities, particularly cocoa products. The EU agri-food trade surplus stood at EUR 3.2 billion in January, remaining 4% higher than in January 2025
Zespri releases first forecast for 2026/27 campaign
Zespri has released its first guidance to growers for the 2026/27 season, providing an early view of expected returns as the new season gets underway
