Hurricane season is just about over — key words being “just about.”

The eastern coast of Florida may be in a strengthening storm’s path, which is the last thing growers in the area want to hear as heavy rains are nearly assured whether or not the storm hits directly.

In other tropical news, the U.S. is suspending Haitian mango imports to protect government employees from possible endangerment. “Mercifully, this won't have the same impact as last year's Mexican avocado situation; Haitian mangoes only account for less than 3 percent of mango production, and buyers have until January to find

In talking with California orange growers, the transition from Valencias to Navels has already begun — as well as plenty of good-quality imported clementines. There is still a light supply of imported Navel oranges arriving in Philadelphia ports.

California Navel Oranges: The crop is forecast at 15 percent higher than last season, but there is a bit of sunburned fruit that will be eliminated from the pack. Lack of rain and a limited access to groundwater has resulted in the smallest sized fruit in the last 20 years. Expect to see deals on 113s and 138s in three- and four-pound bags. There

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Igo Fresh Produce LLC

Wakefern Food Corp. is now accepting the Electronic Benefits Transfer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment method for orders placed via Instacart from its ShopRite, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage and The Fresh Grocer locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland. The cooperative’s online shopping service, available directly on the banner brands’ websites, also accepts EBT SNAP payments.

Shoppers must enter their EBT card as the form of payment on their Instacart account and select items from the list of EBT SNAP-eligible products as part of

Tozer, an innovator in the vegetable-breeding industry, pioneered the development of parsnip varieties with the release of Gladiator. Since the development of this innovative variety, Tozer has continued to utilize the company's extensive knowledge of genetics and horticulture to introduce exceptional new varieties, such as Sabre, to meet market demands.

"After meticulous trials, we are proud to introduce Sabre, a new hybrid parsnip variety, which is now commercially available," said Anthony Stevenson, area sales representative for Tozer. "Sabre has a white smooth skin finish, which is

“To spend more or to spend less.” Those are the thoughts of consumers ahead of the big upcoming holiday season.

As of the end of September the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that food costs are up 11 percent, energy 20 percent, electric 15 percent and gasoline 33 percent for the month ended in September… and the beat goes on.

A recent study determined that 71 percent of consumers are adjusting their holiday dinner shopping because of higher food prices and 28 percent are looking for deals.

What does it all mean?

It means we have to embrace the unknown of this year’s holiday