Recent research has indicated that self-esteem is linked to consumer's likeliness to buy blemished or otherwise less-than perfect fruits and vegetables. In a study published by Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, buying "unattractive" produce was shown to negatively affect shoppers' self-image, which therefore makes them less willing to purchase it as opposed to more attractive - albeit equally safe - produce.

The USDA has announced plans to discontinue the use of an insensitive term as a size grade.  

It's back-to-school season in the Northern hemisphere, and also a popular time for growers to start taking on student interns.

The United States's oldest berry breeding program has announced the release of two new varieties: a strawberry and a raspberry named "Dickens" and "Crimson Treasure", respectively.  Available for planting in spring 2019, these berries are claimed by their breeder at Cornell University to grow large with vibrant colours that maintain "peak flavor far longer than most heritage varieties".