Latest News From Industry

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership
Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership

Ski-cross athlete Emeline Bennett will share food tips, highlights and more through Oppy’s social media channels.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Vidalia onion grower expands with acquisition of Generation Farms
Vidalia onion grower expands with acquisition of Generation Farms

Following Shuman Farms’ acquisition, the company now has 2,800 acres of Vidalia onions in the ground and has solidified itself as one of the largest grower-shippers in the industry, says John Shuman, president and CEO.

AWG's Innovation Showcase draws its biggest crowd yet
AWG's Innovation Showcase draws its biggest crowd yet

With about 20 produce exhibitors alone and dozens of other food exhibitors besides, the March 25-26 Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase and Annual Meeting was bigger than ever.

Skills survey reveals U.S. agriculture workforce needs and gaps
Skills survey reveals U.S. agriculture workforce needs and gaps

A new agri-food employer survey ranked the most necessary skills for all employees and identified areas with the most significant gap for both current employees and new graduate hires.

Cox Enterprises launches new greenhouse growing business
Cox Enterprises launches new greenhouse growing business

With Mucci Farms and BrightFarms in its growing portfolio, Cox Farms is one of the largest greenhouse operators in North America, harvesting 360 million pounds of produce annually, the company says.

Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers responds to new municipal regulation
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers responds to new municipal regulation

A new measure approved by a municipal council in Ontario will increase the development fees for wastewater and water on any greenhouses built in the municipality.

USDA to renew charter for Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
USDA to renew charter for Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Since it began in 2001, the advisory committee has met up to two times per year to develop recommendations for submission to the agriculture secretary on issues affecting the U.S. produce industry.

Study finds food as medicine strategy is effective
Study finds food as medicine strategy is effective

Programs that provided free, weekly home delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms helped improve health outcomes, according to a study presented at a recent American Heart Association event.

UC Davis research discovers promising new antifungal chemical
UC Davis research discovers promising new antifungal chemical

A screening of more than 2,700 FDA-approved compounds shows how ebselen can inhibit fungal infections in many different plant species.

NGA calls for congressional action after FTC report on pandemic-era supply chain
NGA calls for congressional action after FTC report on pandemic-era supply chain

A Federal Trade Commission report has prompted the National Grocers Association to respond to the report's suggestion that major grocers' practices during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted competition and consumer choice.

IFPA to bring agribusiness industry together at Mexico Conference 
IFPA to bring agribusiness industry together at Mexico Conference 

The event, set for May 22-23 in Guadalajara, is a strategic opportunity for those who do business in Mexico or who wish to do business there, with a gathering of professionals throughout the fresh produce supply chain.

CBP officers seize drugs concealed in carrot shipment
CBP officers seize drugs concealed in carrot shipment

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officers discovered 574 suspected packages of methamphetamine with an estimated street value in the millions of dollars.

NCAE expresses 'frustration and dismay' over allegations about UFW use of farmworker funds
NCAE expresses 'frustration and dismay' over allegations about UFW use of farmworker funds

The allegations relate to what the National Council of Agricultural Employers said was coercion of vulnerable workers and misuse of the USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program.

USApple board talks trade, labor with agriculture secretary
USApple board talks trade, labor with agriculture secretary

U.S. Apple Association board members discussed the importance of regaining export markets, the impact of proposed regulations for the H-2A program and more.

IFPA CEO calls for ‘competitive, level playing field’ for U.S. ag
IFPA CEO calls for ‘competitive, level playing field’ for U.S. ag

International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns joined fellow industry leaders to discuss agricultural policy and sustainability at the Agri-Pulse 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 18.

Indoor Ag-Con attendance jumps 16%
Indoor Ag-Con attendance jumps 16%

The 11th edition of the event drew controlled environment agriculture industry members from 49 U.S. states and over 30 countries.

USDA restricts PACA violators in Georgia
USDA restricts PACA violators in Georgia

The 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.

 USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Texas produce company
USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Texas produce company

The McAllen, Texas, company has met obligations outlined in the reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and is now free to operate in the produce industry, USDA said.

2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall
2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall

Organizers said 3,600 grocery professionals participated in the three-day event, the largest in the National Grocers Association's 42-year history.

Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'
Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'

Now in its fifth year, the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge supports industry peers taking the challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, while making the meaningful first steps to improve their health and lives.

The Conservation Cliff and Redirecting Climate Funds, Two of the Latest Controversies in Passing a New Farm Bill
The Conservation Cliff and Redirecting Climate Funds, Two of the Latest Controversies in Passing a New Farm Bill

Odds of a new farm bill in 2024 are declining, with Senate leadership continuing to spar over climate funding and redirecting climate funds into the commodity title of the new farm bill.

Viva Fresh poised for a hit in Houston
Viva Fresh poised for a hit in Houston

For the first time, the Texas International Produce Association will bring its dynamic Viva Fresh Expo to Houston. While the event is in a new venue with new ideas, the old favorites are also on the schedule.  

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 7
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 7

The energy and enthusiasm at Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2024 filled the Tampa Convention Center — as did a host of new products, promotions and packaging from the world of fresh produce.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 6
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 6

Check out these booth tour videos to learn more about some of the exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event.

Start date set for Vidalia onion packing
Start date set for Vidalia onion packing

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Vidalia Onion Committee have revealed April 17 as the official pack date this season.

Sun World International hails successes in intellectual property cases
Sun World International hails successes in intellectual property cases

Sun World International LLC says Italian courts ruled in favor of the company in four recent infringement lawsuits against unlicensed growers who unlawfully produced and sold Sun World grape varieties.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 5
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 5

From product introductions to relationship building, exhibitors shared their recent highlights at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure trade show.

Syngenta’s active greenhouse business to sell direct to the U.S. and Canada
Syngenta’s active greenhouse business to sell direct to the U.S. and Canada

The company says the distribution model change gives growers direct communication with Syngenta’s technical experts, as well as personalized customer service from crop planning to harvest.

Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership
Expert shares tips on unlocking the power of conscious leadership

Leadership development expert Vaishali Jadhav discussed the value that conscious leaders bring to their team and company during the Global Organic Produce Expo.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024  — Part 4
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 4

TAMPA, Fla. — Sustainability and sustainable packaging solutions were hot topics at the recent Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure event at the Tampa Convention Center, March 7-9.

Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments
Mission Produce notes improved performance across all segments

Mission Produce reported a 21% increase in revenue for its first quarter 2024 financial results, while also experiencing growth in mango and blueberry revenues.

Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference
Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference

The Consumer Connection Conference, a driver in efforts to boost fruit and vegetable consumption, will welcome leaders in produce, nutrition and lifestyle from April 29 to May 1 in Phoenix.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 3

Highlights of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure included a keynote presentation by a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, booths touting the industry's "unseen heroes" and a lot of eye-catching produce.

Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2
Seen and heard at SEPC's Southern Exposure 2024 — Part 2

TAMPA, Fla. — Flavorful and convenient snacking innovation was a key trend at the recent Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure event at the Tampa Convention Center, March 7-9.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month
Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrating National Celery Month

The company says it plans to tout the health benefits of the vegetable through a marketing campaign that includes giveaways.

How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?
How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?

Fresh produce had one of the strongest performances in 2023, said Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics during "The Power of Produce 2024” session at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference, March 8.

'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart
'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart

During SEPC's Southern Exposure event, author Kevin Brown mentioned the adage that heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and explained why that's not exactly right.

USDA cites Texas company for PACA violations
USDA cites Texas company for PACA violations

The sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Farm groups applaud scaled-back final climate disclosure ruling
Farm groups applaud scaled-back final climate disclosure ruling

The Securities and Exchange Commission has scrapped a plan to mandate tracking of greenhouse gas emissions that originate throughout supply chains, down to family farms.

Mastronardi Produce joins Sekoya blueberry platform
Mastronardi Produce joins Sekoya blueberry platform

Sekoya is an in-demand variety platform that retailers ask for by name, having earned a reputation for excellence thanks to its consistently high-quality blueberries, says the family-owned greenhouse business.

Melon suppliers form alliance for year-round distribution
Melon suppliers form alliance for year-round distribution

The Ayco Farms and Fisher collaboration is aimed at supplying a year-round assortment of melons, including cantaloupe, honeydew and various mixed melons.

New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing
New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing

Greater Rochester American Advertising Federation recognized NYAA's "The Big Flavor" campaign, and the New York Agricultural Society honored the association's communication efforts.

Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members
Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members

The class comprises 17 professionals set to gain industry insights through diverse opportunities, blending field experiences with classroom seminars on topics like food safety and leadership development.

Will Europe's Farmer Protests Make Their Way To The U.S.?
Will Europe's Farmer Protests Make Their Way To The U.S.?

Steve Cubbage says the upcoming farm bill could decide if the U.S. gets a taste for Europe's recent farmer protests.

CMI Orchards, Royal Family Farming partner to launch The Soil Center
CMI Orchards, Royal Family Farming partner to launch The Soil Center

Spearheaded by the Allred family, co-owners of CMI Orchards and sole proprietors of Royal Family Farming, the partnership seeks to transform byproducts from orchards, row crops and more into high-quality soil amendments.

Mission Produce to highlight seasonal avocado and mango programs at SEPC show
Mission Produce to highlight seasonal avocado and mango programs at SEPC show

The company says it will highlight its Peruvian organics, its upcoming Mexican mango program and its Emeralds in the Rough avocado bags during the Southern Exposure trade show, set for March 7-9 in Tampa, Fla.

North Country Growers prepares for grand opening with website launch
North Country Growers prepares for grand opening with website launch

The website highlights North Country Growers' sustainability initiatives, its premium lettuce varieties and its team.

Chilean Grape Committee projects 35 million boxes for the U.S.
Chilean Grape Committee projects 35 million boxes for the U.S.

With robust supplies of Chilean grapes headed for the U.S., “it’s looking like mid-March through April will be a great time for retailers to promote Chilean grapes,” says Ignacio Caballero of Frutas de Chile.