Latest News From PRODUCE

Square Roots says it is exploring techniques to operate indoor farms in the dark, with the goal of lower production costs and environmental impact while maintaining year-round fresh food production.

From recycling to pollination education to planting trees, this Earth Month H-E-B says it will continue to support environmental stewardship initiatives across its business and in communities throughout Texas. 

The Organic Trade Association released the results of its consumer survey, which shows the value consumers place on the USDA Organic seal.

Citing “significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment,” 99 Cents Only Stores LLC will close all 371 of its stores in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.

The University of Southern California Marshall School of Business has recognized Greg McNiff as the 2024 Food Industry Executive of the Year.

Axiom Cloud recently closed on funding intended to accelerate the deployment of its artificial intelligence-powered module that detects refrigerant leaks without requiring any new onsite hardware or sensors. 

In his season forecast, Drew Lerner, senior agricultural meteorologist and president of World Weather, shared with USApple members how he sees a relatively favorable growing season.

Carbon Robotics founder and CEO Paul Mikesell talks about barriers growers face to implementing technology and the importance of data in agriculture's future in this "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast episode.

When a store's produce operations turn into disaster, "savior" managers are needed to right the ship — but their methods and personalities aren't what some expect from a department leader, says columnist Armand Lobato.

The award will be presented to BC Fresh Vegetables Inc. President and CEO Murray Driediger at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's Convention and Trade Show’s awards brunch on April 25.

To learn top tips for merchandising and displays that drive Cinco de Mayo avocado sales, The Packer turned to the experts at the California Avocado Commission.

Jordan James will fill the role held by Bruce Cox, who retired after 20 years with the company.

The vegetable seed breeder says it added marketing and project management to its combined North and Central American operations.

Nomination applications are due by May 1, 2024, for three seats with terms expiring in 2027 and one seat with a term expiring in 2025.

How does the fresh produce industry earn the business and sustain the trust of today’s conscious consumers committed to responsible purchasing? In-store displays and signage can help make meaningful connections.

Mark Currie, former chief operating officer of Elevation Foods, will succeed the retiring Joe Caldwell and run Giorgi Mushroom, Giorgio Fresh and Giorgio Foods.

Proposals are being accepted through July 2 for projects that will help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis. 

The foundation will fund 11 projects that tackle issues such as biodiversity, social issues, climate and more.

The omnichannel grocer says it is focussing on fresh, affordable food this World Health Day, highlighting its Guiding Stars program; buy one, give-back campaigns; and local sourcing for healthier choices.

The national task force aims to develop a series of evidence-based policy recommendations to improve labor recruitment and employment conditions for farmworkers.

In April, participants in the four states in which the company operates can earn $5 in Schnucks Rewards points each week by reaching the steps challenge goal of 50,000 steps per week.

The agency says the herbicide used for broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and onions presents significant health risks to applicators.

The San Jose, Calif.-based IT consulting firm specializing in information technology, cybersecurity and data analytics said this new service helps growers and shippers understand cybersecurity risks ahead of harvest.

The USDA says a Los Angeles-based company has satisfied a $31,200 reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act involving unpaid produce transactions.

Nature Fresh Farms' Hiiros tomatoes have been named “Best Snacking Tomatoes” in the Powerhouse Produce category of Good Housekeeping's 2024 Best Snack Awards.

After discovering the invasive pest in the southeastern part of the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has added Greene County to a quarantine.

BioConsorta, a developer of microbial products for agriculture, plans to expand its facility and commercialize its biofungicide, bionematicide and postharvest decay controls this year.

This Earth Month, FreshDirect spotlights upcycling, repurposing food waste to innovate sustainability.

In its second sustainability report, the grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce recaps its food waste reductions, energy savings and packaging innovations.

The remodels feature renovated and expanded deli and floral departments, alongside revitalized produce, bakery, seafood and meat sections.

Vestaron, a manufacturer of peptide-based biocontrols for the specialty crop industry, says it will tap into Simplot Grower Solutions' network of clients and retail operations to expand its reach.

Drew Lerner, senior agricultural meteorologist and president of World Weather, will share his predictions for spring bloom and weather events that might affect production this growing season.

Continued inflation industrywide, coupled with an unfavorable exchange for growers, is making life difficult for growers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables from West Mexico.

The Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer, which has been on a journey to reduce plastic packaging since 2019, shares its process for selecting sustainable options in the prepared foods department.

Highlighting achievements including water reuse, solar power and tree planting, Mission Produce Inc. has released its fiscal 2023 sustainability report, “Finest for the Future.”

The retailer is celebrating Earth Month with donations to World Wildlife Fund, a reusable bag campaign and sharing progress on Zero Hunger, Zero Waste milestones.

The grower, packer and shipper provides an update on the importance of farmworkers and the role of H-2A programs.

As mandatory compliance with the Produce Traceability Initiative and the Food Safety Modernization Act 204 Final Rule looms, retailers are readying for the 2026 implementation deadline. But they can’t do it alone.

Orchard Robotics hopes its artificial intelligence-driven camera system will help growers better understand what’s happening in their orchards and also better predict yields.

From vibrant artichokes to crisp lettuce varieties and colorful cauliflower, farms across the Golden State are poised to deliver fresh and nutritious vegetables, boosted by optimal weather conditions.

Survey results released by Simbe and Coresight Research show many retailers are investing, or planning to invest, in new in-store technology solutions to improve performance across inventory management and operations.

Following extreme heat in 2023, growers in Washington and Oregon can apply for Farm Service Agency financial services to help recover.

The Food and Drug Administration and Customs and Border Protection said the arrangement will help improve how the agencies capture and share data.

The Texas Department of Agriculture will receive nearly $200,000 over the next three years to support promotional and educational activities.

With all the work to do in a produce department, it can be tempting to skip breaks — but ensuring workers and managers keep to their scheduled stoppages is vital to any operation, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms is expecting a strong crop of Vidalia onions this year to go along with its Gold Rush promotional campaign.

Los Angeles-based Giumarra was stressing the value of the Lemonade apple as a 52-week-per-year option for retailers at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that led to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.