Latest News From The Packer Staff

SiCar Farms announces sustainability goals
SiCar Farms announces sustainability goals

The McAllen, Texas-based company says it elevates sustainable agricultural practices, materials management, agricultural initiatives and efficiency programs.

FloraPulse introduces real-time water monitoring system
FloraPulse introduces real-time water monitoring system

The company says it has developed a way to acquire data directly from trees and vines, providing accurate, automated measurements on plant water status to agriculture professionals, such as fruit and nut growers.

Melissa’s and Goldenberry Farms form joint venture for Sweet Sugar Mango
Melissa’s and Goldenberry Farms form joint venture for Sweet Sugar Mango

Available April through June 2024, this marks the first "official" U.S. season for the Sweet Sugar Mango after a trial run in 2023.

ProducePay, Four Star Fruit partner with Mexican growers to supply table grapes
ProducePay, Four Star Fruit partner with Mexican growers to supply table grapes

The companies have joined with leading Mexican growers to provide 4 million cases of table grapes during May and early June, which is traditionally the lowest volume period of the year.

Food Lion recognized for ongoing sustainable leadership
Food Lion recognized for ongoing sustainable leadership

The omnichannel grocer is the only company in the U.S. to receive the Energy Star Partner of the Year award for 23 consecutive years.

Company showcases automated machine for prepping avocados
Company showcases automated machine for prepping avocados

The Germany-based Kronen GmbH says its automated, robot-based solution for cutting, pitting and peeling avocados can be adapted and added onto to meet various needs.

EmpowerFresh partners with AWG to support independent retailers
EmpowerFresh partners with AWG to support independent retailers

The partnership will offer Associated Wholesale Grocers members tools to enhance inventory management for independent supermarkets.

Washington Apple Commission president to retire
Washington Apple Commission president to retire

During his 18-year stint with the commission, Todd Fryhover has overseen the marketing efforts for Washington apple growers in 25 countries worldwide.

ZAG Technical Services recognized for contributions to agtech   
ZAG Technical Services recognized for contributions to agtech  

The San Jose, Calif.-based IT consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity, data analytics and managed services, recently received three awards for its contributions to agriculture in the technology space.

Naturipe Farms has new vice president of marketing
Naturipe Farms has new vice president of marketing

Ashley Finster, a marketing professional with nearly three decades of management experience, previously served as chief marketing officer at SunFed Ranch.

Sorting machines help potato grower decrease labor dependence
Sorting machines help potato grower decrease labor dependence

Luke Parr, farm manager for Michigan-based Sackett Ranch, says the Tomra optical sorting machines can do multiple processes at once.

Labor Department awards $2M grant to support worker-driven social compliance systems
Labor Department awards $2M grant to support worker-driven social compliance systems

The funds, awarded to the International Labor Organization, support the use of systems to promote fundamental labor rights and acceptable work conditions, including an end to forced labor in supply chains.

Companies unveil digital integration to streamline irrigation management
Companies unveil digital integration to streamline irrigation management

Digital farm management provider CropX Technologies has unveiled an API integration with WiseConn to improve data gathering and analytics for farmers.

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.

EFI celebrates National Farmworker Awareness Week
EFI celebrates National Farmworker Awareness Week

Equitable Food Initiative has released an updated communications toolkit in preparation for Farmworker Awareness Week, which is held March 25-31 annually.

Industry veteran Glenn Beckham remembered
Industry veteran Glenn Beckham remembered

Industry veteran Glenn Beckham, 77, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died March 12 after a courageous battle with health complications due to diabetes. 

Emerald Packaging announces retirement of key executive
Emerald Packaging announces retirement of key executive

James "Jim" M. Kelly, executive vice president, is retiring after 41 years with the company.

Organically Grown Co. wins national award
Organically Grown Co. wins national award

The company was honored with the Organic Company of the Year award at the 2024 Natural Products Expo West trade show.

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.

Blue Diamond Growers lays off 38 corporate employees
Blue Diamond Growers lays off 38 corporate employees

The Sacramento Bee reports the cooperative of more than 3,000 almond growers faces heightened pressure and that the move is intended to help it stay profitable.

ProAmpac adds UP Paper to expand sustainable solutions
ProAmpac adds UP Paper to expand sustainable solutions

The flexible packaging and material science company said the acquisition of the Michigan-based recycled kraft paper manufacturer will help boost environmentally friendly packaging products.

POM Wonderful adds pomegranate fiber to specialty ingredients lineup
POM Wonderful adds pomegranate fiber to specialty ingredients lineup

The Pomegranate Fiber, which is upcycled from POM Wonderful pomegranate husks after juicing, is a fiber-dense powder that can be used in a variety of food applications.

Moonlight, Sun Pacific buy Prima Wawona land
Moonlight, Sun Pacific buy Prima Wawona land

Stone fruit grower Moonlight Cos. has formed a joint venture with Sun Pacific to purchase 5,000 acres of former Prima Wawona land, valued at $91 million.

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.

TIPA adds new VP, general manager
TIPA adds new VP, general manager

Rodrigo Castaneda, who joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in various industries, is expected to help expand the company’s presence.

Alpine Fresh showcases Sweet Karoline blackberries at South Beach Wine and Food Festival
Alpine Fresh showcases Sweet Karoline blackberries at South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Grower, shipper and marketer Alpine Fresh introduced its newest blackberry variety, Sweet Karoline, to over 26,000 foodies, chefs and restauranteurs at the recent South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami.

ProducePay unveils Visibility solution to improve transparency, reduce food waste
ProducePay unveils Visibility solution to improve transparency, reduce food waste

Agtech company ProducePay says Visibility gives buyers the ability to monitor and manage produce shipments via a digital dashboard on the ProducePay platform.

Wish Farms and Publix help North Carolina food bank
Wish Farms and Publix help North Carolina food bank

Monetary donations and more are helping the food bank provide healthy and fresh food to underserved families.

Markon adds veteran produce executive
Markon adds veteran produce executive

Brian Jameson will lead Markon’s multi-unit sales team that supports its member distributors in developing and deploying cohesive produce programs that include the company's three brands.

GS1 US offers new FSMA 204 resources
GS1 US offers new FSMA 204 resources

These resources include documents and an online learning platform aimed at those in retail and foodservice.

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.

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.

Titan Farms extends peach season through partnership
Titan Farms extends peach season through partnership

The Ridge Spring, S.C.-based company says a collaboration with the Borquez family in the Mexican state of Sonora will bring early access to the market with the first peaches harvested in the Northern Hemisphere.

GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director
GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director

The avocado grower-shipper says the newly created position will evaluate current sustainability initiatives within the company and define a strategy for future projects.

Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.
Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.

The Collinsville, Ill.-based packaging manufacturer says Nathan Wise has joined the company, having previously served as a sales manager for Tosca Ltd.

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.

New Zealand Jazz apple season begins
New Zealand Jazz apple season begins

T&G Global says the company and its independent growers will collectively pick over 4 million tray carton equivalents of apples this year, including its premium Jazz and Envy apple brands.

Brighter Bites, DoorDash team up to deliver fresh produce to families in need
Brighter Bites, DoorDash team up to deliver fresh produce to families in need

Brighter Bites, with DoorDash support, says it is expanding a Produce Rx program, delivering fresh produce to families for better health outcomes and tackling food insecurity.

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.

Soil genomics company catalogs more than 24M microorganisms
Soil genomics company catalogs more than 24M microorganisms

Biome Makers said it pairs artificial intelligence with its soil database to decode soil biology and provide growers with more actionable information.

Coalition of Immokalee Workers holding farmworker freedom festival
Coalition of Immokalee Workers holding farmworker freedom festival

Celebrations and creative arts will highlight the human rights progress achieved through the Fair Food Program, while emphasizing efforts to expand those gains to U.S. farmworkers beyond the program’s protections.

USDA publishes proposal to raise assessments on Florida tomatoes
USDA publishes proposal to raise assessments on Florida tomatoes

The proposed rule that would raise the assessment rate for tomatoes grown in Florida from 2.5 cents to 3.5 cents per 25-pound carton. Comments on the proposal can be submitted until April 8.

USDA seeks to purchase apples
USDA seeks to purchase apples

The USDA is seeking offers to sell fresh fuji apples to the agency.

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.

Groups invest more than $632K to advance organic farming
Groups invest more than $632K to advance organic farming

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and The Organic Center say the awards fund much-needed training, technical support and innovative climate research.

FMI reacts to bill aimed at addressing FDA Food Traceability Rule challenges
FMI reacts to bill aimed at addressing FDA Food Traceability Rule challenges

The proposed Food Traceability Enhancement Act seeks to make targeted improvements to the rule that are necessary for more feasible industry compliance while continuing to enhance food safety.

USDA recognizes school districts for innovations in school meals
USDA recognizes school districts for innovations in school meals

Four school districts in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, and Ohio received awards for innovative efforts to improve the nutritional quality of meals for students.