Latest News From Industry

Last week, Christopher Ranch partnered with public health officials from Santa Clara County to bring 1,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World.

NEW YORK — Construction has started on the 60,000-square-foot New York State Regional Food Hub in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx.

The New York Department of Agriculture has two new initiatives to strengthen its Farm-to-School program, which provides new markets for New York farmers and improves access to locally grown and produced food in schools.

Tanimura & Antle is proud to share that by April, over 4,000  employees will have received the COVID-19 vaccine throughout its operating locations in California, Arizona and Tennessee.

New programs and efforts are on the way to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced.

The California Walnut Commission announced today the second annual “Power of 3” global marketing campaign, which builds on the successful 2020 campaign.

Tennessee-based Smoky Mountain Family Farms, a partnership between the Pappas, Esformes and Hellers tomato farming and distribution families has announced the purchase of Midway, Tenn.-based Triple C Family Farms. 

Have you seen Avocados from Mexico's Avocado Nation? Artificial intelligence, engaging content partners, clothing and avo rewards ... What's not to love!

Celebrating the Fresh Future of Women in Produce & Floral: The Power of Passion, Persistence, and Perseverance.

Given the perishability of many produce items, opportunities to extend shelf life are highly desirable.

Since 1975, California Women for Agriculture (CWA) has educated and advocated about the importance of farming. Farm Credit continues to support their efforts.

The Apprentice Task Force and the Board of Directors of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) has selected the following twelve individuals to participate in the 2021 FPFC Apprentice Program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced that $1 million in matching grant funding is available for the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP).

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas will hold its virtual Spring Policy Summit from April 21-23.

The owners of Habelman Bros. Co. in Tomah, Wis., and L&S Cranberry LP in St. Lucien, Quebec, formed the Cranberry Cooperative of the Americas.

For 2021, MAS Melons & Grapes, Rio Rico, Ariz., will continue with core items that include several varieties of table grapes, honeydew melons, seedless watermelons and mini watermelons, said Miguel Suarez, president. 

The Oppenheimer Group offers retailers a well-rounded organic program in the Divemex brand, with both conventional and organic crops Fair Trade Certified.

Fresh Farms, Rio Rico, Ariz., will bring its one-source shopping experience to the industry with a wide array of dry vegetables and early grapes.

The Packer is seeking input from produce suppliers in California for the Santa Maria special coverage, which will be published on April 5.

The Southeast Produce Council’s hybrid Southern Exposure: The Rise of Produce trade show and conference will be April 6-8 in Orlando and online.

The National Association of Perishable Agricultural Receivers annual golf tournament honoring the memory of produce industry leader Pete Class is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 8.

Leading food and agriculture associations sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai communicating growing concerns over the rapid deterioration of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship.

The Produce Marketing Association will mark its one-year anniversary of its weekly Virtual Town Hall series with a special South by Southwest edition on March 24 at noon Eastern.

Join us on our virtual tour of indoor grower Little Leaf Farms, Devens, Mass.

The Packer editors Tom Karst, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder discuss the big topics of the week, from legislation on immigration to a preview of SEPC's Southern Exposure to the latest online grocery data.

The Port of Hueneme welcomed the first of two cutting-edge, energy-efficient Del Monte vessels to the Port of Hueneme today.

DAT Freight & Analytics today announced a strategic partnership with OLIMP to provide carriers and asset-based freight brokers with streamlined access and discounted pricing across OLIMP’s network.

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) kicked off its new fiscal year with its annual March Board of Directors meeting in Fresno yesterday.

Produce industry show organizers had tough decisions the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was so uncertain what was necessary to maintain health and safety.

Most produce industry leaders think that investments in social responsibility programs can pay dividends with better relationships with workers.

U.S. banana imports in 2020 totaled 4.14 million metric tons in 2020, off 2% from 2019 and the lowest volume in the past five years.

Consumer demand for organic bananas has grown during the pandemic, said Robert Adams, president of One Banana, Coral Gables, Fla.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Dole Food Co. has launched an integrated sustainability campaign aimed at amplifying its commitment to the key enterprise-wide sustainability goals launched in 2020 under “The Dole Way.” 

The Southeast Produce Council is essentially putting on two Southern Exposure shows at once April 6-8: one in person and one online.

The 2021 edition of Fruit Logistica is canceled.

The 8th annual Eastern Produce Council and James and Theresa Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship deadline is April 23.

There is a lot to love about vegetables, including the plethora of songs about them. Listen here to see The Packer's picks of top vegetable tunes.

These social media posts from the produce industry tapped us on the shoulder and said, “Hey, look at me.”

Did you know, West Coast Produce Expo has a special hosted buyer program?

The House of Representatives on March 18 passed H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act by a 247-174 vote.

Mark your calendars, Viva Fresh, presented by the Texas International Produce Association, begins March 26 in Dallas, Texas.

Besides a great location, seeing familiar and new faces and gaining new business, conference attendees want to be entertained and educated.

Most consumers are much more worried about food safety in meat products than they are concerned about fruit and vegetable safety.

The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is making available a web seminar about farmworker vaccinations.

Pear Bureau Northwest is pleased to announce the first winner of one of our grand prize drawings of a $500 GIFT CARD.

Big interest in the Viva Fresh Golf Open has spurred the Texas International Produce Association to add a second-course option to accommodate expo attendees.

West Coast Produce Expo 2021 is Tuesday May 18 – Wednesday May 19 at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, Las Vegas, NV.

The Fruits from Chile Facebook page recently reached a new milestone, surpassing one million fans.  

Here's a conversation on why we write about the "Dirty Dozen," why EWG's messaging is damaging, and how produce companies can start sapping the power of this polarizing list by communicating their responsible practices.

How did you and your company meet the many challenges of the pandemic? Complete our survey for a chance to win 1 of 3 $100 gift cards plus a matching donation to the charity of your choice.