Latest News From Industry

Photos: Avocados From Mexico celebrates AVOLAB innovation center
Photos: Avocados From Mexico celebrates AVOLAB innovation center

Check out these scenes from Avocados From Mexico's Oct. 3 party celebrating the group's 10-year anniversary and the opening of its AVOLAB chef innovation center.

Avocados From Mexico celebrates 10 years, launch of AVOLAB innovation center
Avocados From Mexico celebrates 10 years, launch of AVOLAB innovation center

Avocados are a rising star in the food world, and Avocados From Mexico has put its own brand on the fruit’s explosive rise.

Florida Tomato Exchange: FPAA-cited study has ‘no basis' in reality
Florida Tomato Exchange: FPAA-cited study has ‘no basis' in reality

A study recently cited by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas is designed to “distract from Mexico’s record of dumping tomatoes,” the Florida Tomato Exchange says.

Igniting innovation: IFPA leaders reveal 2023 show highlights
Igniting innovation: IFPA leaders reveal 2023 show highlights

International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns and current and incoming board of directors chairs say technology and innovation will be a constant drumbeat throughout the 2023 Global Produce & Floral Show.

POM Wonderful launches campaign villainizing free radicals   
POM Wonderful launches campaign villainizing free radicals  

Just in time for Halloween, POM Wonderful has launched a nationwide campaign: “Real Life is Scary: Protect Yourself With POM.”

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

The USDA has imposed sanctions on Mestizos Group LLC, Garland, Texas, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

Upcoming IFPA education sessions offer business insights
Upcoming IFPA education sessions offer business insights

The International Fresh Produce Association will offer education sessions with business-building global thought leaders on consumer, tech and talent trends at The Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 19-21.

The Government Didn't Shut Down, And That's Good News For The Farm Bill
The Government Didn't Shut Down, And That's Good News For The Farm Bill

With the government funding in place for now, work on a new farm bill can continue, with the same questions (timing, funding, Title 1 reform, etc.) still being unanswered. 

FPAA to host women in produce leadership session at SWIPE 2023   
FPAA to host women in produce leadership session at SWIPE 2023  

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas says it will host a “Woman Leaders in the Produce Industry” education session at its Southwest International Produce Expo, Nov. 2-4.

Chiquita expands shipping fleet with largest company-owned vessels to date
Chiquita expands shipping fleet with largest company-owned vessels to date

In a move it says advances maritime sustainability, Chiquita recently added two new ships to its fleet. The vessels are the biggest ships the brand owns to date.

Robert Guenther departs IFPA, association seeks replacement
Robert Guenther departs IFPA, association seeks replacement

International Fresh Produce Association announced Sept. 29 that Chief Public Policy Officer Robert Guenther has departed the association.

United Farm Workers backs Biden's bid for second term
United Farm Workers backs Biden's bid for second term

United Farm Workers has endorsed Biden, citing his labor rights track record and appointment of Julie Chavez Rodriguez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez and daughter of UFW's Arturo Rodriguez, as campaign manager.

World Economic Forum invites ProducePay to innovator group
World Economic Forum invites ProducePay to innovator group

Los Angeles-based ProducePay has joined the World Economic Forum's prestigious Innovator Communities as a Unicorn member.

New Jersey firm wins $197M supply contract
New Jersey firm wins $197M supply contract

Seashore Fruit & Produce Co. Inc., Vineland, N.J., has been awarded a maximum contract to supply fresh fruits and vegetables.

USDA allows imports of fresh baby kiwifruit from France
USDA allows imports of fresh baby kiwifruit from France

The USDA has announced that it has authorized imports of fresh baby kiwifruit from France into the continental U.S.

National Potato Council opposes amendment that it says would limit promotion boards
National Potato Council opposes amendment that it says would limit promotion boards

The National Potato Council says it is against proposed legislation that it says would undermine or eliminate commodity checkoff programs.

4 policy priorities on produce advocates’ radar right now
4 policy priorities on produce advocates’ radar right now

The farm bill, labor, food safety and nutrition were the top takeaways at the recent IFPA Washington Conference, which brought together industry leaders to listen and influence policy makers on fresh produce priorities.

Douglas Fruit and Goose Ridge partner to bring more fruit to Stemilt
Douglas Fruit and Goose Ridge partner to bring more fruit to Stemilt

Longtime fruit grower Goose Ridge says it will bring new acreage of apples to Douglas Fruit to be packed and marketed under the Stemilt World Famous Fruit brand.

Mission Produce elevates direct-to-retail service in Europe
Mission Produce elevates direct-to-retail service in Europe

The Oxnard, Calif.-based company has announced the elevation of its direct-to-retail service in the European market with the consolidation of operations in a ripening and forward distribution center in The Netherlands.

Crunch Pak named ‘Advocate of the Year’ at IFPA’s Washington Conference
Crunch Pak named ‘Advocate of the Year’ at IFPA’s Washington Conference

International Fresh Produce Association has named Crunch Pak its “Advocate of the Year” in recognition for its advocacy for the entire produce industry.

Scenes from SEPC's Southern Innovations
Scenes from SEPC's Southern Innovations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Featuring the theme “Race to Discover,” the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations drew the fresh produce industry to the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 14-16.

 IFPA gains support for procurement legislation
IFPA gains support for procurement legislation

IFPA says the bill would give USDA tools to diversify the produce supply chain that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to food banks and other nonprofits that serve the nutrition insecure.

USDA cites Florida firm for PACA violations
USDA cites Florida firm for PACA violations

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 the USDA.

Mission Produce golf tournament raises $135K for ag families
Mission Produce golf tournament raises $135K for ag families

The Oxnard, Calif.-based company says its 11th annual philanthropic golf tournament raised $135,000 gross proceeds for The Mission Foundation, which supports causes involving children, families and agriculture education.

NCAE pans H-2A rule
NCAE pans H-2A rule

The National Council of Agricultural Employers says the Department of Labor’s recent proposed rule on H-2A reforms is shocking in its “blatant vitriol” for American farm families.

DeLauro, Valadao and Brown introduce bipartisan Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act
DeLauro, Valadao and Brown introduce bipartisan Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation that supporters say will increase and improve USDA procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Growers’ profitability hit by rising costs, global survey says
Growers’ profitability hit by rising costs, global survey says

Nearly 60% of produce traded internationally is sold at break-even prices or below the cost of production.

Eastern Propak celebrates grand reopening of produce cold storage, packing and repacking facility
Eastern Propak celebrates grand reopening of produce cold storage, packing and repacking facility

Glassboro, N.J.-based Eastern Propak unveiled its new produce cold storage, packing and repacking facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand reopening event Sept. 13. 

First Monarch Electric Autonomous Tractor Lands in the Midwest
First Monarch Electric Autonomous Tractor Lands in the Midwest

The University of Missouri became the first college to land an electric autonomous tractor, a tool that will drive teaching and research into the future.

Seen and heard: Plant Based World Expo
Seen and heard: Plant Based World Expo

NEW YORK — We saw a human-size eggplant mascot, heard a Michelin-starred celebrity chef talk about mushrooms as a center-plate dish and much more at this year’s Plant Based World Expo at the Javits Center in Manhattan.

U.S. potato industry seeking fresh access to Japan
U.S. potato industry seeking fresh access to Japan

Plant-health officials from both countries will meet in Japan on Sept. 25-26 to discuss the issue.

NatureSweet sold to investment firm that seeks to ‘accelerate growth’
NatureSweet sold to investment firm that seeks to ‘accelerate growth’

Blue Road Capital is acquiring the greenhouse grower from its venture-capital parent company, Silver Venture, and aims to expand the company through increased vertical integration, innovation and distribution channels.

Northwest fruit growers Starr Ranch Growers and CMI Orchards join forces
Northwest fruit growers Starr Ranch Growers and CMI Orchards join forces

The two Wenatchee, Wash.-based fruit companies are partnering to expand the combined apple, pear and cherry offerings.

Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee set to meet
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee set to meet

The USDA has announced the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 2-3.

AeroFarms emerges from Chapter 11, plans for future profitable growth
AeroFarms emerges from Chapter 11, plans for future profitable growth

The indoor vertical farming company has completed its restructuring process and exit from Chapter 11. To lead AeroFarms through its next stage of growth, the company has appointed Molly Montgomery acting CEO.

Manufacturers, customers aim for sustainability in packaging
Manufacturers, customers aim for sustainability in packaging

Sustainability has become a buzzword in the produce industry, and beyond, but providing sustainable packaging or running a sustainable operation can be challenging at times.

California Table Grape Commission reflects on a century of plant breeding
California Table Grape Commission reflects on a century of plant breeding

“It is not an overstatement to say that this program changed the table grape industry and the world of table grape breeding,” said Ross Jones, California Table Grape Commission senior vice president.

USDA restricts PACA violators in Florida, Illinois and New York
USDA restricts PACA violators in Florida, Illinois and New York

The USDA has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the PACA.

Kentucky firm awarded $122M federal supply contract
Kentucky firm awarded $122M federal supply contract

Creation Gardens Inc., Louisville, Ky., has been awarded a maximum $122.7 million contract to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to military and school customers.

State officials call for investment in apprenticeship programs, ag literacy
State officials call for investment in apprenticeship programs, ag literacy

Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture amended the organization’s policy to support increased investment in apprenticeships and educational programs at their 2023 annual meeting.

Chiquita lights up Times Square with 'It Peels So Good' billboard
Chiquita lights up Times Square with 'It Peels So Good' billboard

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Chiquita has announced the unveiling of a new billboard in New York City’s iconic Times Square.

New rule aims to give H-2A workers new protections
New rule aims to give H-2A workers new protections

The proposal would strengthen protections for farmworkers in the H-2A program and help prevent abuses that undermine wages and standards for all agricultural workers, according to the Department of Labor.

Canada’s greenhouse industry takes flight at Ontario airport
Canada’s greenhouse industry takes flight at Ontario airport

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers’ “This is Greenhouse Goodness” campaign has converted the baggage claim area at Windsor International Airport to resemble an educational greenhouse farm.

New York company penalized for PACA violations, USDA says
New York company penalized for PACA violations, USDA says

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.

USDA cites Louisiana company for PACA violations
USDA cites Louisiana company for PACA violations

These 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.

National Council of Agricultural Employers opens registration for Ag Labor Forum
National Council of Agricultural Employers opens registration for Ag Labor Forum

The event will bring together attorneys, academics, agents, and representatives from federal agencies and foreign governments to delve into labor issues facing U.S. agricultural employers.

Avocados From Mexico partners with Susan G. Komen to fight breast cancer
Avocados From Mexico partners with Susan G. Komen to fight breast cancer

For the third year in a row, Avocados From Mexico is partnering with the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer — Susan G. Komen — during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Albertsons Cos.’ Patrick O’Brien among IFPA’s 2023 Retail Produce Manager Award winners
Albertsons Cos.’ Patrick O’Brien among IFPA’s 2023 Retail Produce Manager Award winners

DENVER — Patrick O'Brien, produce manager of a Safeway store near the University of Denver, was recently honored with the International Fresh Produce Association’s 2023 Retail Produce Manager Award.

India slashes tariffs on blueberries, cranberries and other U.S. ag exports
India slashes tariffs on blueberries, cranberries and other U.S. ag exports

After recent tariff lifts on apples, walnuts and almonds, India has slashed tariffs for additional U.S. exports, including include blueberries and cranberries, signaling increased opportunities for American producers.

TIPA and CNG partner to bolster the compostable packaging market
TIPA and CNG partner to bolster the compostable packaging market

The packaging solutions provider and specialty film manufacturer have teamed to drive local U.S. production and adoption of compostable packaging.