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Packer 25 2021 - Candice Herndon
Packer 25 2021 - Candice Herndon

I got my start in the produce/food supply chain industry with CHEP in 2006. While in university my interest in the supply chain grew as I learned about all the pieces of the puzzle and how they all fit.

Imperfect Foods announces B Corp certification
Imperfect Foods announces B Corp certification

Imperfect Foods announces it is one of the first grocers to receive the prestigious certification of Certified B Corporation.

Rabobank report evaluates what is next for organic produce growth beyond pandemic bounce
Rabobank report evaluates what is next for organic produce growth beyond pandemic bounce

The pandemic was very good for organic produce demand, and new research from Rabobank looks at the reasons behind that surge and what may be next for the sector.

Hass Avocado Board offers web seminar on using data and research
Hass Avocado Board offers web seminar on using data and research

Finding market insights from the Hass Avocado Board’s data and research is the focus of a web seminar scheduled for Nov. 18.

Vilsack touts President Biden’s Framework for the Build Back Better Act
Vilsack touts President Biden’s Framework for the Build Back Better Act

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the below statement following President Biden’s announcement of the framework for Build Back Better.

JOH’s 9th Annual Kids 360 Charity Event
JOH’s 9th Annual Kids 360 Charity Event

JOH is proud to announce that its 9th Annual Kids 360 Charity Event that took place on October 4th was a huge success.

From Historic Conservation Funding to Farmer Debt Relief, Who Will Pay for Biden's Revised Build Back Better Plan?
From Historic Conservation Funding to Farmer Debt Relief, Who Will Pay for Biden's Revised Build Back Better Plan?

Biden's new Build Back Better plan could have a sweeping impact on ag. The plan provides a boost to biofuels and conservation efforts and expands USDA's proposed minority farmer and rancher debt relief by $6 billion.

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast — Rabobank expert on future of organic demand
Tip of the Iceberg Podcast — Rabobank expert on future of organic demand

Listen to Episode 63 of our Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, featuring Rabobank fruit, vegetable and nut analyst Almuhanad Melhim, who uses his October report to discuss the future of organic produce demand post-pandemic.

Farmer co-ops applaud climate-smart agriculture provisions in Build Back Better framework
Farmer co-ops applaud climate-smart agriculture provisions in Build Back Better framework

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives expressed its support for the inclusion of significant new funding to promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.

New Sweet on Citrus Campaign celebrates Bee Sweet’s modernized label
New Sweet on Citrus Campaign celebrates Bee Sweet’s modernized label

The Bee Sweet Citrus marketing team has launched a multi-faceted marketing campaign to celebrate the rebrand of its label and the firm's diverse citrus line.

FPAA 2021 Member of the Year- The Essential Worker
FPAA 2021 Member of the Year- The Essential Worker

Last year brought many challenging and uncertain times, where laborers quickly adapted as companies restructured to meet the needs of consumers.

UPDATE: FDA, CDC update fresh onion salmonella outbreak
UPDATE: FDA, CDC update fresh onion salmonella outbreak

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections linked to whole, fresh onions.

European digital platform launches Consentio USA
European digital platform launches Consentio USA

Designed for producers, wholesalers, and supermarkets, the Consentio digital ‘platform’ simplifies and accelerates sales, reduces costs and improves profits, according to a news release.

$1B to Biofuels in Build Back Better
$1B to Biofuels in Build Back Better

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Rep. Cindy Axne joined AgriTalk with host Chip Flory and Pro Farmer Policy Analyst Jim Wiesemeyer recently to comb through President Biden’s reframe of the Build Back Better (BBB) plan.

Packer Fresh Take: Patrick Kelly
Packer Fresh Take: Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly tells us about how he got into the produce industry, his best marketing advice, the story of how his dog was named and so much more. 

Be A Good Neighbor: Steps to Help You Avoid Future Farm Litigation
Be A Good Neighbor: Steps to Help You Avoid Future Farm Litigation

With COVID-19 inspired population shifts and farmland changing hands, you likely have a new neighbor or two. Don’t let that relationship become problematic. 

Study looks at role of dust in potential cross-contamination
Study looks at role of dust in potential cross-contamination

Researchers have conducted significant research into the role of water in foodborne outbreaks, but the potential for dust particles to transfer pathogens onto produce has been largely overlooked. 

Five Startups Vie for $250K Seed Funding in AgSharks Pitch Competition
Five Startups Vie for $250K Seed Funding in AgSharks Pitch Competition

Out of more than 100 applicants, five agtech start-up companies have been selected to go head-to-head in the Western Growers/S2G Ventures 2021 AgSharks Competition.

International Fresh Produce Association unveils name, organization goals
International Fresh Produce Association unveils name, organization goals

Top leaders of the new International Fresh Produce Association convened in a video call with more than 20 members of the media to talk about the goals and mission of the new industry group.

Floral Marketing Alliance will launch with new association
Floral Marketing Alliance will launch with new association

International Fresh Produce Association Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel were joined by industry leaders to share updates about the new produce and floral association.

Foundation for Fresh Produce is launched with new association
Foundation for Fresh Produce is launched with new association

As a complementary philanthropic partner of the new International Fresh Produce Association, the Foundation for Fresh Produce will be launched with a vision to grow a healthier world.

International Fresh Produce Association Announces the Board of Directors
International Fresh Produce Association Announces the Board of Directors

Officers from the new association formed by PMA and United Fresh name-new industry leadership.

Q and A with Laura Batcha of The Organic Trade Association
Q and A with Laura Batcha of The Organic Trade Association

After helping to lead a heady period of robust growth for the organic industry, the Organic Trade Association’s CEO Laura Batcha has announced plans to step down from her role by the spring of 2022.

USDA announces over $243 million in grants awarded to help the specialty crop industry
USDA announces over $243 million in grants awarded to help the specialty crop industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an investment of more than $243 million in grants to support specialty crops.

Packer 25 2021 — Irving Fain
Packer 25 2021 — Irving Fain

As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve always believed that technology and human ingenuity could solve hard and important problems…

Rains soak California but grapes expected okay 
Rains soak California but grapes expected okay 

Late October rains in California brought some relief to the drought-stricken state but created little immediate concern for the balance of California’s grape harvest.

Moxxy Strengthens Operations, Adds Cameron Dolan as Business & Accounting Director
Moxxy Strengthens Operations, Adds Cameron Dolan as Business & Accounting Director

Moxxy Marketing has expanded internal operations and its East Coast team with the addition of Cameron Dolan as Business & Accounting Director.

Storm damage reported for Italy’s citrus crop
Storm damage reported for Italy’s citrus crop

The Mediterranean hurricane has hit eastern Sicily (Italy), threatens crops, and has already destroyed new plants.

CFIA: Goodfood brand onions recalled due to Salmonella
CFIA: Goodfood brand onions recalled due to Salmonella

Goodfood Market Corp is recalling Goodfood brand Onions, Product of Mexico, from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination

Technology Is …  Transforming Data Into Actions
Technology Is …  Transforming Data Into Actions

Well-organized and protected farm data can pay dividends.

Burro: From AgSharks Winner to $10.9 Million Series A Round
Burro: From AgSharks Winner to $10.9 Million Series A Round

On the heels of closing a $10.9 million Series A round of funding, Burro CEO Charlie Andersen said his company is set to meet the needs of growers.

Peru’s public and private sectors come together to minimize impact due to logistics crisis
Peru’s public and private sectors come together to minimize impact due to logistics crisis

Exporters and port officials met in Peru met to propose a series of actions to increase the efficiency of the competitiveness of the sector.

Revol Greens name ag-tech industry executive
Revol Greens name ag-tech industry executive

Doubling down on its unique research and development (R&D) strategy and pace for introducing category-first product innovations, Revol Greens is adding Mohammed Oufattole, MBA as Chief Technology Officer.

USDA allocates funds for beginning farmer programs
USDA allocates funds for beginning farmer programs

The 'USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of over $50 million to 140 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers.

Arctic apple developer celebrating 25 years
Arctic apple developer celebrating 25 years

Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), the developer and grower behind the innovative Arctic® apple varieties, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

Bushwick Commission unveils new design for potato packaging
Bushwick Commission unveils new design for potato packaging

Northeast potato shipper, Bushwick Commission has announced a packaging redesign for their popular Guarantee label.

UPDATE: FDA update on salmonella onion investigation
UPDATE: FDA update on salmonella onion investigation

Oct. 27 update: The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections linked to whole, fresh onions.

Soli Organic, formerly Shenandoah Growers, gains $120 million in financing
Soli Organic, formerly Shenandoah Growers, gains $120 million in financing

Rockingham, Va.-based Soli Organic, formerly called Shenandoah Growers, secured a $120 million financing agreement to expand its controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operations.

On the scene in Nogales, Ariz., with Pack Right, Rich River Produce, Produce House
On the scene in Nogales, Ariz., with Pack Right, Rich River Produce, Produce House

The Packer is on the scene again. This time in Nogales, Ariz. Here are a few photos from our visit.

Mushroom output slowed by tight labor, input shortages
Mushroom output slowed by tight labor, input shortages

With Philadelphia terminal market mushroom prices running 30% above year-ago levels in late October, the American Mushroom Institute warned that tight supplies of mushrooms are anticipated for the holiday season.

The Packer’s 2021 Produce Marketer for All Seasons, Retailer of the Year to be recognized Nov. 1
The Packer’s 2021 Produce Marketer for All Seasons, Retailer of the Year to be recognized Nov. 1

Frank Muir, recently retired president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, is The Packer’s 2021 Produce Marketer for All Seasons.

Packer 25 2021 — Mike Mauti
Packer 25 2021 — Mike Mauti

Produce is in my genes. My first job after graduating from university was with Canada’s premier grocery company.

USDA adds portions of Cameron County in Texas to the Domestic Citrus Canker Quarantine Area
USDA adds portions of Cameron County in Texas to the Domestic Citrus Canker Quarantine Area

Effective immediately, the USDA is establishing three new quarantine areas and expanding two existing quarantine areas for citrus canker in Cameron County, Texas, to prevent the spread of the disease.

Pure Flavor grows organics program 
Pure Flavor grows organics program 

Pure Flavor is introducing two new fresh products to its line of sustainable greenhouse grown organics as the grower continues expanding its category offerings to meet consumer demand. 

U.S. Department of Labor initiates rulemaking to protect workers from heat hazards and rising temperatures
U.S. Department of Labor initiates rulemaking to protect workers from heat hazards and rising temperatures

Record-breaking heat in the U.S. in 2021 endangered millions of workers exposed to heat illness and injury in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

Wada Farms co-brands with The Produce Moms
Wada Farms co-brands with The Produce Moms

Wada Farms and The Produce Moms have moved their long-time partnership onto the retail shelf with a new co-branded potato package.

Denise Junqueiro advances to Mission’s vice president of marketing
Denise Junqueiro advances to Mission’s vice president of marketing

Mission Produce, Inc. announces the promotion of Denise Junqueiro to Vice President of Marketing and Communications, reporting to Steve Barnard, Chief Executive Officer and Founder.

United Fresh applauds the introduction of bill to launch second White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Hunger
United Fresh applauds the introduction of bill to launch second White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Hunger

Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Reps. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) have introduced the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger and Health Act.

Food and Beverage Industries’ COVID-19 Vulnerability Index goes live
Food and Beverage Industries’ COVID-19 Vulnerability Index goes live

The U.S. is facing supply chain disruptions as it enters the holiday season, and the impacts reach far beyond the delivery of gifts and ingredients for traditional meals. 

Frieda’s offers immunity building destination with variety citrus
Frieda’s offers immunity building destination with variety citrus

It’s that time of the year again when the chill in the air sends shoppers to stores to stock up on tissues, teas, and anything to bolster the immune system!