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NatureSweet adds new vegetables to cherry tomato logo
NatureSweet adds new vegetables to cherry tomato logo

The Texas-based greenhouse grower has updated its website and logo to reflect expanded product line and new brand strategy.

Artificial intelligence center coming to Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
Artificial intelligence center coming to Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will build a 19,000-square-foot artificial intelligence (AI) hub at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Fla.

 Fresh Del Monte Produce launches large-size pineapple branded Grandissimo Gold
 Fresh Del Monte Produce launches large-size pineapple branded Grandissimo Gold

Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is going large with its newest pineapple product, according to a news release.

Sun World expands North American licensees
Sun World expands North American licensees

Bakersfield, Calif.-based Sun World International LLC has announced it has added three importers to its panel of North American licensees. 

2022 Packer 25 — Jay Alley
2022 Packer 25 — Jay Alley

Jay Alley, co-owner and vice president of sales for Fresh Innovations LLC, home of Yo Quiero Brands, Rhome, Texas.

CEA Food Safety Coalition changes name, expands focus
CEA Food Safety Coalition changes name, expands focus

The CEA Food Safety Coalition, founded in 2019 to create industrywide food safety standards for indoor leafy greens growers, is expanding its mission for the broader needs of all controlled-environment food growers.

USDA taking comments on pest risks from fresh pineapple imports from Taiwan
USDA taking comments on pest risks from fresh pineapple imports from Taiwan

The USDA has drafted a pest risk assessment for the importation of fresh pineapple from Taiwan for consumption into the U.S. and its territories. The assessment describes potential pests associated with the commodity.

Introducing the 2022 Packer 25
Introducing the 2022 Packer 25

The 2022 Packer 25 is our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods to showcase new product size offering at IFPA Global Show
Duda Farm Fresh Foods to showcase new product size offering at IFPA Global Show

Oviedo, Fla.-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods will spotlight its new single count Organic Celery Heart product at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show Oct. 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.

The Whole Foods Market deal with this indoor, vertical farm brand
The Whole Foods Market deal with this indoor, vertical farm brand

And with this company, the news expands from grocery retailers to public schools, cookbooks and a Middle Eastern research facility.

Jennifer Sanchez appointed as Church Brothers' first director of planning and data integrity
Jennifer Sanchez appointed as Church Brothers' first director of planning and data integrity

The vertically integrated salad and vegetable producer has promoted a longtime agriculture industry veteran to lead planning and data integrity.

Jay Schneider joins Pacific Trellis to lead East Coast sales
Jay Schneider joins Pacific Trellis to lead East Coast sales

With almost 40 years of experience directing sales teams, Jay Schneider will lead the New Jersey sales office and drive business strategy for the Los Angeles-based company.

William H. Kopke Jr., Inc. and Vision Import Group LLC enter into a joint venture
William H. Kopke Jr., Inc. and Vision Import Group LLC enter into a joint venture

New York-based William H. Kopke Jr., Inc. and the founders of Vision Import Group LLC are entering into a new joint venture in which Kopke is the controlling member, according to a news release.

Going bananas with Chiquita at IFPA Show
Going bananas with Chiquita at IFPA Show

Chiquita is making its official return to the trade show floor through its participation in the International Fresh Produce Association’s Oct. 27-29 Global Product & Floral Show in Orlando, Fla., the company reports.

Southeast Produce Council seeks nominees for new leadership program
Southeast Produce Council seeks nominees for new leadership program

The Southeast Produce Council is accepting nominations for its upcoming Next Generation Leadership Academy.

Exotic education: The more consumers know about specialty produce, the more they’re likely to buy
Exotic education: The more consumers know about specialty produce, the more they’re likely to buy

The most important aspect of selling lesser-known fruits and vegetables from around the world is information.

Oppy to highlight growing greenhouse presence at IFPA Show
Oppy to highlight growing greenhouse presence at IFPA Show

Oppy is set to showcase its expanding greenhouse-grown offerings as well as reintroduce Category Director of Greenhouse Kevin Batt at the IFPA Show.

Apeel Sciences unveils technology that reveals ripeness with a simple scan
Apeel Sciences unveils technology that reveals ripeness with a simple scan

Food tech innovator Apeel has launched RipeFinder, an imaging tool that determines produce ripeness with a simple scan and has practical uses across the produce supply chain.

Divine Flavor to launch 'heroic' campaign at IFPA Show
Divine Flavor to launch 'heroic' campaign at IFPA Show

The Nogales, Ariz.-based company plans to launch a new campaign designed to inform retailers and consumers about the health benefits of its commodities.

Windset Farms pilots shelf-life extension technology on tomatoes
Windset Farms pilots shelf-life extension technology on tomatoes

North American greenhouse grower is partnering with Verdant Technologies in retail pilot of tomatoes from Mexico that uses slow ripening post-harvest technology.

Hurricane Ian preliminary ag damage assessment between $1.2B-$1.9B
Hurricane Ian preliminary ag damage assessment between $1.2B-$1.9B

While a preliminary snapshot of the losses to Florida agriculture, this initial assessment is "a critical first step in the process of securing federal disaster aid," said Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried.

Fowler Packing purchases SunWest Fruit Co., expanding citrus acreage
Fowler Packing purchases SunWest Fruit Co., expanding citrus acreage

Citrus and grape producer Fowler Packing expands citrus program with a 10,000 acre acquisition of California farmland.

Hass Avocado Board reports spring holiday data
Hass Avocado Board reports spring holiday data

Retail sales were on the rise during the spring holidays this year, according to a recap issued in October by the Mission Viejo, Calif.-based Hass Avocado Board.

Sponsored: Esscalo’s new products take off
Sponsored: Esscalo’s new products take off

Established in 2021, San-Antonio-based Esscalo America may be a newcomer among the ranks of U.S. produce suppliers, but the company offers a couple of products that have set it apart from the competition.

Hass Avocado Board plan approved for sustainability center
Hass Avocado Board plan approved for sustainability center

A proposed initial strategic plan for the Avocado Sustainability Center was unanimously approved by the Hass Avocado Committee and the Mission Viejo, Calif.-based Hass Avocado Board Sept. 21 at an HAB meeting.

Schnuck Markets partners with Instacart, offers shoppers quick delivery e-commerce
Schnuck Markets partners with Instacart, offers shoppers quick delivery e-commerce

The latest retailer to join forces with Instacart, Midwest grocer Schnuck Markets launches Schnucks Now, a 30 minute e-commerce delivery service.

Braga Fresh to unveil vegetable roasting kits at IFPA Show
Braga Fresh to unveil vegetable roasting kits at IFPA Show

Braga Fresh will debut a line of vegetable roasting kits at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show.

CTRL+S Your Farm Computer: 3 Tips To Lower Your Farm’s Cyberattack Risks
CTRL+S Your Farm Computer: 3 Tips To Lower Your Farm’s Cyberattack Risks

How to protect the computers that run America’s farms. 

Petition to investigate Mexican imports is rejected
Petition to investigate Mexican imports is rejected

The U.S. Trade Representative has declined a 301 investigation request from Florida lawmakers and instead will form an advisory panel to explore ways to assist Southeastern producers.

Florida citrus volume down significantly, say grower-shippers
Florida citrus volume down significantly, say grower-shippers

Florida’s 2022-23 citrus volume was forecast to be down about 32% from last year even before the hurricane hit, but there's still "plenty of fruit for the season," says Doug Feek of DLF International.

Pure Flavor to debut greenhouse-grown Alonna Canary Melons at IFPA Show
Pure Flavor to debut greenhouse-grown Alonna Canary Melons at IFPA Show

The Ontario-based greenhouse grower says its emphasis on driving innovation in new product development has led to the launch of two greenhouse-grown melon varieties in less than six months.

Bee Sweet Citrus to debut new label, POS at IPFA Show
Bee Sweet Citrus to debut new label, POS at IPFA Show

The Bee Sweet Citrus team plans to showcase its modernized label and new point-of-sale material at IFPA’s inaugural Global Produce and Floral Show.

Local Bounti to showcase new grab-and-go salads at IFPA Global Produce Show
Local Bounti to showcase new grab-and-go salads at IFPA Global Produce Show

IFPA attendees can sample and experience chef-inspired, grab-and-go salads utilizing Local Bounti's sustainably and locally grown lettuces.

Set the Stage for Soil Health with These Best Practices
Set the Stage for Soil Health with These Best Practices

If you are adding a new farm for next season, take a hard look at soil health. Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Field Agronomist, says start with the canvas rather than the paint.

One Nebraska Farmer Says Improving Soil Health Helped Keep Her on the Land
One Nebraska Farmer Says Improving Soil Health Helped Keep Her on the Land

In a moisture deficit area like southwest Nebraska conservation and regenerative practices have long been a staple for farmers.  That's important especially in drought years like 2022. 

SugarBee apples to be sold through collaborative partnership
SugarBee apples to be sold through collaborative partnership

Regal Fruit International is coordinating the sale of its proprietary SugarBee brand apples in partnership with Chelan Fresh, CMI Orchards and Sage Fruit.

Banker Confidence in the Rural Economy Drops to Two-Year Low
Banker Confidence in the Rural Economy Drops to Two-Year Low

For the sixth time in the past seven months, the rural economy has posted signs of weakness. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

The Organic Center and FFAR award $600,000 for organic research and support
The Organic Center and FFAR award $600,000 for organic research and support

Four organizations and two scientists are receiving over $600,000 to further climate research and technical support from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and The Organic Center.

8 Tips to Help You Navigate National FFA Convention and Expo
8 Tips to Help You Navigate National FFA Convention and Expo

How is FFA growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world? For many young people, growth occurs during the National FFA Convention & Expo. Here are a few tips to help attendees prepare for the event.

Wholesum brings organic heirloom tomatoes indoors
Wholesum brings organic heirloom tomatoes indoors

Organic and fair trade grower has harvested its first crop of greenhouse grown organic heirloom tomatoes in Arizona and will debut at the Global Produce and Floral Show.

IFG, Peru probe illegal planting and cultivation of proprietary table grapes
IFG, Peru probe illegal planting and cultivation of proprietary table grapes

The table grape breeder has been working with Peruvian authorities to identify properties where there is unauthorized planting, cultivating or illegal collecting and selling of its protected table grape varieties.

Protect Your Farm: Don’t Let Cyberattacks Hold Your Data for Ransom
Protect Your Farm: Don’t Let Cyberattacks Hold Your Data for Ransom

You could "lose the farm" because of an unforeseen cyberattack. Here's how to understand your risk and protect your farm.

Survey from ProducePay reveals grower and buyer concern over price volatility
Survey from ProducePay reveals grower and buyer concern over price volatility

Los Angeles-based ProducePay has released findings of a national survey that examined the day-to-day challenges of U.S. produce growers and buyers. 

Calculate the ROI for Technology on Your Farm
Calculate the ROI for Technology on Your Farm

With the right skill sets on your farm, technology can offer a more proactive approach to your operations rather than the reactive mentality we’re often inclined to adopt.

FirstFruits Farms announces the promotion of Lon Hudson to sales director
FirstFruits Farms announces the promotion of Lon Hudson to sales director

Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Farms has announced several staff moves, highlighted by the promotion of Lon Hudson to sales director.

The Packer needs your input on organic produce
The Packer needs your input on organic produce

The Packer is seeking input from suppliers for upcoming Oct. 31 coverage of organic produce. 

GLOBALG.A.P. becomes third-party certification for new Walmart U.S. pollinator health commitments
GLOBALG.A.P. becomes third-party certification for new Walmart U.S. pollinator health commitments

GLOBALG.A.P. North America has announced its GLOBALG.A.P. IFA (Integrated Farm Assurance) Standard is a recognized third-party certification for Walmart U.S. pollinator health commitments.

 Augmented reality offered to pear consumers
 Augmented reality offered to pear consumers

The Milwaukie, Ore.-based Pear Bureau Northwest’s new augmented reality experience reaches consumers in a fun, more immersive way. 

Ocean Mist Farms hires Mark Munger as senior director of marketing
Ocean Mist Farms hires Mark Munger as senior director of marketing

Produce industry veteran Mark Munger has joined artichoke grower Ocean Mist Farms as its next senior director of marketing.

Ken Melban promoted at California Avocado Commission
Ken Melban promoted at California Avocado Commission

The Irvine, Calif.-based California Avocado Commission has promoted Ken Melban to vice president of industry affairs and operations.