Packer Insight — TEFAP, PLU stickers, Peruvian avocados and more

The Packer's editors discuss the big topics of the week, from USDA's The Emergency Food Assistance Program to PLU stickers to Peruvian avocados — plus an industry conversation on labor, rising costs and forecasting.

For more on each of these topics, check out the video and read more at the following links.

PMA speaks up for PLU stickers — The Produce Marketing Association and the International Federation for Produce Standards have gone to bat for PLU stickers as environmental groups and some legislation target them for elimination.

Room for improvement in USDA’s TEFAP program, United Fresh says — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s June 4 announcement of a $1 billion infusion in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to support and expand the emergency food network met with a lukewarm response from the United Fresh Produce Association.

Industry leaders talk labor shortage, rising costs, packaging and more — The United Fresh Produce Association recently held the first session in its Reimagine Conversations education track featuring retail and foodservice industry leaders, and the discussion covered topics including labor, forecasting, rising costs, packaging and more.

Avocados from Peru are coming in strong and sporty — From a great crop of large fruit to promotions during the summer Olympics and a focus on organics, the Peru Avocado Commission is gearing up for a busy Avocados from Peru season.