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Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt said consumers are seeing the value in buying locally grown produce more since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of the supply chain.

The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic sent shock waves through the supermarket industry, with shoppers in panic-buying mode stripping fruit and vegetable shelves bare.

Produce suppliers throughout the U.S. Heartland continue to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with most enjoying a sales boost on the retail side while foodservice business is taking a hit.

Belltown Hill Orchards, South Glastonbury, Conn., is a 110-year-old farm on 180 acres today run by brothers Donald and Michael Preli, fourth-generation family growers.

BRONX, N.Y. — The line of people waiting for fresh produce and a turkey stretched around the block on a chilly, sunny Monday, the second day of the weeklong Hunts Point Gives Back initiative.

Formerly known as the Hartford Regional Market, the Connecticut Regional Market has needed renovations and repairs for years — like several Northeastern wholesale food distribution markets built more than 50 years ago.

Business generally remains strong in the St. Louis, Mo., market, with the COVID-19 pandemic having varying effects on sales at area produce distributors.

Produce sales to foodservice operators have dipped significantly in the St. Louis market as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Distributors know that any resurgence won’t happen overnight.

About 4.2 million people live and eat in the greater Montreal metro area, a population that growers, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and marketers want to feed with their fresh produce as much as possible

The foodservice sector of the Greater Montreal produce industry held its collective breath for three months between March and June and has been trying to catch it ever since.