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Take a look at the fresh produce industry stories and topics that topped The Packer’s coverage during the year.

In 2023, the produce industry faced several challenges, including a significant recall of fresh-cut and whole cantaloupes toward the end of the year. Yet, the industry remains optimistic of the strides made this year.

More than ever, fresh produce growers needed guest workers to harvest their crops in 2023. At the same time, the escalating wage costs of the H-2A program — up nearly 20% since 2020 — have many desperate for relief.

New research looks to seek best ways to use wastewater to create biochar that retains nutrients and eliminates micropollutants.

Funds will help build Greenfield Robotics’ autonomous technology into other crops and Nitricity’s fertilizer produced without carbon emissions. Field trials begin for Nitricity’s fertilizer in the Salinas Valley.

The Ontario, Calif.-based Hispanic food retailer says it’s brightening the holidays for residents in the communities where Heritage banner grocery stores operate.

Chris Gerlach, USApple’s director of industry analytics, shared how this season draws parallels from a large crop in 2014-15.

The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 data shows younger shoppers, higher-income households, those with more kids at home were among those reporting the highest organic artichoke purchase rates.

Apples are an organic powerhouse in the fresh produce department. Learn why in this story from The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024.