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While the USDA begins rolling out long-awaited specialty crop grants, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles warns that the $1 billion in emergency relief for the industry remains stuck in neutral, leaving farmers waiting on urgently needed relief that has yet to arrive.

“Stokes Purple sweetpotatoes have that special balance of pigment to wow and appear very dark, while the sweetness is high enough to balance out the bitterness of the purple color,” says Jeremy Fookes, sales director for A.V. Thomas Produce.

In the role of vice president of public affairs, Vetter will support alignment on governmental affairs across the company’s global regions.

The 2026 grape season is defined by a shift toward high-flavor and organic heirloom varieties, supported by significant national research into vineyard resilience and a growing consumer demand for premium, “flavor-first” fruit.

As the indoor farming leader hits a decade and a half of operations, co-founder Viraj Puri moves to executive chairman while industry veteran Craig Stevenson takes the helm as CEO.

By training produce experts to identify and rescue fresh fruits and vegetables at their peak, Hannaford ensures that high-quality nutrition reaches local food banks and pantries instead of going to waste.

From a state-of-the-art tech stack to a day’s drive from the entire East Coast, this startup is prioritizing flavor and freshness over traditional yield-first models.

Distributors say big and bold techniques could help retailers move more mangoes.