Lettuce
New state laws and a county-wide broadband network are turning science fiction into reality, allowing autonomous tractors and drones to revolutionize the nation’s leafy green production.
The Devens, Mass.-based greenhouse grower has quietly become North America’s top producer of indoor-grown lettuce, now capturing over 50% of the market. Its secret? Discipline all day long.
By merging cutting-edge automation with sustainable hydroponics, the company says its new Flora facility transforms Mississippi into a major regional hub for year-round, high-volume lettuce production.
Christian Bengard, a third-generation family member, brings more than six years of produce sales experience from Well-Pict/Gem-Pack, along with years of exposure within the fresh produce industry.
Economic losses to specialty crops last year were on a level that can put farming operations out of business, with the American Farm Bureau Federation estimating billions in losses to almonds, apples, lettuce, potatoes, strawberries and blueberries alone.
Organic growers are required to respond to the survey, a special study of the Census of Agriculture. Responses are due Feb. 5, 2026.
Agents at Pharr International Bridge in Texas seized more than 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine hidden within a commercial lettuce shipment attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico.
To learn more about the Devens, Mass.-based greenhouse grower’s decade of continued growth, The Packer sat down with CEO Paul Sellew at the recent IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show.
The company’s Pennsylvania site expands to 40 acres with the opening of its newest greenhouse.
The extended partnership supplies stores throughout the region with family-size salad kits from Local Bounti’s facility in Pasco, Wash.
The replenishment analyst and sales representative with Misionero Produce says she sees automation and forecasting playing a bigger role in meeting consumer’s expectations.
The vice president of marketing for Gotham Greens shares how brands can drive engagement in the produce department.
In a study by the University of California, Davis, glass infused with “quantum dot” technology shifted light to be more useable, growing bigger, more nutrient-rich lettuce.
Projections for 2025 are mixed, with cash receipts for vegetables and melons expected to decline, while those for fruits and nuts are expected to grow.
The Chelsea, Mass.-based brand plans in-store promotions and community events to mark this milestone while continuing its pledge to give back to the community.
Leafy greens and salads represent a large and strategically important consumer segment, the companies say.
California’s fresh produce industry, and particularly the lettuce and leafy greens sector, has attracted national media attention for its positive and highly proactive approach to a safer food supply.
The AI-based precision agriculture company said the new algorithm expands the capabilities of its ARA Ultra High Precision Sprayer.
From families broken to rising food prices to reduced access to fresh food and food waste, the ripple effect of Trump’s immigration crackdown on agriculture could be far reaching, says the Emerald Packaging CEO.
This National Salad Month, the company said it is offering a no-wilt solution with a chance to win a year’s supply of lettuce and a $2,500 grocery gift card.
The Salinas, Calif.-based leafy greens and vegetable grower says its products were not the source of E. coli mentioned in a lawsuit brought forth by Marler Clark.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association presented an award to the greenhouse grower for its new paper lettuce bag, which is set to launch soon.
Following a wet start to spring, growers report the Golden State’s leafy green production looks to be on pace to deliver good size and quantity.
The Food Safety Modernization Act’s new traceability final rule, the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement’s leafy greens assessment tool and the “Romaine Test and Learn” study seek to raise the bar and improve food safety.
The Packer met with Frank Yiannas to discuss his recent pivot to the private sector, why fresh produce needs food safety leaders and the opportunities he sees to raise the bar for indoor-grown leafy greens.
The vertical, controlled environment agriculture greens grower says it’s doubling its retail footprint by expanding to Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets California stores.
“Planting schedules just got thrown completely off kilter this year, and that just ripples through a season,” Mary Zischke, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California told The Packer.