Organics
A new clinical study suggests eating the equivalent of one cup of blueberries a day could help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting the growing link between diet and mental health.
The Packer’s retail editor Jill Dutton launches a new weekly column exploring the science and strategy of the 30-plants challenge, bridging the gap between personal nutrition and professional retail insights. This piece introduces the series and explains the “why” behind writing a column that turns a personal quest to eat more plants into actionable data for the produce industry.
Agriburbia is transforming modern land use by integrating high-tech, patented specialty crop systems into residential and institutional developments via rooftops, hospitals, schools and residential developments, effectively turning local food production into a vital piece of community infrastructure.
Built on the legacy of the Johnston family’s 1920s homestead in Gilbert, Ariz., Agritopia has evolved from a traditional desert farm into a premier “agri-hood” where 11 acres of organic orchards and row crops serve as the social heart of a modern residential village.
As Gen Z and millennials normalize organic consumption, the industry faces a pivotal moment: scaling production to meet “mainstream” demand without losing the trust and innovation that built the movement.
The Florida-based family-owned grocer with six stores has redefined the modern farm market experience.
At 60, “Farmer Steve” transformed an overgrown Connecticut property into a joyful garden, orchard and sunflower room that became a viral TikTok inspiration, proving it’s never too late to start growing.
The Organic Trade Association says the proposed legislation would make essential improvements to expand U.S. farmers’ and manufacturers’ capacity to meet the demands of the growing organic marketplace.
The Arizona farmer has taken a unique path from petting zoo operator to organic leadership.
The U.S. Food Waste Pact is uniting growers, retailers and supply-chain partners through data-driven collaboration to reduce on-farm losses and retail shrink — exemplified by the strawberry whole-chain pilot that turned unharvested, out-of-spec fruit into profitable new markets.
The collaboration aims to enhance access to hands-on STEM learning, sustainability education and next-generation career pathways for millions of students.
Each year, Berry Sweet Research assesses 10,000 seedlings and advances approximately 100 elite selections for further evaluation across three strategic trial locations in California and Mexico.
Together, the three organizations say they are advancing a cutting-edge approach to breeding and growing high-quality strawberries indoors.
Researchers at the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition highlight how data, packaging innovation and a focus on quality are key to reducing loss and waste throughout global food systems.
As director of northeast organic sales and procurement, Rose will help expand the company’s Pete’s Garden Organics line.
The company says it represents around 17% of the state’s industry, with over 2,500 acres of conventional, organic and Pink-A-Boo pineberry production.
The Organic Spent Mushroom Compost enhances soil fertility, optimizes productivity and achieves healthier, higher-quality harvests for produce, the grower says.
Sprouts Farmers Market is now offering squash from Kreher Family Farms, which is Certified Regenerative by A Greener World.
Pressured by disease and global issues on the one side, and changing consumer interests on the other, the future of banana marketing must become more engaging.
Jennifer Jacobs, who has nearly two decades of experience in the natural foods and retail industry, will lead member engagement efforts.
Through proceeds from limited-edition reusable bag sales and customer donations, the campaign raised a total of $113,220, exceeding the retailer’s $100,000 goal.
By highlighting the beauty of imperfection, the company says it is turning misshapen potatoes into a symbol of smarter, more sustainable shopping to help eliminate food waste.
A new mixed variety bag and 4-count EZ Band packaging help retailers find solutions for merchandising pears.
The company will showcase its expanded organic apple and pear line at the IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show.
Harrington shares why those entering the produce industry need to work in a produce department, the opportunities for apples, pears and cherries and more.
Sold under the Fruit World label, the grower-shipper says it will kick off citrus season early and offer organic Dulce mandarins, harvested just before its clementines.
With food insecurity affecting an estimated 48 million Americans, green tech like Careit helps nonprofits nationwide in the fight against food insecurity.
As part of a series on food waste, The Packer sat down with Jeff Yorzyk, senior director of sustainability for HelloFresh North America, to discuss the company’s strategies to reduce food waste and its milestone achievement of donating 10 million meals through the Meals with Meaning program.
At Groceryshop 2025, keynote speaker Jack Sinclair, CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market, outlined how the grocer’s future growth hinges on fresh produce, smaller-format stores and a steady stream of innovation.
This week’s Fresh Produce Fridays features Kendall Rae Johnson, a young Georgia farmer who shares how her passion for growing food earned her a full-ride scholarship to South Carolina State University.