PRODUCE

Record-Breaking 2026 CPMA Convention and Trade Show Returns to Toronto

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:25:54 GMT

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association 2026 Convention and Trade Show, returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from April 28-30, is set to gather an international fresh produce audience for three dynamic days of education, expo, networking and more.

This year’s event also features a record-breaking more than 700 booths and a focus on ag tech. What does this growth signal about the health of the Canadian produce industry despite economic headwinds?

“Canada is open for business!” CPMA’s Sue Lewis exclaims. “Buyers and sellers from around the world will be at the 2026 show.”

While CPMA 2026 will bring back a host of fan favorites from Tuesday’s Toronto retail tour to Thursday’s awards brunch and annual banquet, there are new elements to look forward to this year as well, including extended trade show hours on Wednesday, the first day of the show.

“The [extended hours are] a result of feedback from exhibitors and attendees who wanted more time on the floor to conduct business,” says Lewis. “To accommodate this, CPMA will have food stations on the show floor Wednesday so guests can grab a bite as they walk the floor.”

Also on Wednesday, futurist Jim Carroll will deliver the keynote during the delegate breakfast. Recognized as a leading futurist, trends and innovation expert, Carroll’s massive global blue-chip client list gives him a front-row seat to the high-velocity change that is occurring as disruption comes to take hold of every industry and every organization, according to CPMA.

Learning Lounges

CPMA 2026 is set to tackle a variety of hot topics in its Learning Lounges on Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30.

“The Learning Lounge sessions are designed to be short information sessions on timely topics, delivered by industry experts,” says Lewis. “Attendees can pop into a 30-minute session and take a seated break from walking the trade show.”

Wednesday’s Learning Lounges will feature a session on AI implementation and supply chain resiliency, as well as a session on trade in 2026, which will explore the state of trade as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, review approaches.

On Thursday, attendees can learn more about building their personal brand; leveraging social media influencers for business success; and what’s in store in 2026 — a Learning Lounge that will feature retail and foodservice representatives from across Canada discussing what 2026 and beyond looks like in-store.

A full schedule of sessions with descriptions is available on the CPMA website and will be posted throughout the show.

Ontario Food Terminal Tour

Bright and early Thursday morning, attendees who have secured a spot on the sold-out Ontario Food Terminal tour will get an inside look at this iconic market.

“Attendees will have a unique opportunity to see the workings of the Ontario Food Terminal, a publicly owned wholesale market that plays a critical role in ensuring affordable, reliable and culturally appropriate access to fresh fruits and vegetables across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond,” says Lewis. “Research demonstrates that the OFT supports a diverse retail food landscape by supplying independent grocers, mobile vendors and community-based retailers that serve lower-income and underserved neighborhoods, helping to keep produce prices competitive with major supermarket chains.”

The Ontario Food Terminal distributes over 2 billion pounds of produce annually, supplying independent grocers, midsized retailers, greengrocers, restaurants, mobile produce vendors and community markets from Toronto to Atlantic Canada, says Lewis.

CPMA data shows that fresh produce sourced through the terminal is distributed to communities in nine provinces, supporting both urban and remote food access. The terminal also directly supports 250 to 300 Ontario farmers, many of whom rely on it as their primary or most stable market, particularly midsized farms that face barriers accessing consolidated grocery supply chains, says Lewis.

An International Event

The CPMA Convention and Trade Show has long been a truly international gathering. The 2025 event attracted some 630 exhibitors representing over 325 companies, 138 of which were international exhibitors from eight countries.

This year’s CPMA Show features a robust dedicated program for international buyers. Lewis says while the program launched in 2022, it has expanded this year to include retailers and wholesalers from Europe, the Americas and Asia.

“Canada is diversifying its trading partners across many sectors, and produce is no exception,” Lewis says.

The Place for New Products

The 2025 New Product Showcase included 70 products from 49 different companies, and this year’s showcase promises to be equally impressive.

“The produce industry is so creative and ever-changing, so it’s always fun to see what’s on display in the New Product Showcase,” says Lewis.

This year, Lewis says to “look for new snacking items and creatively branded packaging” in the showcase.

Awards at CPMA

The CPMA Show is also an opportunity to celebrate the leaders, changemakers and innovators in the Canadian produce industry.

This year, The Packer and CPMA will once again present the Canadian Produce Person of the Year Award during Thursday’s awards brunch.

“The awards brunch is a chance to honor the best of the industry,” says Lewis.

In addition to the Canadian Produce Person of the Year Award, CPMA will honor a young professional who displays passion and dedication for the produce industry with the Young Professional Award.

The association will also recognize a member using the Half Your Plate message to promote increased produce consumption with the Fresh Health Award and celebrate a pillar of the industry with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Women in Produce Summit

CPMA’s Women in Produce Summit has become a cornerstone of the overall event. Held Friday, May 1, this year’s half-day event is dedicated to celebrating women and highlighting their leadership and achievements within the fresh produce industry.

“We are proud that the summit attracts women from all stages of their careers — from those starting out to industry veterans who contribute their knowledge,” says Lewis. “Our speakers always bring great perspective with their messages. This year we’re excited to hear from our keynote speaker Seema Sanghavi , founder of Cooks Who Feed , [who will] share her exciting story, and Crystal MacKay, founder of Loft 32 , who will lead a workshop on networking and how to connect for success.

“The energy in the room from so many people sharing their experience is amazing,” Lewis adds. “Of course, we welcome everyone to join — men and women.”

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U.S. Sweetpotato Consumption Nearly Doubles in Last Two Decades, Suppliers Ready to Meet Demand

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:54:00 GMT

U.S. sweetpotato consumption continues to climb as more consumers discover the category’s taste, versatility and nutrition benefits.

Per capita sweetpotato consumption has nearly doubled since 2002, when it averaged 3.7 pounds per person, according to the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission.

As grower-shippers reached the halfway point of their 2025 storage crop, most said they’re in good shape to handle continuing demand even after experiencing strong sales early in the year.

Vick Family Farms

At Wilson, N.C.-based Vick Family Farms, partner Charlotte Vick reported in early March that sales were on track to keep customers supplied until the new crop is harvested in the fall.

“Our additional storage facility we put in last fall has really helped us ensure we have supply for our customer’s needs,” she says.

Quality of this season’s crop has been very good, so it’s helping to relieve some of the pressure from the increased sales of the past few months, Vick says.

Covington is the company’s leading variety, and the firm strives to provide sweetpotatoes year-round, she adds.

The Covington sweetpotato is the leading variety from Nashville, N.C.-based Nash Produce LLC, says Robin Narron, marketing director. But the company also grows specialty varieties, such as Murasaki, which has a purple skin and white flesh with a slightly nutty flavor; and bonita, a white-fleshed sweetpotato with a mild, sweet taste, Narron says.

(Photo courtesy of Nash Produce LLC
)

Nash Produce

Nashville, N.C.-based Nash Produce LLC can store 3.2 million bushels of sweetpotatoes in climate-controlled storage, says Robin Narron, marketing director.

“Nash Produce plans to have sweetpotatoes available year-round,” she says. “Thanks to our curing process and climate-controlled storage, we are able to store large volumes of sweetpotatoes after harvest and ship them to customers throughout the year.”

The popular Covington sweetpotato is the company’s primary variety, but Nash Produce also grows specialty varieties, such as Murasaki, which has a purple skin and white flesh with a slightly nutty flavor; and bonita, a white-fleshed sweetpotato with a mild, sweet taste, Narron says.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms

Quality of the storage crop from Matthews Ridgeview Farms, Wynne, Ark., is excellent, says Jaylie Lourens, who handles sales and marketing.

“We had a very pretty crop, and the potatoes are holding up well in storage,” she says. Volume has been moving quickly because of strong customer demand.

“At this pace we expect to move through the crop and have just enough to carry us into the new crop,” Lourens says.
Climate-controlled storage facilities enable the company to maintain firm, high-quality sweetpotatoes and supply customers year-round, she adds.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms primarily grows Beauregard sweetpotatoes, Lourens says, but the company continues to trial and grow smaller volumes of other varieties, such as Orleans and a newer variety called Avoyelles.

“We are currently looking at some Murasaki types as well,” she says.

Sweetpotato supplies from Livingston, Calif.-based A.V. Thomas Produce are holding up well, says Jeremy Fookes, director of sales, but the company likely will run out of some of its specialty varieties. “Those will be seasonal opportunity selections that will be marketed more for winter, not for spring-summer,” Fookes says.

(Photo courtesy of A.V. Thomas Produce
)

A.V. Thomas Produce

The storage crop that runs from November to the end of July from Livingston, Calif.-based A.V. Thomas Produce is holding up well, says Jeremy Fookes, director of sales, but the company likely will run out of some of its specialty varieties, “some by demand and some by choice,” he adds.

Some specialty sweetpotatoes can’t be stored long term, Fookes says.

“Those will be seasonal opportunity selections that will be marketed more for winter, not for spring-summer,” Fookes says.
Specialty varieties, especially purple ones, are experiencing growing interest from consumers as well as retailers, he says.
Examples are Ben Yagi, Stokes Purple, Murasaki and okinawa.

The company sources okinawa sweetpotatoes from Hawaii, where they grow better than they do in California.
Murasaki sweetpotatoes have risen to prominence in the produce department over the past two years, Fookes says.

Pack Options

Sweetpotato suppliers feature a variety of packaging options. At Vick Family Farms that means a range of packs that includes bulk, individual microwavable sweetpotatoes, steamer bags, 3- and 5-pound bags, tray packs and processing grades, Vick says.

About 70% of the company’s sweetpotatoes are sold in bulk cartons, and the remainder come in consumer packs.
The No. 1 seller at Matthews Ridgeview Farms remains the traditional 40-pound bulk carton, Lourens says.

In addition, the company offers several consumer-friendly options including microwave-ready sweetpotatoes, tray packs, 3-pound bags and 5-pound bags.

“We are able to accommodate a variety of packaging needs depending on customer preferences,” she adds.
About 65% of the firm’s sweetpotatoes are sold in bulk 40-pound cartons, with the remaining 35% in consumer packaging.
“We expect that percentage to approach closer to 40% in the future,” Lourens says.

Nash Produce offers a wide range of consumer packaging options to meet the needs of its retail partners, Narron says.
These include various traditional bulk pack sizes, mesh bags, steamable bags, individual microwavable potatoes, and tray packs designed for convenience and merchandising flexibility, she says.

“We also work closely with retailers to develop custom packaging and private label programs that fit their specific merchandising strategies,” Narron adds.

A.V. Thomas packs about half of its sweetpotatoes in consumers packaging, Fookes says. Breathable mesh bags are the company’s primary consumer pack.

“That’s the best vehicle for shelf life of the product, breathability, visibility of the product,” he says.
Other options include ready-to-eat sweetpotatoes, individually wrapped microwavable sweetpotatoes and steamer bags.

Are We on the Verge of a Global Food Crisis?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:01:27 GMT

In a world of erratic climates and geopolitical volatility, data is becoming as essential as soil to our food supply. That data, specifically new predictive modeling, suggests a catastrophe is looming.

Are we on the verge of a global food crisis? Yes, says Francisco Martin-Rayo, whose Helios AI platform aggregates billions of data points to provide a real-time view of the climate and economic risks affecting commodities around the globe.

“We’re at the beginning of the worst food crisis we’ve ever seen, with global food prices heading 12% to 18% higher by the end of the year,” says the Helios AI CEO and co-founder.

The cause? Martin-Rayo says 50% of globally traded urea transits through the now-closed Strait of Hormuz; Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO), the world’s largest urea production site, is currently offline; and spring planting is underway in the Northern Hemisphere without full access to fertilizer.

The exec detailed the crisis in an op-ed piece, “The Iran War’s Other Energy Shortage — Food,” published in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

Helios’ AI platform aggregates billions of data points to provide a real-time view of the climate and economic risks affecting commodities around the globe, so it can equip customers with the market intelligence they need to get ahead of price movements and supply disruptions.

“We cover 90% of all the places in the world that are growing commodities for export. We cover 77 commodities across 90 countries,” says Martin-Rayo. “We’re always showing you what’s the total percent of production, what’s the total percentage of export. And that allows our folks to say, ‘Hey, we don’t think you’re going to get your tomatoes from Spain or Mexico or California or your mangoes from Peru or your blueberries from Chile. Here are the other places you really need to start looking at.’”

Predicting Specialty Crops in Crisis

Aggregating these billions of data points across the world’s key growing regions allows Helios to predict everything from bumps in the supply chain road to major disruptions like the ongoing Brazilian citrus crisis, which intensified in 2024 with record-low production and all-time high orange juice prices, driven by citrus greening disease (also known as huanglongbing or HLB), severe droughts and heatwaves.

Months ahead, the data told Helios that heat and drought levels were high in Brazilian citrus groves, and a forecast for a crisis was likely.

“We predicted the Brazilian citrus [crisis] eight months before Reuters and Expana, and 12 months before the USDA,” says Martin-Rayo. “When you had that level of heat and drought during the flowering period, it’s just not going to happen, right? Those are not the right conditions for the citrus trees to develop flowers. So, we basically told our customers, ‘You’re going to have to find an alternative [supply].’”

More recently, unexpected freezes impacted cherries in Michigan and Turkey simultaneously.

“Cherries is one of the most interesting items in produce, because it’s not really fungible like raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, which are somewhat from a consumer perspective. Cherries are not [interchangeable with other fruit],” Martin-Rayo says. “These are the types of insights we bring in: If you think you’re going to have a really bad cherry harvest, here’s what it means and what supply levers you can pull.”

At present, Helios is working with California peaches, as it expects “a pretty bad drought this summer,” he says.

CEO Francisco Martin-Rayo says we’re on the verge of the worst food crisis we’ve ever seen.

(Photo courtesy of Helios AI)

Global Supply Chain Disruption

Citrus, cherries and peaches are three examples, but Martin-Rayo says Helios is tracking agricultural commodities around the globe to help procurement teams leverage AI to get ahead of supply chain interruption.

“When I say we cover 90% of all the places in the world that are growing these commodities for export, it’s almost at the farm level,” he says. “Every 24 hours, we’re constantly updating actual temperatures, precipitation, speed — all these different weather metrics, and we reforecast it out for the next 10 years, but the core forecast is really the next two years, so it gives us an unrivaled look at what any crop looks like globally overall.”

With weather increasingly wild, Martin-Rayo says the Helios value proposition is resonating like never before.

“We work with one of the largest retailers in the U.K. They buy a couple billion dollars’ worth of produce a year,” says Martin-Rayo. “Our main contact there has been in the field 30 years. We were talking recently — though before the war — and he said, ‘The last two months have been the hardest two months of my professional career because of climate.’”

Every major retailer is sourcing globally, which means every retailer is impacted not just by the weather in their own backyard but also around the world.

“It is such a different environment and ecosystem than it was even two or three years ago when we first started,” says Martin-Rayo. When he and Eden Canlilar, Helios co-founder and chief technology officer, launched in 2022, they had to convince potential customers there was a need for their AI platform.

“We don’t have to do that anymore,” he says. “Now, we just have to convince them that we’re the best company out there.”

From Fertilizer to Food Crisis

As to fertilizer shortages and soaring input costs impacting food supplies, Martin-Rayo says he spoke with an Australian grain grower last week who has access to just 15% of the urea he needs for planting, with no viable source to fill the gap.

“That conversation is being replicated from the Punjab to the Po Valley to the Cerrado,” says Martin-Rayo. “Fertilizer not applied in April cannot be retroactively applied in July.” For the Australian wheat grower, if he only has 15% of the fertilizer he needs, it means lower production and lower yields in the future, he says.

And as the global supply chain awaits the Strait of Hormuz reopening, a recovery won’t be instantaneous, Martin-Rayo warns.

“The strait will reopen, but the food system clock doesn’t reset when it does,” he says. “The fuse was lit in February. The harvest damage is already locked in.”

As a result, Helios predicts global food prices rising by as much as 18% by the end of 2026.

“Unfortunately, that’s what we expect,” he says. “We work with procurement managers that are sourcing agricultural commodities globally, and there were these dual shocks that happened. Your strait closes, and the Gulf isn’t necessarily important in terms of a lot of agricultural commodities, but it’s so crucial in terms of fertilizer.”

The combined impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and QAFCO shutting down had significant repercussions on fertilizer supplies, says Martin-Rayo, who estimates QAFCO makes up 14% of total urea production globally.

“And the hard part about growing conditions right now is, when are we going to have a ceasefire? When are we going to have oil transport, etc. Even if you had a ceasefire tomorrow, you still have to demine. You have to get insurance rates to the level where it makes sense to transport goods. You have to get captains who are comfortable transporting — and then the first thing you’re going to transport is going to be oil … You’re going to export the thing that gives you the highest profit margin.”

The Domino Effect

Australia produces a high-protein type of wheat, says Martin-Rayo. The lack of fertilizer now will result in lower harvests for the Australian wheat grower, which means grain stocks go down, he says. Then the market looks for the product elsewhere, like the U.S., another supplier of high-protein wheat.

“Then you have a price issue, but eventually it becomes an availability issue, and you start to look at export restrictions, and that’s when it gets really difficult, because when we look at the futures markets, what they’re pricing right now is a price shock, but they’re not pricing availability or an export restriction shock, and that is a huge difference,” says Martin-Rayo.

He says while the U.S. is in a somewhat different situation than the Australian wheat grower, the interconnectedness of the global food supply means everyone must brace for impact.

“We’re incredibly lucky in the United States,” he says. “We are geographically blessed. I think we make domestically 75% of the nitrogen fertilizer we need to use, but we’re still impacted by global prices, and so we’re not going to have an availability shock, but we’re already seeing the price shock.

“Farming is probably the most difficult business in the world,” he continues. “If everything is perfect, you make a few points. If anything goes wrong, you lose money.”

Martin-Rayo estimates urea prices last year were in the $400s per metric ton and they’re now in the $600s.

“It’s a huge input differential,” he says. “And so that’s also going to impact the amount of fertilizer you’re putting in.

“The agricultural supply chain is so tightly integrated at the global level, and once certain problems kick off, like the ones we’re seeing now around price and availability of fertilizer, it really starts to cascade, which is what we worry about,” he adds.

While Martin-Rayo says row crops will more immediately feel the impact of soaring fertilizer costs, specialty crops are part of the same global food supply ecosystem.

“Within the specialty crop market, we need to do a deeper dive in terms of what are the different inputs across the different specialty crops? What are the different margins that exist there? How will this impact them?” he says.

And rising fuel prices will also contribute to the cost of produce, whether it’s coming from California, Mexico or overseas, says Martin-Rayo.

“This is after you grow it, you’ve already paid more for your input costs,” he says. “Then that second part of it is it’s actually a lot more expensive to transport.”

Mark Your Calendars
For additional insights on demand forecasting and how AI is helping to protect and grow retail margins, join us at West Coast Produce Expo , May 27-29, where Helios AI CEO Francisco Martin-Rayo is one of our esteemed speakers.

After Florida Freezes, West Mexico Shippers Eye Robust Spring Amid High Prices

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:41:33 GMT

A pair of damaging freezes in Florida this winter caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses in that state and put a squeeze on supplies out of west Mexico. As a result, prices of Mexican produce were sent skyrocketing. Here’s a look at how some distributors near the Nogales, Ariz., port of entry are dealing with conditions this spring.

Ciruli Bros.

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. has a substantial mango program and ships vegetables like cucumbers, squash and eggplant.

“We’ve had some of the highest prices I’ve seen in the past 30 years I’ve been doing this,” says partner Chris Ciruli.

Prices should settle down when the U.S. starts producing again in late March, he says.

The company also has experienced growth in demand for organic items including squash, peppers, cucumbers and cabbage.

Ciruli Bros.’ mango deal kicked off the last week of February with the “first-flower” harvest. Second flower was expected to begin around March 23.

That will lead into Easter business, Ciruli says, with clear sailing for harvesting and preparing for Cinco de Mayo.

“We’re trending ahead of where Mexico was harvesting for 2025,” he said the first week of March.

The company was shipping 100% Champagne mangoes in March and will begin round varieties after Easter, April 5.

“Pricing has been challenging,” he says.

Freight costs have risen, and the U.S.-Mexico currency exchange rate is not favorable. Last year the rate was 18 pesos per dollar. This year it has dropped to 16 pesos per dollar, Ciruli says.

Core products from Rio Rico, Ariz.-based IPR Fresh are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development. The company has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, he says.

(Photo courtesy of IPR Fresh)

IPR Fresh

Rio Rico-based IPR Fresh has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development.

“We also increased production with our existing grower partners, securing additional acreage and boosting overall bell pepper volume,” he says.

The company’s core products are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers.

Weather conditions have been favorable for nearly the entire season in central and western Mexico, Munger says, adding that he’s confident market conditions will stay steady into spring.

“Cooler than normal weather in the southeastern U.S. this winter has kept demand strong, resulting in markets for west Mexico hothouse bell peppers that have remained very firm and slightly above historical averages for most of the season,” he says.

Quality and sizing have been strong for most of the season as well.

“Looking ahead to the remainder of the west Mexico program, we’re confident that this consistency will continue,” Munger says.

Grower Alliance

“Prices are through the roof right now on everything — green bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, watermelons, honeydews, hot peppers,” Jorge Quintero Jr., partner at Grower Alliance LLC in Rio Rico, said in early March.

Prices on up to 90% of the company’s items are strong because of the weather issues in Florida, he says.

“We’ve been able to see some really high prices to offset the bad prices we saw in the fall,” Quintero says.

Quality problems have been minimal, he says. However, some green beans have experienced whitefly infestations that don’t usually materialize until mid-April.

“[Green bean] yields probably will be lower, but with prices where they are right now, we should be able to come out all right,” he says.

The company’s volume should be similar to last year, if not a bit larger, Quintero says.

Caribe yellow chili peppers are among a number of items shipped by Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Rich River Produce LLC, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager. The company is expanding its warehouse by 20,000 square feet this spring, he says.

(Photo courtesy of Rich River Produce LLC)

Rich River

Rio Rico-based Rich River Produce LLC has experienced a hectic season, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager.

“Things started out sky high in October, then came off, then went up again after the freeze happened in Florida,” he says. “We’re expecting to have a strong finish to our season, which will probably go until June.”

The company has seen good but not great production out of west Mexico, he says.

“We are expecting good pricing and good order flow,” he adds.

Quality was looking good for new items now coming out of Hermosillo, Guaymas and Obregon in Sonora, he says. But the same could not be said for the tail end of the deal out of Sinaloa, which will wrap up around the end of March.

“Prices are high, quality is fair,” out of Sinaloa, he says.

“We’re running into issues here and there,” Duarte adds. “We’re not looking at diamonds, but they’re the same amount of money as if they were diamonds.”

Volume at Rich River Produce should be a bit higher than last year because growers were not sending out as much product a year ago because of low markets.

“Right now, with the situation the way it is, they’re sending us everything because they’re getting really good prices for it,” he says.

MAS Melons & Grapes

Rio Rico-based MAS Melons & Grapes will kick off its new honeydew program around April 1 and start watermelons the week of April 12, says Miguel Suarez Jr., sales manager. Good weather should bring on good quality, he says. Volume should be about the same as last year.

“Markets and quality are all pointing in a positive direction,” he says.

Honeydews and watermelons will continue to be shipped out of southern Mexico until the end of March and into April.

“That will take us into our northern Mexico deal probably pretty flawlessly,” he says.

The company also ships butternut squash and kabocha squash.

“The workhorse definitely in the summer is our watermelon and honeydew programs,” Suarez says.

The company has pulled back a bit from table grapes. The Mexican grape deal traditionally has been 10 to 12 weeks in the spring and summer, he says, but that has shrunk to about eight weeks.

“The majority of our acreage was in Caborca, which is the later part of the deal, which is becoming a little bit of a challenge,” he says.

Also, retailers tend to seek out year-round suppliers.

“We were basically a boutique grape company,” he says.

But Suarez is optimistic for the future.

“I do believe the boutique grape will be back at one point,” he says.

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Fintech Startup Thombar Seeks to Solve the Specialty Crop Credit Crunch

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:50:42 GMT

Specialty crop growers are in economic crisis, battling rising input and labor costs, wild weather and geopolitical volatility, all while their access to credit tightens. Thombar , a new financial technology company purpose-built for U.S. specialty crop growers, aims to offer a solution to this economic strain by making growers more financially resilient.

Launched in January, the Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Thombar offers a dedicated financial platform that founder and CEO Liron Brish says is designed around the realities of specialty agriculture, an estimated $75 billion to $100 billion segment of the U.S. economy that has long relied on financial products designed for row crops or small businesses outside of agriculture.

Thombar is not a bank, Brish says. It’s a financial technology company that has partnered with i3 Bank in Bennington, Neb., which holds the bank charter.

“Anytime somebody deposits money with us, it sits with our bank partner and is FDIC insured up to $3 million,” says Brish. “Think of it like Chime — Chime isn’t technically a bank either, but your money is fully protected through their banking partner. We’re the same model, built specifically for specialty growers.”

Named for Thomas Barbour Lathrop, a philanthropist and world traveler who reshaped U.S. agriculture by funding the introduction of thousands of new specialty crop varieties, Thombar was born from the realization that specialty crop growers lacked both a financial institution that understands their unique risk management needs and, in many cases, the resources to hire their own chief financial officer.

“In terms of financial risk management for specialty crop growers, best-case scenario, they’re going to an ag bank, but oftentimes they’re focused on corn and soy, so it’s not relevant. It’s completely different,” Brish says. “Or the growers are going to a great bank, a Wells Fargo of the world, but that isn’t going to focus on the specialty crop growers’ actual needs. It’s going to be generic SMB [small and medium-size businesses] or the community bank that doesn’t have the technical wherewithal to innovate on that side.

“That’s exactly where we’re stepping in,” he continues. “The idea starts with first focusing on that customer’s needs — on the multiple variations within the season, high labor demand, the variety of different ways they pay and get paid. In my opinion, specialty growers have more financial complexity than banks see with any other small business in the states.”

An AI-Powered CFO

Brish says Thombar aims to create a kind of financial ecosystem for the specialty grower in which, firstly, they can earn more on their money.

“You can earn up to 2.75% interest, which is especially relevant in the time between harvest and when next season starts. That’s one component,” he says. “The second component is pulling together various lines of credit opportunities for growers. Right now, we’ve got one line of credit opportunity that you can get approved within about five minutes. Money is in the bank tomorrow. It’s only up to $150,000 right now, but if you’ve got this very short gap of, ‘Hey, I got to pay my workers today, and I’m not getting paid until two days from now,’ it’s perfect for that. We have an additional line of credit product that starts at $1,000,000 and requires farmland as security.”

Thombar currently offers:

Up to 2.5% annual percentage yield on eligible balances.
A digital banking experience designed around real agricultural cash flow cycles.
Access to more than $30,000 in grower-only perks (once an account is funded with $5,000 or more) through partnerships with eight specialty agriculture retailers and service providers.

Brish says the third component is a specialty crop grower perks package from one of Thombar’s eight specialty agriculture retailers and service providers. Perks include one free soil sample with Wilbur-Ellis, 10% off hardware in the first year of service with Farmblox , discounted pollination monitoring with BeeHero , set up fees waived with Swan Systems and more. Thombar says it’s working on additional perks.

“We’ve created this perks package specific to specialty growers, as opposed to, if I’m with Wells Fargo, they’ll give me 1% off at the Cheesecake Factory, and that’s not relevant to me as a specialty grower, right?” Brish says.

A fourth benefit — an intelligence platform/risk dashboard where growers can track prices related to everything they grow and much more — has just been launched.

“It’s USDA prices, and we know they’re not always perfect, but at least trendwise, they’re great,” Brish says. “We’re also pulling in real-time diesel prices, real-time trucking prices and availability, real-time packaging prices, and soon we’re going to have real-time fertilizer prices to really give this one-stop shop for the grower.”

Thombar is currently building an AI-driven intelligence layer to connect all the data on the dashboard, says Brish.

“Think about it almost like an in-house CFO for a grower,” he says. “Most growers want to grow. They’re great operators but they don’t necessarily have the time to be the finance expert too. And they don’t necessarily have experience to identify the trade-offs in various credit facilities that we have.”

Thombar seeks to create a financial ecosystem that allows specialty crop growers to earn more and save more.

(Graphic courtesy of Thombar)

The AI-driven platform will have visibility into growers’ financials and market forces as well as a QuickBooks integration, Brish explains.

“Now you can start to connect the dots where a grower can ask, ‘Hey, diesel prices are up 20% over last week. What’s that going to do to my break even?’ Well, now you need to sell for $12 a pound as opposed to $11.25,” Brish says. The system will also alert growers to places they can save, like with Thombar’s retail and service partners’ perks.

Or say you want to buy $150,000 in fertilizer. The platform will have visibility into your credit potential, interest rates, perks, cash flow, where you are in the growing season and more, Brish says. It takes this intelligence and makes a recommendation considering all the factors.

“It’s an in-house CFO that is your co-pilot,” says Brish. “Interestingly, Mastercard, just a couple of days ago, announced that they’re launching a similar thing for SMBs, where they’ve got this AI-driven C-suite, which is great, but we know that growers can be very, very different than what Mastercard is going to build for them.”

Brish says the goal is to help specialty crop growers earn more and save more.

“That’s the foundation of this. And then the next step is the intelligence layer on top of that, to help the grower be more active in terms of financial risk management,” he says. “That’s really where we want to get to, is this intelligence layer over the banking that is available right now.”

Growing Together

Thombar is looking for specialty crop farmers who want to grow together, Brish says.

“We welcome any fruit, veggie, nut grower to come sign up, open up a bank account, start earning more right away, and start utilizing those perks. There’s no cost to the grower,” he says. “We’re young. Our bank partner has been around since the 1920s, but we ourselves are young, which means that for anybody who signs up right now, they get to be an integral part of the journey. And what I mean by that is we’re not like any other bank; we’re building these additional intelligence tools for the grower, and we want partners who have opinions and feedback and help us build this out.”

While Brish recognizes that establishing a new financial technology company with banking capabilities is challenging, he’s hopeful specialty crop growers will see Thombar’s value.

“We don’t expect anybody to find out about us today and say, ‘Here, Thombar, take all $500,000 that I have,” he says. “Our hope is that folks put in $20,000 to $25,000.”

Ultimately, says Brish, Thombar will build its reputation by successfully managing the financial side of the business to allow specialty crop growers to focus on their farming operations.

“The North Star mission for what we’re doing is to protect domestic food supply,” Brish says. “We want to keep U.S. farmers farming for domestic food supplies and domestic security. How do we do that? … The way we get there is providing more credit offerings, providing more perks and providing more insights for the grower.”

Extreme Weather Pushes Specialty Crop Growers to the Brink, Groups Renew Call for Aid

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:20:51 GMT

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance joined more than 50 agricultural organizations from across the country on March 19 to urge assistance for America’s farmers. Led by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the letter to President Trump highlights impacts to America’s food production, specifically challenges faced due to market pressures, extreme winter weather and geopolitical uncertainty.

Speaking to challenges faced by specialty crop growers specifically, the letter says while investments made by USDA last year were much needed, farmers were then hit with extreme weather events in January of this year, which caused billions of dollars in losses, including major losses for fruit, vegetable and citrus crops in the Southeast. Meanwhile, in the West, a warm winter has raised concerns for irrigation water supplies in the coming months.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent fuel and fertilizer prices skyrocketing, has further strained the farm economy, the letter says. And maritime freight disruptions from the ongoing conflict in Iran propose “significant consequences to food security here at home and around the world.”

“The adversity facing our industry has never been greater, and it is essential that the administration strengthen and expand support for our specialty crop growers,” the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance said in a statement. “Specialty crops account for one-third of all U.S. crop sales and should receive no less than one-third of any agricultural aid package. That is why we continue to call on Congress for a dedicated aid package for specialty crops of not less than $5 billion, with clear guidance for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to structure the program after President Trump’s highly successful CFAP-2 program. The future of America’s specialty crop industry depends on meaningful, proportionate support.”

The groups’ letter to Trump asks for “meaningful support for all specialty crop” growers among other farmers and ranchers.

“Without timely assistance, continued losses risk accelerating farm closures, reducing domestic production capacity and weakening the ability of farmers and ranchers across this great nation to provide food, clothes and fuel for the American people,” the letter says.

Among the more than 50 farming groups that signed the letter were numerous groups representing specialty crop interests, including the California Avocado Commission, Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Potato Council, National Watermelon Association, North American Blueberry Council, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, Texas Citrus Mutual, U.S. Apple Association, Western Growers Association and more.

USDA Undersecretary on FBA, Additional Specialty Crop Aid

“AgriTalk’s” Chip Flory spoke with Richard Fordyce, USDA undersecretary for farm production and conservation, on March 18 about the status of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, if additional aid may be coming and what specialty crop growers can expect.

“[The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program] is rolling along really well,” Fordyce says, adding they’ve received close to 400,000 applications since Feb. 23, when applications opened. “We’re upward — getting close — to $9 billion obligated in that program out of a total of $11 billion. So, we’re well on our way to getting that finished. Folks have until April 17 to take a look at the form again. It’s prefilled. Nothing for the producer to do except sign the form.”

Flory then asked Fordyce about the $1 billion in allocation for specialty crops and sugar. Citing a Civil Eats report , which says some smaller specialty crop farmers didn’t apply for aid before the March 13 deadline because the process was too onerous, he asked the undersecretary what he’s hearing.

Fordyce says specialty crop growers interested in applying for aid were asked to report acreage and crop types by March 13.

“If folks got in, or at least notified the local FSA office that they wanted to do an acreage report, we put them on what we call ‘a register,’ and we’re going to get those … finished in the next week or two, when we know the universe of acres that will be in specialty crops. Then we’ll be able to actually calculate the payment rates and make those announcements. Then we’ll start with the implementation of that program, very similarly to the way we did the Farmer Bridge Assistance.”

Does Fordyce see momentum in Congress toward another farm support program?

“We do hear some signals that there is a desire to do some additional — to offer some additional assistance,” he says. “I just don’t know what that number would look like.”

As for specialty crop groups who are hoping for a bigger piece of the support pie if there is another round of funding, Fordyce says “it makes sense” they would get more aid.

“The split on the FBA versus the specialty crops was really due to the total impacted acres … the fact that we had some economic data [and] we were able to calculate payment rates probably a bit more representative on the Farmer Bridge Assistance,” he says. “From what I’m hearing, if there’s additional assistance coming from Congress, specialty crops would be included in that.”

IFPA Applauds Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:37:56 GMT

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) issued the following statement following the Supreme Court of the United States’ 6–3 ruling that President Donald Trump’s tariff policies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unconstitutional.

“IFPA welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision clarifying the limits of IEEPA and reaffirming that broad, country-specific tariffs fall outside its intended scope. The global trade of fresh produce is essential to the health and well-being of people in every nation, and today’s ruling helps restore predictability to a uniquely complex, seasonally driven marketplace.

“While targeted tariffs can be a tool for addressing inequities between trading partners, the broad application of this blunt instrument can disrupt markets, raise consumer costs, and place unnecessary strain on growers and producers across the supply chain. IFPA’s successful advocacy for key exemptions in 2025 underscored the importance of protecting access to fresh fruits and vegetables that cannot be grown domestically at scale or year-round.

“IFPA does not believe tariffs should be used as a default response to every trade concern facing the United States, nor should this ruling simply prompt a shift to other tariff authorities. Instead, IFPA hopes this ruling allows policymakers to move beyond broad tariff actions and continue working toward lower trade barriers that ensure affordable access to fresh produce and floral products.

“While tariffs have been one challenge for the fresh produce and floral sectors, IFPA appreciates the administration’s commitment to easing regulatory burdens and supporting American agriculture and looks forward to working with policymakers on long-term solutions — such as equitable trade agreements, regulatory reform, and workforce stability — that strengthen food security and ensure affordable, accessible produce for all families.”

IFPA also provided the following background on IEEPA tariffs:
There are several categories of IEEPA-related measures imposed by President Trump. First, under the fentanyl and migration justification, tariffs include 35% on most goods from Canada (with a reduced 10% rate for certain energy imports under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement exemption), 25% on most goods from Mexico (with a reduced 10% rate for potash imports under the USMCA exemption) and 10% on most goods from China.

Second, under the reciprocal and trade deficit justification, the president established a baseline 10% tariff on imports from all trading partners through an executive order issued April 2, 2025, with higher, country-specific rates applied in some cases; certain products are exempt, including those listed in Annex II, which has been modified multiple times to exclude additional products from IEEPA-related tariffs.

Finally, other IEEPA tariff announcements include 40% tariffs on select goods from Brazil, 25% tariffs on most goods from India and 25% tariffs related to Venezuelan oil applied to designated countries.

Has Ag Labor Finally Achieved a Market Wage?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:19:35 GMT

Ahead of the National Watermelon Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention in St. Pete Beach, Fla., Feb. 18-21, The Packer spoke with attorney Shawn Packer, a panelist on the keynote session, “Agriculture Labor — Policy, Compliance and Innovation.” Packer is set to share how regulatory changes are affecting ag labor, compliance requirements and operational risks.

With the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate interim final rule published in October this past year and USDA’s suspension of the Farm Labor Survey, from which the AEWR was previously calculated, Packer says there’s a lot in flux, but there’s also reason for optimism.

“At the end of September, USDA published a final notice that they are no longer conducting the Farm Labor Survey, which, for decades, has been the primary mechanism to determine wages,” he says. “And that left a bit of a black hole situation.”

Then a court case in Louisiana resulted in AEWR reverting to a 2010 rule that defined the AEWR as field and livestock workers’ combined gross hourly wage, the prevailing wage or a collective bargaining wage; if none of those things are available, then it goes to the federal, state or local minimum wage, Packer explains.

“Our new AEWRs would have been whatever the applicable federal, local or state minimum wage was, but DOL [Department of Labor] wanted to make sure that there was some kind of wage there other than the federal minimum,” he says. “So, DOL scrambled and took what was, in my opinion, going to be an NPRM [Notice of Proposed Rulemaking], and they published it as an IFR, an interim final rule, which allows it to go into immediate effect and replace the regulatory void.”

With the FLS survey out of commission, the administration moved to the Occupational Employment Wage Statistics survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which uses state-level data to set wages for Entry-level 1 and Skill Level 2 Standard Occupational Classification employees.

“What’s interesting about this OEWS survey is that it doesn’t actually survey farms; it surveys farm servicers, so farm labor contractors, manure shredders, crop dusters — those are the people surveyed,” Packer says. “In this rule, they have made a commitment that they’re going to work with USDA to actually survey farms as well to update farm wages.”

Packer says the OEWS survey is massive and is conducted at millions of employers across the country, in all industries.

“It’s reported by BLS traditionally in four levels,” he says. “Level 1 is basically entry-level experience. Level 2 is more experience. Level 3 is even more experienced. Level 4 is highly experienced.

“A general farmworker is considered Level 1 when the amount of experience required is less than three months,” he continues. “So, zero to three months of experience. But if we’re talking about a computer science engineer or something on that level, Level 1 could require two or three years of experience or specific degrees.”

Attorney Shawn Packer discusses moving to a market wage in ag labor.

(Photo courtesy of Shawn Packer)

And here’s where classifying H-2A workers and their rate of pay gets tricky.

Packer says, in general, if a grower needs a general farmworker that requires less than three months of experience to do the job, the grower needs to fill out the paperwork indicating that is the case.

“You can still fill that position with a worker that has 10 years of experience, but what you’re ... saying is, ‘This is the minimum amount of experience that I need for this job. Send me workers with that amount of experience that want to do the job at this time and place.’”

Packer says Level 2 workers are those who are a fit for roles requiring more than three months of experience, have additional certifications or have certain skill sets, such as supervisory experience.

“A Level 2 worker is basically going to come in at what we call the mean, which is the 50% level of the wage stratification,” Packer says. “The mean or middle wage will differ from state to state. That means that some farmworkers are making almost double that and some are making about half of that.”

Wages Based on Primary Duties

Under the previous rule, if an employee did anything that pulled them into a different Standard Occupational Classification code, it could put them and others at a much higher wage rate, Packer says. For example, he explains, if the job description says something about driving an 18-wheeler, the employee would be classified as a heavy tractor trailer driver entitled to receive that position’s wage for the entire job order.

“What you would end up with is a situation where you have 100 farmworkers and 99 of them are in the field all day long picking, and one of them is driving the truck back and forth from the storage facility or market, and everybody would get that higher wage, which on average, is about $27 an hour for that higher truck-driver wage,” he says.

The new rule is weighted under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which is an employee’s primary duties, Packer says.

“If your primary job duty is driving that truck back and forth all day long, well then, yes, you are a truck driver. But if that person’s primary duties are to be in the field with the workers, and occasionally they are going to be driving that truck, then the primary duties are the farmworker duties, and you keep that farmworker wage,” he says. “It’s a complete reversal of the old way, where if any one duty in your job order pulled you into another category, you were getting a higher wage no matter what, even if you only did it 10% of the time.”

Reaching a Market Wage

What the changes to AEWR really mean, says Packer, is a move to a market wage.

“And if you have ever talked with Michael Marsh, the former NCAE [National Council of Agricultural Employers] president and CEO, you’ve probably heard him say 100,000 times: ‘We need to get to a market wage.’

“All of this helps create that market wage in the sense that you can have that Level 1 wage,” Packer continues. “You can pay that wage to your entry-level guys, the guys that are just coming in for the first time, but if you have people that have been there for five, 10 or however many years, you can pay your tenured people a higher wage because there’s no longer a wage ceiling.”

Packer says growers now have the flexibility to create wage structures in their businesses that are more understanding and meaningful for the business to be successful.

State Minimum Wage

Another consideration, Packer says, is your state’s minimum wage. Florida, where the National Watermelon Association is holding its conference, recently changed its minimum wage to $14 an hour.

“The state minimum wage rule is interesting, because we’ve never really had to deal with ‘What is the state minimum wage?’ because the AEWR has always been so much higher than state minimum wage,” he says.

Packer says the other interesting component built into the system is a recognition of all of the additional costs that H-2A employers deal with.

“They have to provide housing and daily transportation to and from work for the workers,” Packer says. “If there’s not convenient cooking facilities, three meals a day, seven days a week must be provided. These are all additional costs they have to provide for.

“So, there was a need to recognize that H-2A employees are getting this elevated compensation, while workers in corresponding employment are driving themselves to work. They have rent. They have to pay for meals and insurance and all of these other things themselves,” he continues. “Effectively, they’re making a significant amount less than the H-2A workers are who are getting all these benefits.”

To recognize the added benefits to H-2A workers, the adverse compensation adjustment was created.

“It’s not a credit. It’s not a deduction. It’s an adjustment to the wage,” Packer says. “Based on Housing and Development’s rental surveys that they do, it’s set for each state at the 50th percentile as to what additional benefits (housing, food, etc.) cost for each hour of work.”

Packer uses California as an example. In California the H-2A wage can be lowered by $3.01. So, if California’s wages are currently $20 an hour, the H-2A worker on their pay stub is going to get a $16.99 per-hour wage instead of the $20 an hour, to account for additional costs, he says.

“The key is you can’t go below the state minimum wage,” he says.

What’s Next?

“These are largely positive changes that we’re excited about,” Packer says. “We’re still in the first couple of contracts since the rule came out at the beginning of October, right after the government shut down, so we’re still learning what all of it’s going to be. But I think most people are genuinely pretty happy about the rule.”

But Packer says there’s also concern, as the interim rule is now being challenged by United Farm Workers in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in California.

“If the Ninth Circuit strikes this rule down, we’re back to a situation where we don’t have the FLS survey, and we’re in a quagmire as to what we’re going to be operating under, if anything at all,” Packer says. “And then, are there going to be back wages that are going to be owed to employers? So, we’re all watching it very closely to see what’s going to happen.

“Outside of the regulatory scope, there’s the legislative scope,” Packer continues. “Chairman GT Thompson of the [House] Ag Committee is committed to putting out a comprehensive ag-related immigration reform bill. We’re not 100% sure what’s going to be in it yet, but from what we’ve been told, they plan on codifying a lot of the changes in the IFR, so that another administration can’t come in and just undo everything. They’re trying to actually codify it in legislative text so it’s fixed in place.”

Packer anticipates that bill will be introduced “very shortly” and is hopeful that it will have some streamlining effects for growers.

“Hopefully it will provide some pathway forward for our current workforce that may or may not be undocumented,” he says.

One significant change will be the inclusion of farmworkers in the new survey, says Packer, who adds that farm labor contractors now make up about 49% of the program.

“So, half the program was never actually being surveyed by the OEW or the FLS survey at USDA, because farm leader contractors weren’t surveyed by the FLS survey, and so this is going to be a better survey when they do incorporate beyond farm servicers,” he explains.

Packer says the change to the survey is expected to be implemented in the 2027 survey.

How Texas is Unlocking Fresh Produce Opportunity Despite Challenges

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:35:21 GMT

While last year’s tariffs and trade tensions impacted the fresh produce industry around the globe, in Texas, which shares the largest U.S. border with Mexico, continuation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is top of mind with its first six-year review scheduled for July 1 this year.

The Texas A&M Center for North American Studies finds that during 2022 the U.S. exported $28.5 billion worth of agricultural products to Mexico, up from $4.67 billion since NAFTA took effect in 1994. That same study finds Texas agricultural exports to the country have contributed to the growth of total U.S. exports to Mexico. During 2022, Texas accounted for 19%, or $5.55 billion, of total U.S. exports to Mexico.

“In 2024, from Mexico through Texas by truck, we received 13.1 billion pounds of fresh produce,” says Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, which represents the business, economic and political interests of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables.

As the USMCA review approaches, TIPA is engaging with all three governments to shine a light on what’s at stake, he says.

“We want to be part of the conversation to remind folks in the administration — and not just in our administration — but in Canada and Mexico, of the importance of this agreement,” Galeazzi says. “Because it has really set the table for how fresh produce is exchanged in North America for over 30 years. And so, if we are going to look at changes, we have to be mindful of the impact, not just on future business but [also] on existing investments.”

Galeazzi points to multimillion-dollar produce facilities built in North America based on USMCA.

“If the agreement goes away, what happens to those investments? And furthermore, do you really want to put those investments in an even greater challenging position when the economy in all three of our countries is already in a challenging position?” he asks. “Don’t we want to be securing existing investments, with existing jobs, with existing profitability, rather than exposing all of those to potential damages during these trade agreements?”

Dante Galeazzi is president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association.

(Photo courtesy of TIPA)

While Galeazzi acknowledges USMCA isn’t perfect and aspects could use modernization, “we are pushing folks to remind all the administrations that the USMCA agreement has a lot of benefits,” he says.

There is also talk that the Trump administration may want to move to separate bilateral agreements with Mexico and Canada, he says.

“We are talking about a potential disruption to the supply chain, if the agreements are not handled correctly,” he says. “Now, I think there’s a way that we can move forward, both maintaining USMCA or going the direction of two bilaterals, but the point is we are trying to stress to all three countries that we have got to do as much as possible to not interrupt or disturb the flow of fresh produce.”

Investment and Opportunity in Age of Uncertainty

Despite these challenges, TIPA sees continued investment in Texas.

“We have people here that are still building warehouses in South Texas. We have people that are still planning on importing into the Port of Houston,” Galeazzi says. “We have growers who still want to expand their operations, but it’s hard to do that when so much of the business environment is outside of their control and covered by uncertainty.”

Gaining certainty with North American trading partners is key to unlocking opportunity, he notes.

“The sooner we get an agreement in place, the sooner everyone gets back to business,” Galeazzi says. “And the sooner we get the right agreement in place, the sooner those investments start flowing.

“There is a ton of opportunity and potential out there, but it’s bottled up right now,” he continues. “And the sooner we can get past that obstacle, the sooner those opportunities can be realized.”

Water, Labor and Tariffs Prove a Triple Threat

“Last year was an extremely challenging year, especially in terms of profitability, not just for our Texas growers but also for our importers,” Galeazzi says.

Weather and water shortages played a major role, says Galeazzi, who notes Texas water shortages led to decreased production of between 30% and 40% this season for growers in the state.

“A lot of the country is suffering from water shortages, and just like in Texas, we are seeing that result in production shortages or production limitations,” he says. “Now with limited supply, you would hope to see increased prices. Unfortunately, we didn’t see that. Instead, we saw increased cost of inputs. So, not only were you paying for tariffs, but you were also paying higher prices for just about everything it took to grow your crop: your ag inputs, your chemicals, your seed, your labor, your materials.

“Across the board prices went up, and a lot of that was driven by tariffs,” says Galeazzi, who adds the produce industry is still feeling the impact of tariffs.

“We get a lot of our ag equipment from Europe, where we still have some unfriendly tariff rates. We get a lot of our ag inputs, like fertilizers, from Canada, Eastern Europe and South America, all of which had tariffs at some point during the season last year,” he says. “So, you can see how this compounds the problem. Because if you’re already dealing with weak markets — and that’s tough on any given year — but now you add the increased price of inputs, and you add the impact of tariffs, and you add weak markets, come on, how many punches can our guys take?”

The perishability of fresh fruits and vegetables adds to the complexity and vulnerability of produce trade.

“Fresh produce is not like widgets. When it’s ready to go, it’s ready to go. That’s why last year in March, when there were three days of tariffs, guess who paid a lot of those tariffs? Fresh produce,” Galeazzi says. “We didn’t have a choice. We couldn’t sit around waiting to find out what was going to happen.”

While labor remains a universal challenge, Galeazzi sees some progress being made with H-2A reform.

“The government finally heard what we’ve been saying for the better part of a decade. ‘Your formula for AEWR [Adverse Effect Wage Rates] is not correct. The methodology is not correct. It can be better. Let us work with you and help you,” he says. “It only took 10 years of saying that and three court cases, but now they’re at the table ready to talk.”

Galeazzi says TIPA will join other organizations, led by Georgia, in Washington, D.C., in late February to have conversations with lawmakers about formulas, costs and other markers that can be used to determine an AEWR that “makes sense.”

“We’re not aiming for cheap labor; that’s not the goal,” Galeazzi says. “We want certainty, and we want a clear path forward. You can’t have a clear path when you are having to anticipate an X-percent increase on your labor year over year, without having any idea what that increase is going to be.

“Texas is growing its H-2A use, and what I’m hearing from our farmers is they really love the quality of worker they’re getting with H-2A. Where they’re challenged is a lot of the bureaucracy of applying for those workers,” he says.

Viva Fresh 2026 Returns to San Antonio

Opportunities for driving growth in fresh produce still abound, and it’s these opportunities that Galeazzi says the industry will have the chance to embrace at Viva Fresh Expo 2026.

Hosted by TIPA, this year’s Viva Fresh is set to take place at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, April 16-18.

“I love Viva Fresh because it’s an industry event, but it really feels like a gathering of friends,” Galeazzi says. “You actually have this chance to sit down and visit with people and engage and network and build those relationships.”

This year’s Viva Fresh promises ample opportunity for connection, he says. From golf to pickleball to a wine experience to the expo floor, Viva Fresh combines networking, education and fun.

“Viva Fresh is really an opportunity for us to celebrate the region,” he says. “There are so many cool things that happen here in our region. Texas is the land of eternal summer, except for about three or four days where we get crazy winter storms. And we have so many people who are constantly pushing new ideas, that are building new enterprises, that are bringing new things to life, and Viva Fresh is the celebration of that.”

The Giumarra Cos. Names CEO, CFO

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:55:36 GMT

The Giumarra Cos. has appointed its current president, Tim Riley, president and CEO. In this expanded role, he will assume full executive leadership responsibility for the company’s strategic direction, external partnerships, operations and long-term growth, the company said in a news release.

Riley joined The Giumarra Cos. in 1991 following a career in the U.S. Navy and as a federal employee. His initial role in the information technology department paved the way for various vice president positions prior to his appointment as president in 2015. As president, he has focused on streamlining the company’s operations while developing new, technology-driven services designed to meet the evolving needs of the fresh produce industry.

He currently serves on the board of directors of both the Center for Produce Safety and Agriwise. In 2013, he served as chairman of the Produce Marketing Association, now the International Fresh Produce Association. He has served on various other committees and boards throughout his 35-year career in fresh produce.

The Giumarra Cos. has named Anthony Stallings its chief financial officer.

(Photo courtesy of The Giumarra Cos.)

The company has also named Anthony Stallings as chief financial officer. Stallings has worked with The Giumarra Cos. since 2001 in various accounting and finance capacities, most recently serving as senior vice president for finance.

Stallings will lead the company’s overall financial strategy and operations, including accounting, budget, reporting, tax, compliance and forecasting. He will also oversee capital structure, risk management and banking relationships.

“I am honored to serve as president and CEO of The Giumarra Cos. as we enter the next evolution [of] our business,” Riley says. “Building on our strong foundation, I look forward to working with our board of directors and exceptional leadership team, including Anthony, at the head of our financial operations, to drive the next stage of our growth.”

Allergy-Friendly Apple, Ag Spraying Drone Nab Fruit Logistica 2026 Innovation Awards

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:39:16 GMT

BERLIN — Competition was fierce at Fruit Logistica 2026 last week, where 10 companies competed for the coveted Innovation Awards in the fresh produce and technology categories.

Attendees of the three-day trade fair, held Feb. 4-6, were encouraged to vote for their favorite innovations in both categories, with the winners announced Feb. 6.

The Fruit Logistica Innovation Award for Fresh Produce went to allergy-friendly apple brand Pompur from German company Züchtungsinitiative Niederelbe, or ZIN, which exhibition organizers say won by a large margin.

The breeding initiative nabbed the award for its development of the world’s first apple brand certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation. The apple derives its name from “pom” (meaning apple) and “pur” (meaning pure). Thanks to its low allergenicity, Pompur can be consumed by allergy sufferers, the company says.

The Fruit Logistica Innovation Award for Fresh Produce went to allergy-friendly apple brand Pompur from German company Züchtungsinitiative Niederelbe, or ZIN, which exhibition organizers say won by a large margin.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

“We have created a product that gives many people access to apples that they previously couldn’t enjoy. In Germany alone, there are between 3.5 [million] and 4 million people with this allergy,” ZIN Managing Director Maik Stölken said at the Feb. 6 awards ceremony. “Our apple hasn’t come this far just because it’s allergen-free. It also simply tastes good. Today, we are celebrating the result of 20 years of development work.”

Fiachra Moloney of Bloom Fresh showed off the flavorful and antioxidant-rich Boombites Red Berry Grapes.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

In the fresh produce category, Pompur was up against other innovations including Boombites Red Berry Grapes from Bloom Fresh, the result of natural breeding that combined desirable characteristics of table grapes and old wine grapes like grenache, Fiachra Moloney of Bloom Fresh, part of the Amfresh Group, told The Packer.

“The grapes were bred to [not only] taste great but also to be a superfruit, as Boombites contain antioxidants comparable to blueberries,” added Moloney, who said the grapes were more than 10 years in the making.

Mastronardi Produce’s colorful Pop Its booth featured a DJ and plenty of samples of its sweet snacking cucumber.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Mastronardi Produce’s Pop Its snacking cucumbers were also a contender.

“They’re a sweeter cucumber and a refreshing snack that are very different from other snacking cucumbers,” Mastronardi’s Andrea Salter Meloche told The Packer. In addition to having higher Brix and uniform sizing, Pop Its snacking cucumbers also come in fun, grab-and-go packaging that Salter Meloche says fits in most car cupholders.

“Innovating with varieties, packaging and branding is all-encompassing of what we do and truly what drives us,” she says. “We want to continue to push the envelope and differentiate from our competitors. Freshness and flavor are top for us.”

Tribelli seedless peppers from Enza Zaden were also up for an innovation award.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

The Netherlands’ Sapori, Finest Selection from Wim Peters Kwekerijen was a finalist for the fresh produce innovation award for its mini cherry tomatoes, while Tribelli Seedless from Enza Zaden was a finalist for its sweet, seedless, full-flavored mini peppers.

Technology Award Winner

The Fruit Logistica 2026 Innovation Award for Technology went to a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-based agricultural spraying L50 Drone from Hungary’s ABZ Innovation .

Thanks to its high-performance battery and smart control system, it can remain airborne for significantly longer than comparable aircraft, covering up to 24 hectares, the company says. Its large 50-liter (or about 13.2-gallon) tank makes the L50 Drone particularly well-suited to supporting agricultural businesses with large areas, helping them to apply pesticides and fertilizers efficiently.

“This award is a great recognition of our work and means a lot to us,” said Gyula Törok, chief commercial officer of ABZ Innovation. “We are the first drone manufacturer in Europe to develop this type of drone. Winning the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award shows us that we are on the right track.”

Fresh Produce Must Avoid Becoming ‘Collateral Damage’ in USMCA Trade Talks, Says CPMA President

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:29:30 GMT

BERLIN — While 2025 was a year in produce defined by tariffs , 2026 will likely focus on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), slated for its first six-year joint review on July 1, 2026.

At last week’s Fruit Logistica, The Packer sat down with Canadian Produce Marketing Association President Ron Lemaire, who has repeatedly urged for the full 16-year renewal of USMCA, to discuss the current state of negotiations, reasons for optimism and what the industry needs to do now ahead of July.

“Starting in 2026, I was quite optimistic. We had good consultations on USMCA in the U.S. as well as in Mexico and Canada, and there was a willingness from the produce sector to look at doing no harm to USMCA, but trying to find improvements where necessary,” he says. “I think the primary goal for our sector is, let’s keep the trilateral deal in play.”

One challenge, says Lemaire, is talk of the U.S. government pursuing a bilateral rather than trilateral agreement.

“When meeting with officials with the U.S. government, there has been a lot of discussion on having more bilateral deals than trilateral, and I know for our sector, that would be a challenge relative to the administrative burden — the time and the challenges that we would all face relative to how efficiently we can run our businesses,” he says.

“The trilateral deal works, and I think moving into the review process, everyone has to do their part in messaging that to their governments,” he adds.

In recent meetings of North American leaders, like the 2026 State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit, which convened state and provincial legislators from the U.S. and Canada to address agricultural policy, technology and rural community strengthening, Lemaire has seen reasons for optimism.

“We were very happy going to SARL, the State Agricultural Rural Leaders, meeting in New Orleans in early January and hearing from state legislators that they are believers in the trilateral deal and the importance of working collaboratively with stakeholders in Canada, as well as stakeholders in Mexico,” Lemaire says. “So, there’s a lot of moving parts, but I think it’s positive to see the provincial- and state-level collaboration that hopefully will resonate up to the federal level.”

The July 2026 USMCA review is a high-stakes juncture that will determine whether the U.S., Canada and Mexico extend the trade pact to 2036 or initiate its termination. Key stakes include restructuring auto industry rules, addressing energy and agriculture disputes, preventing major disruptions to more than a trillion in annual regional trade and more.

Lemaire cautions the produce industry to ensure it doesn’t get swept into other trade deals on the table in July.

“USMCA is going to be a primary focus [for the produce industry], especially when we lead into June and July,” he says. “I’m part of a group, a coalition of North American trade that not only includes fruit and vegetables but also automotive, steel and aluminum. And I think those are the moving parts we have to be continually watching, because we can control our sector, but it is the demands outside of our sector that are really going to influence what USMCA looks like going forward.”

“So, it’s vital that we start expanding our networks, to start working with those other commercial sectors that are influenced and impacted by USMCA to ensure that we’re not collateral damage and that pushes to change USMCA that may be detrimental to feeding our nations [are not realized],” he continues.

The message the produce industry must push forward, Lemaire says, is how USMCA supports North American consumers’ access to nutritious and affordable food.

“We’re dealing with food inflation. We’re dealing with high costs of inputs. We’re dealing with growers who aren’t able to be profitable,” says Lemaire. “And when you start seeing these changes impacting our food supply, it’s vital that we find the most efficient, cost-effective trading mechanisms so that we don’t add to the burden which we’re already all experiencing, not only in the U.S. but also in Canada and Mexico and around the world.

“It’s a global change happening right now on the cost of food, so the simplest way to deal with it is to find efficiencies,” he says. “And the first efficiency is a free trade deal.”

Your next read: North American Produce Industry Calls for Full Renewal of USMCA

New York Produce Show Aims to Deliver Fresh Opportunities

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:47:06 GMT

The stage is set for the 2025 New York Produce Show, slated for Dec. 2-4 at the Sheraton New York Times Square and Jacob Javits Center, where the industry is poised to connect with existing customers and new partners in produce.

From leveraging avocados to drive produce basket sales, to turnkey sweetpotato programs, to regional associations with flavor-packed plans for the Big Apple and beyond, to local family produce businesses decades in the making, exhibitors at this year’s show are ready to engage and ignite new ways to increase fresh produce sales and consumption.

To help you plan your visit to the 2025 New York Produce Show, The Packer connected with the following exhibitors to learn what’s on tap for the expo floor.

Four Seasons Produce, Booth No. 322 and 324

Brian Dey, retail and merchandising innovation manager of Four Seasons Produce, invites attendees to meet with the company’s experienced team and learn how Four Seasons can “help you succeed in fresh,” he says.

Brian Dey of Four Seasons Produce invites attendees of the New York Produce Show to meet with the company’s experienced team and learn how Four Seasons can “help you succeed in fresh.”

(Photo courtesy of Brian Dey)

“Promoting best-of-season product with the best brands and adding in sound merchandising and department training is great math to sell more fresh produce,” Dey says. “Four Seasons Produce has all bases covered here with a buying team that has fostered and built rock solid relationships with vendor partners and a sales and merchandising team that collaborate on promotional opportunities, display builds, employee development and creating a fun atmosphere of selling.

“We offer myriad resources to help retailers grow their business, increase sales and profits and plan for success,” he continues. “Let us show you how to change your customers’ shopping trip into a fun shopping experience.”

Colombia Avocado Board, Booth No. 405

The Colombia Avocado Board plans to bring its new “Raised by Colombia” campaign to Northeast retail buyers and foodservice decision-makers at the New York Produce Show.

“This campaign is about moving beyond the typical produce marketing,” says Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board. “For too long, avocados have just been avocados. We wanted to tell the authentic story of where ours come from and more importantly, how they’re raised.”

Colombia Avocado Board General Director Manuel Michel looks forward to discussing the “Raised by Colombia” campaign.

(Photo courtesy of the Colombia Avocado Board)

Michel says attendees at the New York Produce Show will discover that “Raised by Colombia” is built on three pillars.

“The first pillar is ‘Raised by Nature’s Design:’ We’re talking volcanic soil at 7,000 feet altitude, nourished by natural rainfall with no irrigation needed. Second is Rooted in Colombian Spirit: Over 80,000 Colombian farming families whose expertise literally spans generations. And third: Built for Reliable Partnership: Our commitment to consistent, year-round supply specifically for East Coast markets,” Michel says.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to see the Colombia Avocado Board’s 90-second hero video that brings the journey from Colombian farms to U.S. tables to life, he says. In addition to telling the story of avocados from Colombia, the video also shares how the campaign supports businesses.

Michel says the Colombia Avocado Board is giving retailers and foodservice operators a comprehensive marketing tool kit with retail-ready assets, point-of-sale materials and digital content that help their customers differentiate their avocado programs and connect with consumers who care about authenticity, quality and heritage.

“This show is perfect for what we’re trying to do because it’s all about regional buyers we’re focused on serving,” says Michel. “Ninety-nine percent of our volume is directed at East Coast markets. We saw that East Coast buyers needed a closer, more reliable source, and we built our entire operation around serving that need.”

Michel says the Colombia Avocado Board can get avocados to Florida in three days and Philadelphia in five days. For Northeast retailers and foodservice operators, especially during the winter months when demand peaks, that proximity advantage translates directly to fresher fruit, he adds.

“We’re also [at the New York Produce Show] to talk about real partnerships,” says Michel. “We’re projecting 150 million pounds for 2025 and actively building relationships with regional distributors and foodservice operators who understand New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., markets. With year-round availability from our two growing seasons and the infrastructure to back it up, 620 authorized orchards across over 40,200 certified acres, we can provide the consistent supply these markets need.”

Bland Farms, Booth No. 335

Buyers looking to build holiday promotions with sweet onions and sweetpotatoes can head to the Bland Farms booth, where Director of Sales Sloan Lott says visitors can connect directly with Bland Farms leaders and sales managers.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of our marketing expertise in building holiday promotions with premium sweet onions and Sand Candy Sweet Potatoes,” Lott says. “Our sweetpotato category continues to grow rapidly, and we’re committed to it for the long haul.”

“Our sweetpotato category continues to grow rapidly, and we’re committed to it for the long haul,” says Bland Farms’ Sloan Lott.

(Photo courtesy of Bland Farms)

Lott also invites visitors to stop by for firsthand updates on Bland Farms’ crops and to learn how it’s leveraging technology to increase efficiency. Bland Farms will also discuss its ongoing sustainability efforts.

“At Bland Farms, quality always comes first — whether it’s our sweet onions, sweetpotatoes or Vidalia brands — but what truly sets us apart is partnership. We’re here to support our retailers and the communities we serve,” says Lott. “That includes expanding our charitable initiatives and offering robust marketing support through our ‘Retailer Toolkit,’ which lets partners easily add their store logos to flyers, coupons and social media content throughout the year.”

Lott says Bland Farms also runs dynamic, turnkey campaigns that engage shoppers and drive sales. He points to the company’s current “Gameday Sweetness” promotion with Weber Grills, featuring monthly prizes, new recipes and a grand prize Spirit E-435 LP grill to be awarded after the Super Bowl.

“We really want the industry to know that our success is dependent on its success and that we are truly committed to the land and our communities, so if there is something they want to see put in motion, this is a great chance to let us know,” he says.

New York Apple Association, Booth No. 551-553

This year’s New York Produce Show will give the industry a chance to experience the New York Apple Association’s nationwide “The Big Flavor in the Big Apple” campaign, which includes a 22-story digital billboard in Times Square. The association says the billboard delivers an estimated 18 million impressions and reaches consumers through social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

The campaign also features 165 digital billboards across NYCLink and surrounding areas in New York City’s five boroughs, says Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of NYAA. As part of the campaign, NYAA created customized, grower-centric videos targeting New York City for the duration of the campaign. The display panels are active and will run through the middle of December, Haskins says.

At the New York Produce Show, NYAA is set to welcome attendees to its 20-foot trade exhibit that will showcase a variety of New York state apples and highlight resources available to participating retailers and foodservice professionals, Haskins says. Several apple shippers and cider processors are also set to attend the event.

NYAA’s Cynthia Haskins will share more on the association’s latest campaign at NYPS.

(Photo courtesy of Cynthia Haskins)

“We look forward to this trade show and conference each year. It is a great networking opportunity to meet up with those we know and to meet new attendees,” says Haskins.

Idaho Potato Commission, Booth No. 569

Show attendees looking to maximize sales of Idaho potatoes will find insights and inspiration at the Idaho Potato Commission booth, says Ross Johnson, IPC vice president of retail.

“Not only do we bring expertise, but we also bring the fun — ugly sweaters anyone? Can wait to see you in New York,” says Ross Johnson of IPC.

(Photo courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission)

“The Idaho Potato Commission is always a must-see booth at the New York Produce Show,” says Johnson. “We have some great ideas to help retailers elevate their produce department and insights that will help maximize the profits for the category. Come meet Matt Zapczynski and Matt Brigotti to learn how Idaho potatoes can work for you.”

IPC will also share details on this year’s Potato Lovers Month, the prize for which is a mobile 4K projector, says Johnson.

“Not only do we bring expertise, but we also bring the fun — ugly sweaters anyone? Can wait to see you in New York,” Johnson says.

Avocados From Mexico, Booth No. 328

Why is Avocados From Mexico a must-visit booth at the New York Produce Show?

“Avocados are among the top 10 items in produce in pounds and units, driving its importance to overall produce sales,” says Stephanie Bazan, senior vice president, commercial strategy and execution for Avocados From Mexico.

The proof is in the numbers, says Bazan, who notes that nearly 70% of households buy avocados, and the average basket size almost doubles when avocados are included.

“Our team of Avocados From Mexico regional directors is ready to work hand-in-hand with retail partners to grow business,” says Stephanie Bazan of Avocados From Mexico.

(Photo courtesy of Avocados From Mexico)

At the New York Show, AFM is ready to discuss its 2026 promotional campaigns.

“For the first half of 2026, we’re excited to roll out a robust lineup of promotions designed to drive traffic to avocado displays and celebrate their versatility,” Bazan says. “From the Big Game to Cinco de Mayo and a new partnership with the American Diabetes Association, we’ll be showcasing fresh ways to keep avocados at the heart of consumers’ shopping lists all year long.

“Our team of Avocados From Mexico regional directors is ready to work hand in hand with retail partners to grow business,” Bazan continues. “Whether it’s evaluating personalized goals, leveraging category intelligence, or implementing best-in-class merchandising strategies, our team has the expertise to make a real impact. Together, we’ll tap into key tentpole moments in the first half of the year to ensure avocado displays stand out and drive results.”

Bazan says the avocado market is in a great position right now with promotable conditions and strong availability, especially in larger-sized fruit.

“The even better news: We’re ready to support both bulk sales, still the leader in the category, and the growing demand for bagged avocados, which now account for 35% of the sales mix over the past five years,” she says. “We offer a variety of customizable solutions to meet your specific needs and goals. Retailers can also rely on shopper programs that seamlessly align with their retail calendars, ensuring consistent support and success.”

D’Arrigo Bros., Booth No. 343

D’Arrigo New York, D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California and D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of Massachusetts plan to have a strong presence at the New York Produce Show.

Gabriela D’Arrigo of D’Arrigo New York says the company will be joined by its California and Boston companies at the New York Produce Show.

(Photo courtesy of D’Arrigo New York)

“We are a multi-visit booth because we team up with our California and Boston companies to have a larger presence,” says Gabriela D’Arrigo, vice president of communications and marketing for D’Arrigo New York. “We are able to answer any questions that customers and suppliers may have depending on the region or segment they need answers from.”

D’Arrigo says the company’s business model is unique in that it’s a family business that is both a grower and a distributor.

“We understand those segments and the challenges each face, which gives us a leg up in competition,” she says. “Also, we have been around for over 100 years in this industry and have weathered every storm that we have faced. We have the expertise and longevity to back it up.”

Consalo Family Farms, Booth No. 536

New Jersey-based Consalo Family Farms is bringing its more than 90 years of trusted growing, packing and distribution expertise combined with a fresh, forward-looking approach to produce to the New York Produce Show, says Casey Kio, executive vice president of global business.

“At Consalo Family Farms, we believe the best results come from long-term trust, shared values, and doing what’s right, for our customers, our growers and the consumer,” says Consalo’s Casey Kio.

(Photo courtesy of Consalo Family Farms)

“Visitors can experience firsthand how our vertically integrated operation ensures consistent quality, year-round availability and strong retail partnerships,” Kio says.

Consalo Family Farms plans to showcase its signature blueberry, citrus and vegetable programs, as well as new innovations in packaging, sustainability and customer collaboration.

“Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler or foodservice partner, you’ll see why Consalo continues to be a reliable and progressive name in fresh produce,” says Kio, who adds the company’s message is simple: “Family-grown quality, delivered with consistency and integrity.”

“As the industry continues to evolve, we’re focused on strengthening relationships, driving efficiency from farm to shelf, and helping our partners grow through collaboration and partnered solutions,” Kio says. “At Consalo Family Farms, we believe the best results come from long-term trust, shared values and doing what’s right, for our customers, our growers and the consumer.”

E Armata Fruit & Produce, Booth No. 470 and 472

Produce wholesaler E Armata on New York’s Hunts Point Produce Market is bringing its expertise and generations of produce knowledge to the New York Produce Show, says Michael Armata.

E Armata’s Michael Armata says the company is committed to providing a consistent level of quality and service to everyone it serves.

(Photo courtesy of E Armata)

“We largely distribute to retail and work extremely hard to have strong partnerships with our customers and shippers,” he says. “Our booth is clean and bright, just like the produce section should be.”

E Armata moves large volumes of high-quality potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, berries and more, says Armata.

“Our key message to attendees at the New York Show is that we understand this business is a marathon and not a sprint,” he says. “We are committed to providing a consistent level of quality and service to everyone we serve.”

Nash Produce, Booth No. 437

“If you are attending NYPS and have any interest in sweetpotatoes — whether retail, foodservice or private label — Nash Produce’s booth is well worth the stop,” says Robin Narron, marketing director and sales support. “You’ll find premium varieties, custom packaging formats, year-round supply assurances and opportunity for direct conversation with a supplier who emphasizes service and flexibility.”

Robin Narron of Nash Produce invites attendees to learn more about driving sweetpotato category growth, enhancing the customer experience and more at the NYPS.

(Photo courtesy of Robin Narron)

Narron invites attendees to the Nash Produce booth in New York to learn more about the following:

Drive category growth with premium North Carolina–grown sweet potatoes available 12 months a year.
Differentiate your shelves with Nash’s diverse varieties, including Covington, murasaki, bonita and more.
Enhance shopper experience through eye-catching packaging options including steamable pouches, tray packs and private-label programs.
Count on consistency with Nash’s advanced storage and packing facilities that ensure reliable supply and quality through every season.
Partner with a supplier that delivers large-scale volume, dependable logistics and flexible sizing and formats for diverse markets.
Customize your offering. Nash can package to meet specific regional or customer needs.
Build relationships that last. Nash focuses on collaboration, responsiveness and mutual growth.

SNAP Funding Confusion Continues

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 21:07:27 GMT

Editor’s Note: On Saturday, USDA told states to undo efforts to fully fund SNAP, but late Sunday, a federal appeals court allowed a judge’s order to stand that directs the Trump administration to fully fund this month’s SNAP benefits. Alliance to End Hunger President Eric Mitchell spoke with The Packer Friday about the ongoing confusion surrounding SNAP payments during the government shutdown.

In a memo issued Nov. 7 to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program agencies, the USDA says it is “working towards implementing November 2025 full benefit issuances in compliance with the Nov. 6, 2025, order from the District Court of Rhode Island.”

The memo, signed by Patrick Penn, deputy under secretary of the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, also says FNS will complete the processes necessary to make funds available to support subsequent transmittal of full issuance files to EBT processors later today.

But the hold on SNAP benefits has already had a real impact on the 42 million people in this country receiving benefits and the communities in which they live.

The USDA memo “just lends to the confusion,” says Eric Mitchell, president of the nonprofit Alliance to End Hunger in Washington, D.C., adding the uncertainty around SNAP funding since the government shutdown has created confusion and chaos across states for weeks.

A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled, Nov. 6, that the government must pay the full SNAP benefits to the approximately 42 million Americans receiving them, but the administration immediately appealed the ruling.

“Some states have decided to just go ahead and fully fund the benefits themselves, while other states are opting for the 65% of SNAP benefits, and still other states are waiting to see how these legal challenges play out,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell says the government shutdown and halt to SNAP benefits has put millions of people at risk of hunger at a time when food is more expensive. It’s also come during the holiday season, when people hope to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and loved ones, with food as the centerpiece.

“It’s disheartening to see that this Thanksgiving that may not happen for some families here in this country,” he says.

Mitchell says the economic impact of the halt to SNAP benefits at the start of November has had a domino effect.

“When the government takes a pause on providing these SNAP benefits, people still have to pay rent. People still have to pay the medical bills. People still have car payments to make. They have to get to work, etc. So, what happens when you are relying on a particular resource to cover your balance around food, other things are sacrificed,” Mitchell says. “What you’re seeing now is people are making tough decisions. Do I pay my rent this month? Do I pay my mortgage this month? Do I pay this car note?

“That is the domino effect this has had,” he continues. “It’s like when you pull a thread and the entire shirt falls apart — everything unravels. That’s what we’re seeing right now.”

Mitchell says a lack of leadership consistency from the U.S. government has added to the confusion and uncertainty.

“These are unprecedented times,” he says. “In previous shutdowns, including the one under the first Trump administration in 2019, USDA provided the money needed to sufficiently fund SNAP. This is the longest shutdown we’ve seen in history.”

But Mitchell says the decision to press pause on SNAP benefits was really made weeks ago before the country hit a record on the longest U.S. government shutdown.

“This was a decision that was made two to three weeks ago when we didn’t know how long the shutdown was going to be,” he says. “So, this has nothing to do with the shutdown, other than it being a calculated decision — maybe a political decision — to put SNAP in the crosshairs of political negotiation.”

Impact to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Multiple reports have indicated some SNAP households have turned to shelf-stable pantry items like cereal and ramen, as their SNAP benefits have dried up and with it the ability to buy fresh food.

“There’s always this misconception that folks who are using SNAP benefits are relying on processed foods and unhealthier food options,” Mitchell says. “And the reality is that the purchasing habits of individuals who are using SNAP are no different than folks who are not on SNAP. But what we do know is that by having those SNAP benefits, it does make fresh fruits and vegetables — healthier food options — more affordable and available for those families.”

Mitchell says he’s spoken with SNAP households stocking up on canned items and shelf-stable foods in an effort to stretch their dollar.

Looking Ahead

What lessons have we learned from the suspension of SNAP benefits in early November and what do we need to do to avoid this happening again?

“That’s a long conversation,” Mitchell says. “Addressing food insecurity or hunger in this country is achievable, it’s doable, but you have to have the policies to make it work. We were already walking down a very tricky path with the changes that were being made to the SNAP program ahead of this, where hundreds and thousands of people are at risk of losing their benefits as a result of policy changes that Congress passed over the summer. And states were already in the process of implementing those programs and those policies.

“In the long term, we need to be looking at our policies from a lens of: How is this going to address food insecurity in this country?” he continues. “Whether it’s our tax policies, our policies directly related to agriculture, our policies related to how we address trade and the cost of living and the cost of food, housing — all these things are connected.”

Mitchell says we live in a system that is connected, and when you take away 42 million people’s ability to buy food, they have to stop paying other bills to put food on the table.

“I think the lesson learned from this is that these issues are important to all of us,” he says.

Sweetpotato Harvest Time Arrives With Optimism

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:45:41 GMT

Sweetpotato growers throughout the South are gearing up for an on-time late-August/early-September harvest, and most anticipate abundant supplies with high quality.

Kornegay Family Farms

In North Carolina, the nation’s largest sweetpotato producer with 71,000 acres, Princeton-based Kornegay Family Farms & Produce planned to start its harvest by the end of August, says Kim K. LeQuire, co-owner.

“We have had a good growing season, especially compared to last year, but we fully realize things can change at any moment this time of year,” she says, citing several hurricanes that pounded the region in recent years.

“We will probably start out slow, with just a few hours each day, and that will inform us as to the shape and size of the potatoes,” she says.

In North Carolina, the nation’s largest sweetpotato producer with 71,000 acres, Princeton-based Kornegay Family Farms & Produce was set to start its harvest at the end of August.

(Photo courtesy of Kornegay Family Farms & Produce)

After that, the company will decide whether it will move full-speed ahead or give the potatoes a little more time to size up before the major harvest push from mid-September through October.

“My father, Danny Kornegay, compares tater digging to uncovering buried treasure — not knowing exactly what you will get until you start uncovering what is below the surface,” LeQuire says.

The company has been growing sweetpotatoes for more than 70 years and has been packing them since 2007.

Nash Produce LLC, Nashville, N.C., says everything is sizing up well.

(Photo courtesy of Nash Produce)

Nash Produce

The crew at Nash Produce LLC, Nashville, N.C., was nervous in mid-August about the impact Hurricane Erin might have on its sweetpotato crop; though heavy flooding was reported along the coast, the company’s crop only had to deal with some rainfall, says Robin Narron, marketing director.

Harvest started the week of Aug. 18.

“We’re looking forward to the new, upcoming crop,” she says.

Narron hoped the firm would be able to kick off harvest as much as a month earlier than usual to try to make up for the loss of as much as 30% of last year’s crop because of excessive rainfall. The company packs and ships sweetpotatoes for 70 growers

“Everything looks good right now,” she said in late August. “Everything is sizing up well.”

Matthews Ridgeview Farms

In Arkansas, with about 6,300 acres of sweetpotatoes, Wynne-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms has expanded its storage facilities and continues to add acreage as its customer base grows, says Autumn Campbell, sales manager.

The company, which ships sweetpotatoes year-round, expected to begin its 2025 harvest by early September, as usual, and continue until mid-October.

The region experienced more than 20 days of rain in May followed by extremely hot weather and a dry period, Campbell says. Much-needed rainfall returned in August as harvest approached.

“The new crop quality looks good so far,” she said in late August, “and storage quality has held well overall with minimal issues.”

Potatoes were sizing up nicely, she adds.

Volume at Matthews Ridgeview Farms should be up this season compared to last year.

“We no longer have a ‘slow’ period,” Campbell says. “We have continued to ship consistently all year.”

Prices this year should remain similar to last year, she says.

Though the company grows beauregard, Covington and murasaki sweetpotatoes, most of its acreage is beauregards.

“The beauregard has continued to be preferred for consumers,” Campbell says. “It grows beautifully in Arkansas soil, and it tastes delicious.”

It’s preferred by growers as well.

“For the farmer, the beauregard is a favorite due to its adaptability, great storage ability, high yields, versatility for fresh market as well as processing and its resistance to disease,” she says.

Other Regions

Louisiana will grow about 6,000 acres of sweetpotatoes this year, maybe a slight increase over 2024, explains Rene Simon, president of the Louisiana Sweet Potato commission.

Growers are optimistic, he says. “We think we’ve got a good crop coming.”

Harvesting should begin around Labor Day.

The popularity of Mississippi sweetpotatoes is on the rise, says Caleb Englert, president of the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council.

The state has about 30,000 acres of the spuds, he says.

“Sweetpotatoes are the most nutritious vegetable you can get,” he says. “They hit all your tally marks on being healthy.”

Many of Mississippi’s sweetpotatoes are produced on family farms by growers who put a lot of love into their crop and are supportive of the local communities, Englert says. “Packinghouses do a great job across the board.”

Looking westward, California’s sweetpotato acreage is expected to be down slightly this year to about 18,500 acres because of rising input costs, says Sarah Alvernaz, California Sweetpotato Council marketing chair and general manager for California Sweet Potato Growers.

Approximately 50% of the Golden State’s acreage is red and orange varieties, 25% is white varieties and 25% is purple sweetpotatoes.

“We are still early in harvest,” she said in late August, “but quality is looking great, and we are looking forward to a good marketing year.”

What to Expect From Arrival of Peruvian Sweet Onion Imports

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:08:29 GMT

While some U.S. importers say they’ve been receiving shipments of Peruvian sweet onions since early August, most say they’ll have significant volume by early September, and they’re gearing up for another productive season.

Bland Farms

Glennville-based Bland Farms will offer Vidalia sweet onions through late September and then transition to premium sweet onions from Peru, says Delbert Bland, owner and CEO.

The Peruvian sweet onions look great, Bland says. “The size and quality are very strong this year.”

Conditions in Peru are good for growing sweet onions, he says.

“Peru’s growing region offers one of the best climates for onions: very little rainfall and consistently dry conditions,” Bland says.

Georgia receives about 60 inches of rain a year, and that can cause issues, he says.

“In Peru, the dry climate allows us to manage irrigation precisely,” he says. “With drip irrigation, we can spoon-feed the onions exactly what they need rather than fighting the excess rain we see in Georgia.”

Glennville, Ga.-based G&R Farms typically offers Peruvian onions from Labor Day until Vidalia season kicks off in April.

(Photo courtesy of G&R Farms)

G&R Farms

Glennville, Ga.-based G&R Farms typically offers Peruvian onions from Labor Day until Vidalia season kicks off in April, says CEO Blake Dasher.

“That timing allows us to maintain a seamless supply of sweet onions for our retail partners,” he says.

Quality of Peruvian onions this year is fantastic, says Cliff Riner, the company’s vice president of ag production and grower relations.

“We’re seeing superb consistency across the board,” he says.

Size distribution is also good.

“We’re well positioned to fill orders of all sizes,” says Steven Shuman, general manager and vice president of sales.

Volume at G&R Farms is expected to be up 3% to 5% compared to last year.

“That aligns with our long-term strategy of measured, sustainable growth and our goal of reliably supplying our customers with the highest-quality sweet onions year-round,” Shuman says.

Price on Peruvian onions should remain stable this year, he adds.

Reidsville, Ga.-based Shuman Farms expects to have its normal production of Peruvian onions this season with good quality across the board, says John Shuman, president and CEO. “We’re confident in delivering a consistent crop to our retailer partners,” Shuman says.

(Photo courtesy of Shuman Farms)

Shuman Farms

Reidsville, Ga.-based Shuman Farms will start shipping Peruvian sweet onions in early September and run through late April 1, says John Shuman, president and CEO.

“This timing ensures we can continue offering a premium sweet onion once Vidalia season wraps up,” he says.

The company expects to have its normal production with good quality across the board.

“We’re confident in delivering a consistent crop to our retailer partners,” he says.

The size profile also is developing nicely, with a strong mix of medium- and jumbo-size onions that should provide retailers and foodservice operators flexibility in their programs, he says.

“We will be encouraging our retailer partners promote both bag and bulk product throughout the season,” John Shuman adds.

Retail sales are the core of Shuman Farms’ Peruvian program, but foodservice also is an important channel.

“Chefs appreciate the mild flavor and reliable availability of Peruvian sweet onions for their menus,” he says.

L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc., Lyons, Ga., started receiving Peruvian onions around the first of August. The company should have Peruvian onions until mid-March Volume should be about the same as last year. Herndon Williams showcases onions in a field.

(Photo courtesy of L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc.)

L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc.

L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc., Lyons, Ga., was ahead of the game selling off its Vidalia sweet onions this summer, so the company started receiving Peruvian onions around the first of August, says John Williams, director of sales and marketing.

Since the grower the company has worked with for about 13 years uses drip irrigation, the onions have a “darker, cleaner look” than Vidalia onions, he says, adding that the grower also does a good job with sizing.

“So far, we’ve been able to get everything we need as far as colossals, jumbos and mediums for repack,” Williams says.

Volume should be about the same as last year for L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms.

Fob prices for Peruvian onions usually are about the same as Vidalia sweet onions, Williams says, but they might be a tad higher than last year because of increased ocean freight rates and higher tariffs.

“It’s going to be a couple bucks per case more for Peruvian onions,” Williams says.

The company should have Peruvian onions until mid-March. If supplies run out before Vidalias come on, onions can be sourced from Mexico, he says.

Packaging and Organics

Suppliers offer a wide range of packaging options for Peruvian onions.

Shuman Farms ships 2-, 3- and 5-pound consumer bags as well as bulk, John Shuman says.

They’re also available in a special pink sweet onion bag in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in special Feeding America bags in November and December to raise awareness about hunger.

“For merchandising, we provide both full-sized primary display bins and secondary display bins to make in-store execution simple and effective,” he adds.

G&R Farms’ packaging choices include everything from 2-pound mesh bags for retail shoppers to 40-pound bulk boxes and pallet-sized bins filled with sweet onions for warehouse and wholesale buyers, Steven Shuman says.

“We’re happy to collaborate with our customers on custom pack sizes to help them achieve their goals and better serve their shoppers,” he adds.

Many grower-shippers also ensure that consumers have organic options for Peruvian onions.

“Organics represent a smaller but steady portion of our program,” John Shuman says, “and we continue to see solid interest from certain retail markets.”

G&R Farms’ organic program will be about 20% above last year’s, Steven Shuman says.

“Out of our total Peru volume, organics represent a meaningful share and continue to show steady demand growth year over year,” he says.

Ag Apprentice Program Helps Disabled Adults Grow

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:42:24 GMT

A growing program in New Mexico is helping connect adults with disabilities to farming.

On July 16, the USDA-funded AgrAbility program hosted the first of its National Training Workshop Encore Webinars for 2025. The event featured Sophie Trusty, program director at Mandy’s Farm. She spoke about the farm’s Adaptive Apprenticeship Program, which helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn farming skills and find agricultural job placement within the community in the Albuquerque area.

“ AgrAbility is a USDA-sponsored program that assists farmers and ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities,” says Tess McKeel of Goodwill of the Finger Lake Team, an AgrAbility partner, who emceed the webinar. She explains that the national program partners with land grand universities that offer disability services organizations and that there are currently 21 state projects.

Mandy’s Farm is one of those state projects.

“Mandy’s Farm is the nonprofit partner in the New Mexico AgrAbility project,” Trusty says. She explained that the farm started in 2000 as a way to provide supportive residential living services initially to women with autism, but has since expanded to serve other people within the community.

“We had had this agricultural site for many years and started hearing more and more community need and interest and interest around agricultural programs and how that intersects for folks with disabilities towards employments,” Trusty continues. “That led us to being approached to be the nonprofit partner in the New Mexico AgrAbility project.”

About the Adaptive Apprenticeship Program

The Adaptive Apprenticeship Program started its first full-time apprenticeship cohort in February of 2023 with nine participants. It is a two-year program consisting of 1,800 hours of classroom instruction and field work. The program is facilitated by a pair of program managers who oversee daily operations and the curriculum, as well as program assistants who work directly with the apprentices.

Occupational therapy students from the University of New Mexico also partner with Mandy’s Farm, providing additional support to apprentices.

“The occupational therapy field work students completing their practicum have the option to choose Mandy’s Farm’s AgrAbility Apprenticeship program as their field work placement, so we are often very lucky to have those OT students working with us for part of the program,” Trusty says.

She explains that the first year of the program generally covers ag basics and classroom time, while the second year focuses on apprentices working off-site at nearby community farms and planning and working on their personal plots at Mandy’s Farm.

Trusty reports the current crops at the farm include beans, cabbage, collard greens, corn, herbs, melons, okra, peppers, squash, sweetpotatoes and tomatoes, with the tomatoes and peppers being particular favorites last year. In addition to their personal plots, the apprentices have a lot of input in what gets grown at Mandy’s Farm. She says this year the farm has a few experimental rows of garbanzo beans and quinoa, for instance.

“We like the apprentices to have a lot of input on what will be grown because that’s way more fun and they are able to get a wide variety of knowledge on different crops,” Trusty says. “A lot of the small farms in Albuquerque are very diversified, mixed vegetable production. So, hopefully that gives them some experience that would be helpful at other farms.”

Members of the 2023-2024 Mandy’s Farm Adaptive Apprenticeship Program cohort working on planting.

(Photo courtesy of Mandy’s Farm)

Apprentices receive a $600 monthly stipend funded through the state’s division of vocational rehabilitation for all of their work during their apprenticeship. This is a very important detail, Trusty says.

“We have a strong value at Mandy’s Farm around paid work for folks with disabilities and intellectual disabilities, and we focus on transitioning our students out of the program and into community integrated employment,” she says.

That focus shows up in the final months of the apprenticeship, Trusty adds.

“For the last several months of the program before they graduate, [apprentices] receive intensive job development support,” she says. “That is a classification of supported employment where we support them with getting placed in a community employment setting at the end of their apprenticeship.”

Past apprentices and the current cohort

Seven members of the first cohort of apprentices graduated the program in December of 2024. Trusty says several of that cohort are in agricultural or ag-adjacent jobs.

“We have someone working at a greenhouse, we have someone working doing landscaping for a local hotel, and we have two folks at a compost facility,” Trusty says. She adds that Alejandro, who works as the hotel landscaper, “has just been loving his job.”

“He’s been so successful,” she says. “It’s just been really incredible to see our graduates in their new jobs and how happy and successful they are.”

A member of the 2023-2024 Mandy’s Farm Adaptive Apprenticeship Program cohort working on irrigation for the farm.

(Photo courtesy of Mandy’s Farm)

There are six apprentices in the current cohort that started earlier this year. Trusty reports that, while the current cohort is still new and trying to figure out their unique interests, there is a developing trend so far: Cooking and value-added foods.

“For example, I know today they are making garlic scape pesto and we’re going to package it and sell it at the farmers market this Saturday,” she said during the July 16 webinar. “We also just harvested a bunch of apples and are creating apple butter tomorrow and dehydrated apple slices.”

Trusty says the program tries to lean into the different cohort interests and pursue connections in the community that can support learning. She says they are looking into collaboration with a local program called the Three Sisters Kitchen that does a food business training program.

“We’re in early conversations about whether some of our folks might want to do some of their time next year at the food training program and trying to align their own personal plots at the farm, growing some things for product and selling those and helping them get a business started,” Trusty says.

The challenges of now and hopes for the future

Trusty also talked about the various challenges at Mandy’s Farm. Most of these — funding, good relations with neighbors and the county, soil quality problems — are common to any farming operation. But a unique challenge is the continuing stigma around disabled people broadly, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities specifically.

“There’s a lot of stigma about farming as a career too, and sometimes when those things converge, there’s even more misconceptions,” she explains. “Sometimes we hear ‘can they do that work? Are they able to be farmers?’ or ‘is that appropriate?’ and that kind of thing. I hope that our apprentices are helping to change that narrative. Yes, they can, and they are wonderful farmers. Anyone would be lucky to have them.”

She adds that she hopes those in the wider agricultural community are open minded and will be willing to listen to people with disabilities.

“If someone is saying ‘this is what I want to do, this is what I’m interested in,’ believe that,” she says, urging people not to have preconceived notions on what someone is able to do. “Creating that next generation of farmers is so critical, so being creative about how we do that and providing some more supports to folks who are interested in that is really important.”

When it comes to the future, Trusty says the goals for the AgrAbility Apprenticeship Program are to be able to increase community involvement and interactions. Mandy’s Farm envision doing so through offering community workshops on agricultural practices, hosting school groups for educational visits and other offerings such as free community farm dinners.

Mandy’s Farm earns some income for the program through direct sales of produce, but it is not yet a large source of income for the program. Program Director Sophie Trusty says that is a potential the group is exploring.

(Photo courtesy of Mandy’s Farm)

Through these efforts, Mandy’s Farm hopes to increase social capital and feelings of connection and inclusion for their program participants. This will also give more opportunities for the apprentices to “showcase their knowledge and skills which decreases stigma and myths about individuals with disabilities,” Trusty says.

“I just wanted to emphasize how incredible and capable our apprentices are and what a meaningful experience it has been to be part of their growth,” she says. “Our apprentices graduate with agricultural skills, but they also grow in confidence, develop their ability to advocate for their needs, learn how to work on a team and resolve conflict, and develop lasting connections.”

Fresh Vegetables the Largest Veg Category in 2024

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:52:26 GMT

A recent report from the USDA Economic Research Service showed per capita availability of vegetables and pulses for 2024 stood at 376 pounds, the lowest level since the recent peak of 426 pounds in 1996. Per capita availability is used as a proxy for domestic consumption. The decline reflects long-term shifts in vegetable production and trade patterns, according to ERS.

“Per capita availability has held steady for fresh vegetables and potatoes, declined gradually for processing vegetables, continued a slow upward trend for pulses and remained stable for mushrooms,” according to the report by ERS agricultural economists Wilma Davis, Catharine Weber, Helen Wakefield and Seth Wechsler.

USDA ERS Chart of Note No. 112836: Per capita availability of vegetables and pulses, 1996, 2010, 2024

(USDA Economic Research Service)

Focused on fresh vegetables

Because the per capita volume of fresh vegetables has stayed relatively flat over those 35 years while other categories have fallen or stagnated, fresh vegetables now make up the largest subcategory of vegetable availability in the U.S. While in 1996, fresh vegetables made up a third of total available vegetable options, in 2024 it represents almost 40% of total.

Despite this, the preliminary 2024 fresh vegetable volumes represent a 5-pound decline from the 2023 availabilities, and a 9-pound decline from the previous three-year average. This near-term decline was due mostly to the combination of a 4% production decline and 7% export increase, according to the report.

The production declines in particular were “driven by declines in planted acreage, and lower yields compared to the previous year,” the report says. Among the top five fresh vegetables, production declines in 2024 were as follows:

All lettuce, down 6%
Tomatoes, down 9%
Pumpkins, down 11%
Carrots, down 16%

Onions, the remaining top-five vegetable, saw a modest production increase of 2.1% in 2024.

“Beyond the leading five vegetables, production decreased for sweet corn, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, garlic, radishes, cucumbers, snap beans, greens (kale and mustard), artichokes, asparagus and sweetpotatoes,” the report says.

There were several commodity-specific production trends noted. For example, while romaine/leaf lettuce production was down 9% in 2024 compared to 2023, the long-term trend has seen steady growth. Per capita availability of romaine averaged 6 pounds in the 1990s, climbed to 10 pounds in the 2000s, 13 pounds in the 2010s, and finally 17 pounds in the current decade with 16 pounds of romaine available in 2024. Long-term trends for iceberg/head lettuce have been the opposite, declining from an average of 24 pounds in the 1990s to 12 pounds in 2024.

Fresh tomato production was also down 9% in 2024 compared to 2023, however increases in greenhouse production of fresh tomatoes offset the 15% decline in field-grown fresh tomatoes. The report notes “greenhouse tomatoes represent a growing share of domestic supply.”

Agriculture in the Bull's-Eye: Raids Reportedly Resume on Farms, Meatpacking Plants

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:40:22 GMT

After President Donald Trump reportedly ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE ) to pause raids on farms and meatpacking plants last week, new reports say the administration is reversing course again. The on-again, off-again reports regarding ICE raids is sowing confusion for those who rely on immigrant labor and already causing labor shortages due to employees not showing up for work.

There was an update again late Friday, with President Trump saying he’s looking at new immigration policy steps that would allow farms to take responsibility for people they hire.

The Washington Post first reported Monday that ICE officials told leaders representing field offices across the country they must continue to conduct raids at worksite locations, which is a reversal from guidance issued just days earlier.

Officials with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wouldn’t confirm the Washington Post’s report, but an agricultural association told Farm Journal the article is accurate based on their discussions with the administration.

Instead, DHS told us this:

“The president has been incredibly clear. There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” says DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safe guard public safety, national security and economic stability. These operations target illegal employment networks that undermine American workers, destabilize labor markets and expose critical infrastructure to exploitation.”

By Friday, there was another update. Reuters reported President Trump said he was looking at immigration policy steps that would allow farms to take responsibility for people they hire.

“We’re looking at doing something where, in the case of good, reputable farmers, they can take responsibility for the people that they hire and let them have responsibility, because we can’t put the farms out of business,” Trump told reporters. “And at the same time we don’t want to hurt people that aren’t criminals.”

According to Farm Journal’s Michelle Rook, the recent ICE raids are already creating absenteeism and labor shortages that could severally disrupt the U.S. food supply. Ag groups are again calling for immigration reform with hopes the issue will finally come to a head.

Ripple Effect of Immigration Crackdown

Joe Del Bosque, owner of Del Bosque Farms in Firebaugh, Calif., is experiencing the rollercoaster with labor, saying the shifting policy strikes fear in farmers and workers.

“There’s so much uncertainty as to what the administration’s going to do,” Del Bosque told Rook on AgriTalk this week.

Del Bosque says the raids on California produce farms are disrupting the harvest of perishable produce.

“They haven’t been really huge sweeps. They’re usually picking up a few people. But it creates a lot of fear, and people don’t show up to work. That’s just as bad as if they were taken away,” he says.

According to an exclusive report by Farm Journal’s The Packer , the ripple effect of Trump’s immigration crackdown on agriculture could be far-reaching — if the administration revives its focus on ag.

Kevin Kelly is the CEO of Emerald Packaging — the largest flexible packaging supplier to the leafy greens industry. Based in Union City, Calif., the company has been in the packaging business for 62 years. Kelly says the immigrant workforce in California is feeling uncertain and afraid.

“We’ve certainly heard folks aren’t turning up to work in the fields, and we’ve seen it in our facility. We verify everybody, so we know everybody in our facility is documented and can legally work in the United States,” Kelly tells Jennifer Strailey, editor of The Packer. “In our case, it’s brothers and sisters being deported, and other family members being afraid. Our employees are staying home to help their family members move, to take care of them or to take them to see an attorney — that kind of thing.”

Dairy operations in several states have also been raided recently. Dairy producers say they rely on immigrant labor to provide a stable year-round work force and to keep the U.S. food supply stable.

“We need these people to take care of our animals so we can produce food. Without animal care, we won’t have milk, cheese, butter — nothing,” Greg Moes, MoDak Dairy in Goodwin, S.D., told Rook.

The recent ICE arrests at Glenn Valley Foods of Omaha, Neb. have also led to absenteeism at meat processing plants.

“At the beginning of the Trump administration, we had this same worry with the crackdown — whether this was going to impact absenteeism and things like that,” says Brad Kooima, Kooima Kooima Varilek in Sioux Center, Iowa. “So, hopefully we can put that in our rearview mirror.”

By the Numbers: A Heavy Reliance on Immigrant Labor
The news this week of the Trump administration putting a pause on raids of farms and meat processors is welcome news for those in agriculture. From dairies and produce farms, to meatpacking plants across the U.S., these sectors rely heavily on immigrant labor.

Immigrant labor makes up a substantial portion of the meat processing workforce, with estimates ranging from 37% to over 50%. However, states like South Dakota and Nebraska have even higher concentrations of immigrant workers in meat processing — reaching 58% and 66%, according to the nonprofit Migration Policy Institute.

And a large portion of U.S. dairy farms rely on immigrant labor, with estimates indicating that over half of all dairy workers are immigrants. Specifically, these workers account for 51% of the total dairy workforce and are responsible for producing 79% of the U.S. milk supply.

Farmworker Justice estimates 70% of the produce industry’s farmworkers are immigrants. USDA’s estimates are lower — closer to 60%.

The Foundation for Fresh Produce Appoints First Chief Medical Officer

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:21:42 GMT

The Foundation for Fresh Produce has named Jelena Gligorijević its chief medical officer, a new position created to expand the influence of the produce industry within the global health and medical communities, according to a news release.

Gligorijević is a practicing medical doctor and nutrition specialist with over three decades of experience in clinical practice, academic instruction and public health advocacy, with a particular focus on preventive medicine, nutrition therapy and global health promotion. As the founding head of the Department of Nutrition at the University Clinical Center of Serbia — one of the largest medical institutions in Europe — she has personally treated more than 10,000 patients, developed pioneering outpatient nutrition services and helped shape best practices in medical nutrition therapy, the release said.

The Foundation for Fresh Produce said Gligorijević’s expertise and strategic guidance will strengthen the presence and influence of fruits and vegetables as part of the global medical, food system and policy dialogues. Her new role will focus on connecting health systems and communities with the produce sector, emphasizing how crucial fruits and vegetables are to addressing diet-related diseases and disparities in global health outcomes.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jelena Gligorijević to our team as we continue our work to change the trajectory of human health,” said Lauren M. Scott, president of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “Dr. Gligorijević’s expertise and global perspective is innovative for the produce industry, opening the door for meaningful alliances with the medical community to deliver on a shared goal of improving health through better nutrition.”

Gligorijević’s appointment supports the foundation’s mission to drive fruit and vegetable consumption. Her role will raise and strengthen the clinical and public health case for produce, ensuring that fruits and vegetables are recognized by the medical community as essential to health and disease prevention. This is particularly important for children as they form life-long healthy habits including a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, the release said.

“I am honored to join The Foundation for Fresh Produce as the first chief medical officer,” said Gligorijević. “Fruits and vegetables have the power to prevent disease, extend lives and promote equity. I look forward to working with health care providers, researchers and industry partners to turn the power of nutrition — and particularly produce — into measurable progress in global health.”

IFPA Brings Food Safety Agenda to Capitol Hill

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 23:24:54 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 provides $6.8 billion for the Food and Drug Administration, including $234.6 million to support Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiatives “to address the nation’s chronic disease epidemic, restore trust in our food system and strengthen America’s nutritional and food safety,” according to the FDA. But the budget also reflects an overall decrease of $271 million, or 3.9%, compared to fiscal year 2025.

To learn more about how these proposed budget cuts may impact food safety specifically, The Packer connected with International Fresh Produce Association Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski on the heels of IFPA’s recent Washington Conference and adjacent Supply Chain of the Future Symposium, held June 9-11 in Washington, D.C.

“It was clear that the FDA leadership is committed to programs that support produce safety,” said Teplitski, who added that several workstreams at the symposium addressed food safety, including a session titled “Innovations in Food Safety” that featured Samir Assar, director for the division of fresh produce safety from the FDA’s Office of Produce Safety Human Foods Program.

The sessions focused on aspects of ensuring and documenting food quality along the entire supply chain, shelf-life extension and data sharing, and “while these do not aim directly at food safety, they will have a measurable impact on improving produce safety,” Teplitski said.

International Fresh Produce Association Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski talks food safety.

(Photo courtesy of the International Fresh Produce Association)

The MAHA Human Foods Program includes $97.8 million for food safety, and the FDA said the net increase to the Human Foods Program is $65.5 million for fiscal year 2026. “This investment will ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply, invest in nutrition, prevent food safety failures, prevent infant formula contamination and shortages, and restore laboratory operations to conduct gold standard science,” according to the agency.

As recent headlines have included produce-related food safety issues such as a salmonella outbreak in cucumbers , Teplitski said IFPA used the Washington Conference as an opportunity to take its stance on advancing food safety to the Hill.

“We had multiple conversations with both the regulators as well as on the Hill, and our priorities were clear that the industry stands firm in advancing food safety,” he said. “Certainly, fully funding the state inspections was top of mind, but also working on a collaborative relationship with FDA and more openly sharing data — now fully leveraging AI for building trust and data exchanges between the industry and FDA to identify root cause analysis to identify the issues that were highlighted by some of the recent events.”

Teplitski said the conference also provided a forum for several IFPA members to showcase their food safety programs and demonstrate their commitment to food safety in tangible ways, “like designing sanitation for cleaning [and] ensuring that food safety culture penetrates through the entire organization and not just for compliance.

“It was a consensus within the industry presenters that compliance is the price of entry into the industry and going above and beyond the compliance and propagating food safety culture is not only the desired goal, but something that the industry is actively working on,” he added.

What can the fresh produce industry do to ensure it continues to bring the freshest and safest food supply to market?

“I would argue that we already do bring the freshest and safest food to the market,” said Teplitski. “Considering the billions of servings of fresh produce that our industry serves each week, the industry’s food safety record is likely unmatched compared to other industries, whether in the food space or beyond.

“If we look at the investment that the fresh produce industry has made into various food safety programs, it’s also unmatched in the entire industry,” he continued. “It is important to continue to propagate the food safety culture through the organization building equipment for sanitation, ensuring that the labor force is fully trained and everyone in any organization is empowered to identify any food safety issues.”

Bracing for Significant Disruption: Q&A with Emerald Packaging CEO Kevin Kelly in Wake of ICE Raids

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:25:51 GMT

Last week President Donald Trump sent mixed messages to an agricultural community strained and stressed in the wake of the administration’s immigration crackdown. On Thursday, Trump acknowledged the impact of ICE raids on agriculture and the hotel industry, saying an order to address the situation would come “pretty soon,” but a day later the Washington Post reported that no such order was in the works. On Saturday, Reuters reported the Trump administration had directed immigration officials to largely pause raids on farms. But on June 16, the Department of Homeland Security reversed course again, asking for farm, hotel and restaurant raids to resume.

From families broken to rising food prices to reduced access to fresh food and food waste, the ripple effect of ICE raids on agriculture could be far reaching, says Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging, the largest flexible packaging supplier to the leafy greens industry. Based in Union City, Calif., the company has been in the packaging business for 62 years, supplying major produce brands from Taylor Farms to Foxy with packaging for their fresh salads and more.

To learn more from the front lines in California, The Packer spoke with Kelly via Zoom on Friday, June 13.

What’s been the impact of recent ICE raids in Southern California across the farms that Emerald Packaging serves and at your company in Northern California?

Kelly: I would suspect, if we’re really seeing the kind of reduced production our customers are telling us they’re seeing [with] folks losing about half of their farm crews, in some cases, we’ll see a turnout in the prices.

Where we’ve seen it more personally is rumors going through our factory or our community, and people not turning up to work because family members are frightened or family members are on the run. We’ve had employees who’ve had family members deported, who’ve had family members arrested and are somewhere in the deportation process — very often unable to find them — and we lose them.

Our experience is frankly more firsthand in the factory and in the front office, where with such a diverse workforce — we’re heavily Asian and Hispanic — we’re seeing this push around deportations affect our productivity.

The price report [that comes out with fob pricing on Fridays] will tell no lies. I was just checking the price of a 24-count of iceberg lettuce this morning, but it doesn’t seem to have moved much from last week, although the price range of what a box is going for is much wider than normal. So that might indicate some static in the system.

Kevin Kelly is CEO of Emerald Packaging in Union City, Calif.

(Photo courtesy of Kevin Kelly)

Are the immigrant workers who aren’t showing up for work here in the U.S. legally? And if so, are they simply too afraid to come to work?

I think a lot of folks are feeling uncertain and afraid. We’ve certainly heard that folks aren’t turning up to work in the fields, and we’ve seen it in our facility. And we verify everybody, so we know everybody in our facility is documented and can legally work in the United States. In our case, it’s brothers and sisters being deported, and other family members being afraid, and our employees staying home to help their family members move, to take care of them or to take them to see an attorney, that kind of thing.

There’s a certain irony here. I know that some of our employees voted for the current administration thinking this wouldn’t happen or that only criminals would be targeted, and that’s clearly not what’s happening. And I don’t see it helping a company like ours, where we’re talking about a legal workforce that’s being impacted by a policy meant to impact criminals.

“We should be handing them gold stars, not throwing them out of the country.”

— Kevin Kelly, on the back-breaking work of harvesting lettuce.

You mentioned food pricing. What’s the potential ripple effect of ICE raids on food pricing and availability?

I think that’s what the farmers worry about — the direct line from supply to price. Right now, supply is pretty plentiful and demand is fairly moderate. Life is good for the consumer. It’s a little bit hard on the farmer. But this can flip in an instant. It can flip inside a week.

Because if suddenly there’s no supply because suddenly no one is turning up to work or you’re losing 25%, 30% of your workforce in the fields, it’ll turn up overnight and flow through the consumer fairly quickly.

I don’t see Kroger able to control pricing if supply gets completely out of whack. If [they] were to lose 30% or 40% of their supply, [prices] would flow through [to the consumer] within seven days, if not sooner. So, we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on that.

The government’s goals of keeping prices low for consumers and deporting undocumented workers who just happen to be farmworkers ended up having the effect of rising prices, largely not because [they’re] deporting people but just because they aren’t turning up to work. And that certainly wouldn’t seem to be what most of us intended when we thought of a crackdown on undocumented workers who were criminals, part of gangs or were in prison for violent crimes.

The rumor mill is moving even in wealthy communities like Fremont, [Calif.] where a large Indian population exists, and they are worried. They’re all here with documents. They’re all here legally. Many of them are naturalized citizens, but they’re worried and they’re worried for their kids. They’re worried about being harassed.

If that’s the [sentiment] among people with means, [think about] folks like farmworkers, who feel completely vulnerable, who really have no ground to stand on — literally, and imagine their feelings at a moment like this and maybe why they wouldn’t turn up to work.

Is there also a food-waste/food-loss piece here as well? If you don’t have workers to harvest the food and put it into boxes so it can get to stores, what happens to that food?

It ends up going to waste. You end up just turning over fields or letting fields go. I mean, we know that happens when prices get really low. This would be something entirely different — letting it happen because there’s no workforce. So, there would be a great deal of food waste.

You’ve said that American businesses need to get realistic on immigration issues. What do you mean by that?

The nation’s farm labor is half undocumented. The nation’s construction labor is half undocumented — they’re the electricians, the plumbers, the welders that we all rely on, and now it’s suddenly occurring to us that we rely on them?

It’s obvious the program that we’re embarking on right now is not a realistic program that will allow us to continue to be a productive, low-cost country. We’ve got to do something about the workers who are here doing the work we need.

And we’ve talked about a pathway to green card or pathway to citizenship for workers who are here. I think we’re inevitably heading back into that conversation. I’m not sure it’ll happen in the next year, but we’re clearly in need of some conversation.

Farmers have, for years, fought for an expansion of the work visa program, which is an easy, short-term solution; create more spaces, create more visas. Let’s get this taken care of right now, and then we can deal with the longer term.

This taking a hammer to an issue that needs fixing, but with screwdrivers and wrenches and a much defter touch, doesn’t make sense. Hopefully, as an industry — and I include myself in the produce industry — we’re getting a better sense of what’s possible and what’s needed and what we should be advocating for in Washington.

Sure, there’s people we have to deal with who are criminals, and we need to get [them] out [of the country], but that’s not the people working in the fields. I don’t know many criminals who want to work in fields. It’s bending and chopping [lettuce] heads with a machete. It’s not too different today than it was 20, 30 years ago, and it is literally backbreaking work. We’re lucky we have people who actually want to do it. We should be handing them gold stars, not throwing them out of the country.

If the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown, what’s at stake for agriculture?

I think deeply about that because whatever happens in the fields ends up affecting us. So, we’re being very cautious with spending. We were going to buy a new printing press this year, and that’s on hold. We’re driving our cash up, and we’re not spending on anything.

I really do worry about plant crops getting picked and harvests happening. And not just here, but down in Yuma, [Ariz.] [where] this could go on for weeks. We’re in June. I know Yuma is October, but my head is already in October. We’ll start to see the orders for Yuma coming in in September. So, if this doesn’t get resolved within a week, then I think the [situation will] continue to spiral with real, unpredictable consequences.

I do take some comfort in the fact that produce companies are, as we are, coaching all of our managers around this. We have a written standard operating procedure; here’s what you do if ICE turns up on the property.

First, they’re not allowed on the property, obviously, without a warrant. It has to be a judicial warrant. Most of the farms that ICE turned up at this week demanded a judicial warrant, which they didn’t have.

Who advised you on ICE raid protocols and do you recommend that all ag businesses have an ICE raid plan in place?

I have all sorts of plans in place now that five years ago, I never thought I would. COVID plans, this plan, that plan, pandemic plans, and now I have an ICE plan.

We went to our HR attorney said, “OK, what do we do and what should we be telling our managers?” He laid out how to handle an ICE visit, and we put the steps into a proper procedure. Then we trained all 40 managers and supervisors and office people on what to do if ICE knocks on the door or what to do if they show up in the parking lot or what to do if they try to access the factory without going through the front office.

Everybody knows exactly what to do, and we trained everybody. It’s written down. It’s posted in the factory and in the front office, and I keep a copy on my computer at home and at work.

Walking onto a field is walking onto private property. They’re not allowed to be there, and your supervisors in the field should know that, and they should know what to do and whom to call, and those people need to be accessible to get out there and deal with the situation so that you’re not asking farmworkers themselves to deal with it.

And one clear thing is: Don’t run. Do not run. We’ve told our employees, I don’t care how scared you are, do not do the instinctual thing, which might be to run. You’re all here legally, A, and B, we can handle this. Running communicates guilt. So, just stay put and let the company deal with it.

CAC launches 2025 consumer advertising campaign

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:34:14 GMT

The Irvine-based California Avocado Commission has launched its consumer advertising program for the 2025 season. The campaign is an evolution of last year’s advertising creative that showcased California avocado groves and growers’ care in producing the fruit, according to a news release.

Featuring photos of California avocado-centric dishes and imagery of consumers enjoying the fruit, the new ads spotlight the consumer side of the story, says CAC. The new ads reference key attributes of the fruit, such as locally grown, sustainably farmed and ethically sourced, and include calls-to-action for consumers to take advantage of the season when California avocados are available.

“CAC conducted research with our target audiences and confirmed that communicating key messaging about California avocados being locally grown, sustainably farmed and ethically sourced is very well received and purchase-motivating,” said Terry Splane, commission vice president of marketing. “Combining those benefits with inspirational meal ideas makes these new ads especially appealing.”

CAC says it plans to advertise its 2025 campaign on digital music streaming services.

(Photo courtesy of the California Avocado Commission)

CAC says it will reach its target California avocado consumer audience through a variety of media that aligns with where and when they consume media. These include a combination of streaming/connected TV, audio advertising with visual ad elements. For the Los Angeles market, CAC is adding an overlay of broadcast television.

Rounding out traditional media placements, outdoor advertising is running via electric car charging stations that are strategically placed near retailers merchandising California avocados, the release said.

Additionally, CAC says custom content partnerships with Tastemade and The Kitchn will garner at least 16 million impressions. Overall, the California avocado media plan is expected to deliver nearly 165 million impressions.

Highly targeted consumer advertising via retailer partnerships augments CAC’s media plan both in the commission’s core markets and in other areas where the fruit is distributed, the release said.

“Through the end of March, the California avocado crop is only about 15% harvested,” said Splane. “We’re excited for commission marketing to support the current forecast of April through about Labor Day weekend with promotable volume of at least 10 million pounds per week.”

Peak availability of California avocados is expected to occur in spring through summer, with many weeks expected to reach considerably higher than 10 million pounds. CAC says the 2025 California avocado harvest estimate remains in the range of 375 million pounds.

Your next read: California readies for robust avocado crop

Top 7 pie heroes that make Pi Day worth celebrating

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:05:48 GMT

Even if you’re not a fan of numbers, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate Pi Day on March 14.

Eaters across the U.S. celebrate this national holiday typically not by penciling in equations, but instead by grabbing a fork and digging into a slice of pie that features the first fruits of spring.

Not only does March 14 mark the day that the mathematical number pi (symbol π) coincides with the calendar date that matches the figure’s approximate value of 3.14, but the date also marks Albert Einstein’s birthday.

To celebrate the many aspects of this holiday, the USDA Economic Research Service tallied the value of the most popular fruits, vegetables and tree nuts included in America’s most iconic desert. Pulling value of production for the highest-ranking pie filling commodities from 2021 cash receipts, here’s how pie filling crops stack up.

Top U.S. pie fillings crops, ranked by value of production

Apples — Exceeded $3.03 billion.
Blueberries — Reached $1.1 billion.
Cherries — $950 million.
Peaches —$624 million.
Pecans —$551 million.
Pears — $373 million.
Pumpkins — $231 million.

The infographic and pie filling production values chart were drawn from the USDA Economic Research Service ’s “Fruit and Tree Nuts and Vegetables and Pulses Yearbook Tables.”

Fair World Project merges with legal nonprofit

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:25:13 GMT

Portland, Ore.-based fair trade watchdog Fair World Project has been acquired by the Corporate Accountability Lab, a legal nonprofit based in Chicago and focused on environmental and human rights advocacy within commercial supply chains.

The move brings Fair World Project’s fair trade advocacy work in-house and, according to a news release, will strengthen the work of both organizations to stymie exploitation in global supply chains and combat false claims made by certifications and brands.

“Fair World Project has brought credible information on corporate accountability to a broad audience throughout its history. I am a huge fan of the work Fair World Project does and am thrilled to bring this work under the Corporate Accountability Lab umbrella and to engage more with the community Fair World Project has brought together through their important work,” Charity Ryerson, executive director of Corporate Accountability Lab, said in the release.

Related news: Tip of the Iceberg Podcast — The farmworkers under those NatureSweet tomato labels

Created in 2010 to shed light on fair trade labels and certification claims, Fair World Project advocacy is rooted in “the belief that a truly just economy must work in the interest of all people, especially those who are historically the most marginalized,” according to the release.

“After over 10 years leading Fair World Project, I have decided to move on to other projects. I am honored that Corporate Accountability Lab has agreed to steward Fair World Project into the future. They are the ideal home for Fair World Project and our mission,” Dana Geffner, co-founder and executive director of Fair World Project, said in the release. “This partnership is an extension of our previous collaborations together. Corporate Accountability Lab and Fair World Project have worked together to expose sham certification schemes and corporate greenwashing and its detrimental effects in global supply chains.”

Notable campaigns by the fair trade organization showcased farmer- and worker-led democratic systems, promoted alternative growing and trade models and called out what the group perceived as misleading “corporate solutions” touted by brands and certifications.

Like the Fair World Project, the Corporate Accountability Lab was founded to shed light on human rights and environmental abuses and to promote resources and legal accountability tools. Established in 2017, the legal nonprofit looks forward the Fair World Project team contributing to its larger mission to advance “a just economy for all,” according to the release.

“We are excited and honored to protect and advance Fair World Project’s mission. The organization has provided actionable analysis so consumers can align their purchases with their values while holding companies and certification schemes accountable to high bar principles,” Corporate Accountability Lab’s staff attorney Tatiana Devia said in the release.

Farmworker wages up 7% from last year, according to USDA Farm Labor Survey

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 22:31:35 GMT

Hired farmworkers play a critical role in U.S. agriculture while making up less than 1% of all U.S. workers, according to a recent USDA report.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service tracks the farmworker labor force and, on Nov. 23, it released its biannual Farm Labor Survey results report sharing wage data from the past year.

Not only does this survey report on hired farm labor trends, demographics and regional variances, but the Farm Labor Survey tracks changes in income that will be used to inform H-2A worker wages in the U.S.

The top finding from the report is that, in the past five years, farm wages grew at 2.9% per year. This increase is consistent with growers’ reports that workers were harder than usual to find, according to the USDA report.

Other takeaways of the Farm Labor Survey include:

Hired worker wages were up by 2% and gross wage rate increased 7% from 2021.
Farm operators paid workers an average gross wage of $17.72 an hour, up 7% from the same week in 2021.
Inflation-adjusted wages for nonsupervisory crop and livestock workers (excluding contract labor) rose at an average annual rate of 1.1% per year between 1990 and 2022.
Across all farm types, labor costs averaged around 10% in the last two decades.

Although farm wages are rising in real terms, the impact of these gains on farmers’ incomes have been offset by productivity and output prices, according to the USDA.

Concerns about implications for H-2A

H-2A wage changes are updated through the Department of Labor’s Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for 2023, which sources its data from the Farm Labor Survey. While recommending wage increases for H-2A farm workers is good news for some, not everyone agrees with the increase.

The International Fresh Produce Association favors stopping wage increases to H-2A workers through legislative reform, according to a recent news release. Further, the organization champions the House-passed Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which proposes putting an annual cap on increases to the AEWR.

“Today’s release of the Farm Labor Survey by the USDA should be a clarion call from the fresh produce industry on why Congress must act this year on agriculture immigration reform legislation,” Robert Guenther, IFPA’s chief public policy officer, said in the release. “For the last two years, ramping up to the 2022 congressional mid-terms, we have heard so much rhetoric from our elected officials about the rising cost of food and inflation taking off. Next week, Congress has the ability to stop this unaffordable and unacceptable increase in wages that will cripple producers who are already suffering from high inflation.”

Related news: Pandemic can’t slow the growth of the H-2A program, USDA report says

The AEWR is determined by a formula by the Department of Labor, intended to protect the domestic workforces from having wages depressed by foreign agricultural workers. IFPA believes that this data does not reflect true wage cost for those who use the H-2A program.

“When Congress returns after the Thanksgiving holiday, they can put a stop to this assault on our members and the fresh produce industry by passing much needed immigration reform which will not only help the farmers who grow our food, but the consumers who buy it,” Guenther said.

Stemilt breaks ground on new pear packing facility

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 19:55:09 GMT

A new pear line facility equipped with automated packing systems, defect sorting and robotic palletizing will complement Stemilt’s approach to growing pears.

The Washington-based tree fruit grower, packer and shipper is investing in new technology to accentuate quality and flavor for brands like Rushing Rivers pears and the newly launched Happi Pear.

“The Happi Pear is the first branded pear in a long time,” Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said at the International Fresh Produce Association’s 2022 Global Produce & Floral Show. “It has a distinct texture, and you can eat it green and yellow. Happi will help revive the pear category.”

According to Shales, this is the second commercial year growing the Happi Pear, and this upcoming season will be a short one. Stemilt will be ready to scale up production in the 2023 season.

Related news: Stemilt Growers sees strong marketing prospects for pears

Synced with anticipated crop, the pear line facility is poised to be fully operational by the 2023-24 pear season to increase productivity of Stemilt’s pears coming from optimal growing locations in Wenatchee, Wash., and the company’s ripening center.