Pacific Tomato Growers Awarded USDA FLSP Grant at Platinum-Level to Enhance Ethical Labor Standards & Combat Agriculture Labor Shortages

June 23, 2024 Pacific Tomato Growers

Pacific Tomato Growers, a family-owned U.S. tomato grower, packer, and shipper known for its commitment to ethical labor standards, is honored to announce it has been awarded $1,720,000 through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection (FLSP) pilot grant program.

The American Pecan Promotion Board Launches “Surprisingly Snackable Pecans”

The APPB has partnered with Signal Theory, a branding agency known for its behavioral science approach to marketing, and creative studio SixTwentySix to create a campaign to reach target audiences across generations. Together, they have created a new consumer campaign called “Surprisingly Snackable Pecans,” to dispel the myth that pecans are only for desserts.

Organic Produce Summit to Address Reducing Plastics in Produce Packaging During New Sustainability Session

Organic Produce Summit announces new speaker session highlighting sustainable packaging on July 11 at the only comprehensive one-stop-shop event for retailers and buyers in the organic produce industry. The session, “Sustainable Packaging: Reducing Plastics in the Produce Department,” will focus on how produce packaging is changing and evolving alongside the industry’s increased emphasis on sustainability.

Village Farms Fresh & Blue Radix: Harnessing AI to Revolutionize Greenhouse Agriculture & Enhancing Grower Efficiency and Quality

June 23, 2024 Village Farms Fresh

Village Farms Fresh has consistently championed innovation, viewing technology not merely as a tool for growth but as a cornerstone of sustainable practices. By investing in AI-driven solutions, the company not only enhances the quality of its offerings but also underscores its commitment to supporting the individuals who drive its success—the growers.

USDA Proposes Revising the Section 8e Import Inspection Fee Structure for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and other Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing revisions to the regulations governing the inspection and certification of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. These proposed changes include a per-pound fee structure for certain Section 8e import inspections, a minimum fee equivalent to a 2-hour charge computed at the current established hourly rate, whichever is greater, and a 50 percent reduction to the sublot fee.