Joe Atchison III is a cheerleader for New Jersey’s blueberries. As the assistant secretary of agriculture and director of the division of marketing and development for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, part of his job is to make sure the world knows just how good the crop is.

As summer approaches and the seasonal produce deal starts to pop in the Northeast, the retail group that operates Tops Friendly Markets, Price Chopper and Market 32 kicks its locally grown promotions into high gear to celebrate the bounty that is available from the Empire State while also helping ag producers in New York. “Working with local growers is in our DNA,” Jeff Cady, vice president of produce and floral at Schenectady, NY-based Northeast Shared Services, which operates the three banners, told The Produce News. “Between our produce and dairy growers, we work with over 500 local

Michigan’s agricultural scene is characterized by its rich diversity, with farmers growing a wide array of fruits and vegetables that peak during the summer months. The state’s blueberry production is particularly notable, with more than 100 million pounds harvested annually across around 575 family farms, which contribute roughly $140 million to Michigan’s economy. These farms grow approximately 30 different blueberry varieties, showcasing the state’s strength in the category.

Marketing efforts for California avocados are running at full steam this spring and in support for California Avocado Month in June. The California Avocado Commission’s marketing campaign includes consumer advertising, social media, public relations and influencer activities as well as customized programs for participating retailers and foodservice operators. The commission reports that advertising impressions through April alone exceeded 31 million, and its social media performance is surpassing both CAC’s goals and industry benchmarks. “California avocado social media is hitting way out of

Equitable Food Initiative is recognizing National Safety Month by calling attention to the essential role of worker engagement in reducing safety risks, associated costs and providing resources to help reduce such instances. According to the National Safety Council, workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses $176.5 billion in 2023, including $53.1 billion in wage and productivity losses and $36.8 billion in medical expenses. More than 103 million days were lost in 2023 due to workplace injuries. Agriculture remains among the most dangerous industries, with injury and fatality rates significantly

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission have assembled a five-state, 30-organization coalition comprising two national organizations, representing a diverse collection of crops, including eight advocacy groups, with the unified mission of filing a Freedom of Information Act request with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the request is to obtain detailed information about how the USDA calculates the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which determines minimum wages under the H-2A agricultural guest-worker program. Backing