We’re officially in the home stretch of the Salinas season, with most shippers expecting to transition to the desert the week of November 17 fully. That still gives us a few more weeks in the Valley, but conditions in the field are deteriorating quickly. This week’s inch-and-a-half of rain, combined with lingering heat and humidity, has only added to the already high pressure from disease and pests. Earlier this week, the Salinas Valley saw roughly 1.5 inches of rain fall across key growing areas. That amount of moisture, paired with lingering humidity and warm afternoons, is putting

JBJ and Veg-Land, leaders in sustainable agriculture and organic produce, announced the appointment of Elisha Cope to its team. Elisha will take on a pivotal role in driving the development and expansion of the company’s organic vegetable program, bringing her extensive expertise and passion for the industry to this dynamic initiative. She will be joining the team at this year’s IFPA show at the Veg-Land booth No. 4197. Elisha’s addition marks a significant step forward for JBJ and Veg-Land as they continue to innovate and grow within the organic produce sector. With a career spanning over a

A coalition of produce industry leaders has released A Guide: Fraud Prevention in Produce, a comprehensive resource designed to help companies protect themselves against the rapidly escalating threat of fraud that has cost the industry tens of millions of dollars annually. The guide, facilitated by Blue Book Services and developed by experts from the International Fresh Produce Association, Texas International Produce Association, USDA/PACA, Dispute Resolution Corporation, Kings River Packing, The Fresh Connection and Latitude Group, addresses the dramatic surge in impersonation and ghost

Wakefern Food Corp. announced the appointment of Travis Riepenhoff as group vice president, Fresh. Riepenhoff succeeds Mark Van Buskirk, who now leads Wakefern’s Center Store divisions as group vice president. As GVP for Fresh divisions, Riepenhoff will oversee Wakefern’s fresh food divisions, including food service, bakery, meat, seafood, produce and floral. In this role, he will be responsible for maintaining the cooperative’s high standards for quality and innovation while driving growth across fresh food categories in stores. “Travis’s deep industry experience and passion for fresh foods

Leamington, ON – In a marketplace where consistency and consumer engagement are key, Topline Farms is transforming the Roma tomato category with its greenhouse-grown Roma Tomato program. This initiative demonstrates the company’s dedication to reliable supply, exceptional flavor and creative ways to connect with consumers — the driving force behind what they proudly call the “Roma Revolution.” The Surety of Supply: A Greenhouse Advantage Topline Farms’ Roma program is its year-round greenhouse production. Unlike field-grown tomatoes, which are vulnerable to weather and seasonal changes

When the Fowler family heads to Anaheim, CA, for the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, they’ll be bringing more than just apples. They’ll be bringing a legacy of nearly two centuries of farming in upstate New York; a vertically integrated operation that grows, packs, markets and distributes apples and cider. The Fowler team will also be utilizing a booth designed and built entirely by the family itself. “This season’s been pretty unique, especially for growers in the east,” said Austin Fowler, co-owner of the Wolcott, NY-based company. “With last year’s