U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility thwarted a smuggling attempt of alleged cocaine and methamphetamine worth $4 million in a commercial shipment of fresh produce arriving from Mexico. “Tenacity is the key in keeping dangerous drugs from crossing our borders,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. CBP officers are committed to upholding CBP’s ongoing border security mission, serving as the guardians of our country’s borders.” On Sep. 22, 2020, a 28-year-old truck driver, a Mexican

Jimmy Panetta and Rodney Davis warned that they will not be seen together on national news networks. Why not? After all, they respect each other, they are friends, and they cooperate to get things done for American agriculture. Panetta is the U.S. Representative for the nation’s “Salad Bowl,” California District 20. He’s a Democrat. Davis, on the other hand, is a Republican from Illinois District 13. They spoke together in a Sept. 24 Zoom presentation offered as part of the United Fresh Produce Washington Congress. This general session was titled “A Bipartisan Approach to Governing.” Davis

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, IRI data has consistently shown weekly mushroom sales up by 20 percent or more compared to the same week in 2019. Mushroom demand is high, and a recent survey of mushroom consumers suggests it will continue at this pace after this crisis. The Fresh Mushroom Attitudes & Behaviors During COVID-19 survey of 750 shoppers conducted in April revealed that 25 percent of consumers are planning to cook more with fresh mushrooms “after things get back to normal.” An additional 63 percent plan to cook “about the same.” The survey was developed and conducted by

SUNSET and Brighter Bites are joining forces to do some good in the produce world and have some fun while doing so. The two organizations are partnering in a groundbreaking virtual event for the produce industry that will help raise funds to support the Brighter Bites mission of delivering fresh produce to families who need it most. “With the produce world going virtual for this year’s PMA Fresh Summit, we didn’t want to compromise on the opportunity to get the industry together to have some fun and keep the SUNSET Rocks tradition going,” said Paul Mastronardi, president and CEO of Mastronardi

Starr Ranch Growers is expanding its Emoji character offerings to a new 100 percent recyclable pouch bag. The recyclable pouch is made of high-density polyethylene plastic. Recycled HDPE plastics can be used to make plumbing pipes, plastic rope, children’s toys, and a range of other products. It takes much less energy to create products from recycled plastics such as HDPE than from new plastics, which helps reduce the use of fossil fuels. “At Starr Ranch Growers we are passionate about using sustainable farming, shipping and packaging practices that will keep our orchards plentiful for

The Wellness Experience by Kroger and Jewel will launch with a World Mental Health Day Summit & Concert Oct. 10, featuring artists, business leaders, and mental health experts for a day of inspiration, education, and entertainment. The free live-stream event will shine a light on mindfulness and mental wellness and practices to combat depression and anxiety through personal stories, songs and expert interviews and provide viewers with actionable steps to improve their well-being. Since 2018, Kroger, Jewel and Inclusion Cos. have partnered to create physical, emotional and mental wellness