ORLANDO, FL — Georgia agriculture was in the spotlight at a reception held March 3, here, ahead of the opening of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure convention. The reception featured Georgia Grown foods and was highlighted by a one-on-one interview of former NFL great Anthony (Booger) McFarland by Sarah Walsh of Fox Sports. McFarland, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts, spoke of the importance of teamwork to overcome challenges as well as adapting to changes that arise in business and life in general. He said maintaining mental

ORLANDO, FL — The Southeast Produce Council held its annual VIP dinner Wednesday evening, March 2, at the Swan Reserve Vue Ballroom, just prior to the opening of the 2022 Southern Exposure conference and trade show, taking place here March 3-5. A full schedule of events was set for this year's event, themed "The Marvel of Produce," including the annual Tom Page Golf Classic (named for Tom Page, one of the founders of the council), the STARS & STEP-UPP dinner, two educational workshops, the Southern Roots luncheon for women in produce, the opening gala, the keynote luncheon and the expo.

Many in the produce industry see their job as a true labor of love, but that love certainly extends outside of the workplace and into the home, especially the kitchen. Since February is so heart-focused — with American Heart Month and Valentine's Day — we asked you to send in photos of the people you love enjoying the food they love. In March we'll be getting a little crazy with March madness. To take part our next installment of Face to Face with the Produce Industry show us your colors by donning a hat or sweatshirt supporting your alma mater or favorite sports team. Keep an eye out for your

NASHVILLE, TN – When the National Watermelon Association convention was last held in February 2020, COVID-19 was just starting to rear its ugly head. In fact, less than a month after the 2020 convention wrapped, the nation was faced with a mandatory shutdown to combat the rapidly spreading virus. After skipping its convention in 2021, the NWA reconvened for its 107th annual convention and meeting, here, much to the delight of its members, who were more than eager to gather for several days of camaraderie, highlighted by the opening reception and dinner held Feb. 24.

The Saguaro Half Marathon, held Feb. 19 in Tucson, AZ, provided a perfect setting to showcase the health and hydration benefits of watermelon while putting the finishing touch on the two-year reign of National Watermelon Queen Paige Huntington. Huntington was selected National Watermelon Queen two years ago for what is typically a one-year term. She stayed on for a second year due to the cancellation of the 2021 National Watermelon Association convention, where a new queen was to be selected. At the Saguaro Half Marathon, Huntington helped distribute refreshing watermelon to race participants

Nearly 120 people attended the 2022 Texas Produce Hall of Fame banquet and ceremony on Monday evening, Jan. 24, at the Mission Event Center in Mission, TX. Organized by the Texas International Produce Association, the Hall of Fame has been a proud tradition since 1988. For 34 years, the event has recognized industry leaders who have made exceptional contributions crucial to the long-term success of the trade. Honored for their longstanding contributions to the produce industry throughout Texas, this year’s inductees were the Wiesehan family, including John F, Raymond, Richard, Kenneth, George