MONTEREY, CA — After a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Organic Produce Summit returned in full force at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel, here. Attendees gathered for the opening reception Sept. 15 following a day that featured field tours at Braga Fresh, Driscoll’s and Earthbound Farm.

Savannah, GA, smiled on the produce industry as the Southeast Produce Council held its Southern Innovations event in the oldest city in Georgia. The show floor at the Savannah Convention Center buzzed as exhibitors happily highlighted their latest and greatest products.

SAVANNAH, GA — The Southeast Produce Council kicked off Southern Innovations 2021 with the STEP-UPP and board of directors dinner Wednesday evening, Sept. 8, at Vic's on the River, here. Rania Nelson of Westfalia Fruit, who is the incoming chairman of the SEPC board of directors, recognized the graduating members of the STEP-UPP class of 2020. The dinner was held one day prior to the official opening of Southern Innovations, taking place Sept. 9-11.

After a one year hiatus, the Idaho Grower Shippers Association held its 93rd annual convention in Sun Valley, ID, Sept. 1-3. The event featured a program of top-notch business speakers, social functions and recreational events, including a UTV side-by-side ride into the Sun Valley back country, a guided hike, bowling, horseshoes, trap shooting and a golf tournament. Among the highlights were the tribute paid to retiring Idaho Potato Commission CEO Frank Muir and the always-popular Railroad Reception.

Easy Rider, The Wild One, The Produce News? Sturgis is over — now the real motorcycle rally can begin. Bikes elicit the passion that those in the produce industry are known for, so TPN asked you to show us your rides and you responded. The Produce News' bike rally got Hog Wild, so get a look at what some of your fellow industry friends and colleagues ride when they take to the open road.

For the first time in 18 months, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held one of its signature membership luncheon meetings when more than 200 guests convened at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course dining room Aug. 18 in Anaheim, CA. COVID-19 put a halt to these in-person meetings throughout most of 2020 and 2021. Kevin Coupe of The Morning Beat was the keynote speaker as he talked about the changing dynamic facing retailers. Ryan Sanchez of Albertsons was the emcee while longtime Sysco executive Rich Dachman, who is now CEO of Brighter Bites, gave a pitch for the non-profit that delivers fresh