UNITED STATES - In order to honor the multigenerational farms that make up our nation’s landscape, Syngenta launched its Grown for Generations campaign.

“Agricultural work is simultaneously fulfilling, challenging, specialized, unpredictable, and straightforward. There is a steadfast grit that permeates the work, and building that grit is critical to the success of family farms. It’s no wonder that farmers have cultivated resilience within themselves,” shared Walkyhr Macy, Customer Experience Specialist, Western U.S. “Without that resilience, long-term success would be difficult to reach. In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, true success is measured not just in seasons, but in lifetimes. Family farms, passed down through generations, embody this enduring legacy.”

The key messaging of the Grown for Generations campaign focused on three pillars: Long-Term Success, Resilience and Grit, and Legacy and Partnership.

“Syngenta is dedicated to supporting multigenerational farms and the type of success that is Grown for Generations. We invest in understanding the challenges watermelon growers face, with a commitment to being customer-first in the field, conducting trials, and collaborating closely with growers to support their success,” Walkyhr added.

Growers are at the heart of everything Syngenta does, so understanding the challenges that its watermelon growers face is paramount.

“At Syngenta, we honor grower traditions, values, and the wisdom gained through years of hard work, perseverance, and experience. Our innovative products are deeply rooted in the strong partnerships we've cultivated with growers across the United States and around the world,” added Fernanda Ferraro, Head of Customer and Brand, United States and Canada.

“Knowing what growers need is one reason we continue to invest in our breeding programs. As insect, disease, and other pest challenges continue to evolve, we want to support growers in consistently producing the highest quality fruit and vegetables possible,” Walkyhr explained.

Syngenta’s watermelon portfolio is packed with diverse varieties designed to meet market demands. They cater to both grower and consumer needs with versatility, disease resistance, fruit quality, marketable yield, shipping ability, and flavor.

For example, the Powerhouse variety delivers uniform, blocky fruits with excellent internal color and full flavor, offering high yield potential and early market advantage, making it ideal for growers in the eastern and western United States. Valor stands out with strong disease resistance package, higher fruit sets, and a bold, sweet flavor, making it perfect for the retail market, whether whole or fresh-cut. Virtue thrives in cool conditions, producing large, early fruits, and has shown promise in early slots in the Eastern U.S.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you in the loop regarding all things agriculture, so stay tuned!

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from the USDA.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Golden Hills Foods Corp., operating out of Bogalusa, Louisiana, for failing to pay a $22,584 award in favor of an Arizona seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Veronica Perez was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business
• Assured Edge Solutions, operating out of Geneva, New York, for failing to pay a $22,904 award in favor of a Maryland seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Daniel Rao was listed as the sole member of the business
• Jack Humphreys doing business as Zia Onion Sales, operating out of Desoto, Texas, for failing to pay a $8,457 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jack Humphreys was listed as the sole proprietor of the business
• Fresh Central Trading, operating out of Pharr, Texas, for failing to pay a $4,268 award in favor of a Pennsylvania seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Edgar Garcia Lanuza was listed as the sole member of the business

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For contact information and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart is enacting some tactical changes across its supply chain operations, recently unveiling plans to merge its Sam’s Club banner corporate supply chain with Walmart’s internal supply chain.

“This is a big step in our growth journey, bringing together a supply chain that is future-ready to serve both Sam’s Club and Walmart for the long term,” said David Guggina, Head of Supply Chain Operations at Walmart, noting that the integration would support the long-term growth of both outfits. “The collaboration is expected to streamline operations and accelerate growth by leveraging Walmart’s expansive enterprise systems and infrastructure.”

As news source Talk Business & Politics reported, Walmart has had success merging operations within its business unit, as Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner consolidated digital and in-store buying employees into one merchandising unit on the heels of several other operational shifts aimed at uniting the supply chain in 2020.

Both businesses have also invested heavily in technology with the goal of boosting efficiency and establishing a more modernized supply chain through AI-powered applications and robotics.

The news of this operational merger comes as Sam’s Club initiates a plan to open 30 new stores over the next four to six years. No job cuts are anticipated with the transition, according to Sam’s Club.

ANUK will keep an eye out for more updates on this strategy and bring the latest insights straight to your inbox.

DAVIS, CA - Industry partner Engage3, powered by Dexi, is continuing to innovate in the retail space. The company has entered a new partnership with Loop Neighborhood Market to enhance the execution of its fuel pricing strategy through Engage3's cutting-edge Price Image Management data.

"We're thrilled to partner with Loop Neighborhood Market," said Edris Bemanian, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Engage3. "With our near real-time competitive intelligence feeds, Loop will be able to better understand their competitive landscape and take full control of their pricing strategy. We look forward to supporting them in delivering exceptional value to their customers."

According to a press release, Loop Neighborhood Market has been redefining the convenience retail store since its founding in 2013, offering exceptional products, excellent customer service, and an inviting shopping experience. With a focus on organic, natural, and gluten-free items, it prioritizes supporting healthy lifestyles while providing a welcoming space where customers can relax or work using their high-speed internet.

Through this partnership, Engage3's industry-leading pricing solutions will give Loop Neighborhood Market unprecedented insight into competitive pricing dynamics. This collaboration will enable the company to optimize its offerings and continue driving customer loyalty across its 50-plus locations throughout California.

"As we continue to innovate and redefine the convenience retail experience, it's essential that we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to competitive pricing," said Varish Goyal, Chief Executive Officer, Loop Neighborhood Market. "Our partnership with Engage3 enables us to harness the power of real-time data and advanced price intelligence to better serve our customers. By aligning our pricing strategy with their expectations, we can not only maintain our commitment to offering fresh, high-quality products but also strengthen the trust and loyalty we've built over the years. This collaboration is a key step in ensuring that Loop remains a leader in both value and customer experience."

Keep reading ANUK as we bring you more industry innovations.

CORAL GABLES, FL - The third time’s the charm—and so is the first and second if you are a powerful industry player like Fresh Del Monte Produce. For the third year in a row, the fresh produce supplier has been named a Humankind 100 company. This year, the company jumped to #53 on the list, rising from its rank at #89 in 2023.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as a Humankind 100 company for the third consecutive year,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to generating sustainable, long-term value—not just for our shareholders, but for society as a whole. It is a testament to our tireless efforts in innovation, responsible growth, and our dedication to enhancing the well-being of the communities and ecosystems we serve. At Fresh Del Monte, we believe that by fostering positive change, we can contribute meaningfully to both humanity and the planet.”

Earning an esteemed spot on the 2024 list, Fresh Del Monte was recognized for its success in Crop Production ($62.7 billion), Economic Value ($1.4 billion), and Medical Services ($538 million):

• Crop Production: The production, harvesting, storage, transportation, or sale of food or bringing food to consumers
• Economic Value: Offering consumers goods and services that they value, paying employees for their labor in producing goods and services, and providing value for shareholders
• Medical Services: The production and distribution of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and the delivery of medical services contributing to life expectancy and quality of life

Humankind 100 is a distinguished honor celebrating the 100 U.S. public companies aiming to create large amounts of value. As a press release explained, Humankind 100 companies are ranked based on Humankind Value, a proprietary metric that provides an estimate of the overall dollar amount a company creates for investors, consumers, employees, and society, and is therefore among some of the most ethical companies in the United States.

Complementing this exciting distinction, Fresh Del Monte was also recently recognized as one of the world’s most trusted companies by Newsweek, and it received a SEAL Business Award for its efforts to promote sustainability in emerging economies.

Cheers to Fresh Del Monte Produce on its continued success! We will continue to report on industry recognitions like this, so stick around.

GARDNERS, PA - Food safety and sustainable, responsible company culture are at the center of Rice Fruit Company’s most recent executive appointment. The apple provider recently announced the promotion of Alexandra Roberts to Vice President of Culture and Compliance, where she will work to ensure food safety while supporting the company’s overall culture.

“I am honored to take on this leadership position at Rice Fruit Company,” Roberts commented. “It has been a privilege to work with our team and community to uphold the highest standards in food safety and sustainability, and I look forward to continuing this important work in my expanded capacity.”

Roberts originally joined the Rice Fruit Company operation as Food Safety Manager, where she spearheaded food safety and compliance activities within the facility. As a press release explained, her role also involved close collaboration with local farm families and orchardists to implement and maintain efficient, good agricultural practices.

“Throughout her tenure, Lex’s work has exemplified a commitment to both the operational excellence of the packinghouse and the broader agricultural community,” the company stated in the release. “With her experience and vision, Rice Fruit Company is confident that Lex will help drive the company forward as a leader in responsible agriculture and food production.”

Before joining the team at Rice Fruit Company, Roberts worked in the fresh slice and snack food sectors, holding positions at Appeeling Fruit and Savor Street Foods. Before re-entering the agricultural and food industry, she also worked as a civil attorney, advocating for individuals facing social, economic, and racial challenges.

Adding to this expertise, Roberts holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science from Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law. This unique combination of legal expertise and food safety knowledge allows her to address industry challenges from a multidimensional perspective, the release added.

Congratulations to this newly named VP on an already successful ag career! For more industry news, you know where to click.