FRESNO, CA - The California table grape industry welcomed renewed momentum toward advancing the Farm Bill through the House Agriculture Committee with the approval of H.R. 7567, restoring regular order to the legislative process and emphasizing the importance of ensuring specialty crops remain a central part of the discussion.

“California table grape growers compete in a global marketplace while supplying families across the United States with fresh, healthy fruit,” said Ian LeMay, president of the California Table Grape Commission, in the recent release. “A Farm Bill that reflects the needs of the specialty crop sector is essential to maintaining that competitiveness. We are encouraged to see forward progress and a return to regular order that gives growers the opportunity to be heard.”

ORLANDO, FL - Healthy Family Project welcomed more than 200 produce industry professionals on February 27, 2026, for its annual Thank You Reception during the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Exposure event. The event celebrated the collective impact made in 2025 through retail and digital cause marketing campaigns supporting families across the country.

Through partnerships with retailers, brands, and industry organizations, Healthy Family Project and its supporters raised more than $348,000 in 2025 to benefit Feeding America® food banks, the Foundation for Fresh Produce, Our Military Kids, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Since its founding in 2002, the initiative has generated more than $8 million in charitable support.

“For more than two decades, this industry has demonstrated the power of collaboration,” said John Shuman, President of Shuman Farms and Founder of Healthy Family Project, in the recent release. “In 2025, we helped families put more wholesome, nutritious food on the table while strengthening the communities we serve. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and energized for the work ahead.”

During the reception, donation check presentations recognized the retail and digital campaign brand partners who made the 2025 impact possible. Retail campaigns included Publix Super Markets, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) Springfield Division, Coborn’s, DECA, and Lowes Food Stores. Digital campaigns included Back to School, Mission for Nutrition and Carry the Cause.

Additional speakers included Dan Samuels, Director of Philanthropy at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and Kara Dallman, Executive Director of Our Military Kids. Samuels highlighted the far-reaching impact of Healthy Family Project’s campaigns through food bank partnerships, noting that one in seven children in Second Harvest’s service area faces hunger today. Dallman emphasized the meaningful difference Healthy Family Project’s military campaigns have made by funding grants that help children of deployed, activated, or injured service members maintain stability and connection through extracurricular activities.

The evening also served as a reminder of the produce industry’s shared commitment to increasing access to fresh foods, expanding nutrition education, and supporting families nationwide. Planning is already underway for 2026 campaigns, creating new opportunities for brands and retailers to join the mission and further expand their community impact.

For more information about Healthy Family Project and partnership opportunities, visit HealthyFamilyProject.com.

UNITED STATES & MEXICO - Cucumber markets remain mostly steady across key Mexico crossings as moderate demand continues to support pricing.

According to the National FOB Review from March 4th, 2026, shipments crossing through Texas are showing steady movement, with 1 1/9 bushel cartons of medium cucumbers ranging between 34.95 and 40.95. Fair Quality lots are trading between 28.95 and 36.95, while Ordinary Quality cartons are moving mostly between 24.95 and 26.95. Large sizes are also holding firm, ranging between 34.95 and 38.95 depending on quality and condition.

Meanwhile, Mexico crossings through Nogales, Arizona are seeing moderate demand overall, with long seedless and 36-count cartons about steady, pickle cucumbers trending lower, and other sizes moving higher. Medium cucumbers in 1 1/9 bushel cartons are trading mostly between 36.95 and 40.95, while Fair Quality ranges between 34.95 and 38.95.

Pickle cucumbers are showing mixed movement, with 150–200 count containers ranging between 18.95 and 22.00, while 200–300 counts are trading between 22.95 and 24.00. Larger pickle sizes are mostly between 20.95 and 22.00.

Greenhouse long seedless cucumbers are holding steady, with film-wrapped 12-count cartons generally ranging from 10.95 to 12.95.

With many shipments tied to prior bookings and a wide range in quality and condition across crossings, cucumber markets are expected to remain relatively steady in the near term.

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TYLER, TX - Brookshire Grocery Company has announced the retirement of Chairman and CEO Brad Brookshire, bringing to a close nearly five decades of leadership at the family-owned retailer.

The announcement, reported at KTBS, marks the end of a 49-year career with the company for Brookshire, who has served as board chairman for 20 years and CEO for the past decade. He is the grandson of company founder W.T. Brookshire and spent his career rising through multiple operational roles across the business.

“From growing up in this company and watching my grandfather lead the company, to stepping into the shoes myself, it has been the greatest honor to be Chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Company,” Brookshire said in the recent release. “BGC’s success has always been driven by our employee-partners, our customers, and our communities, and I’m thankful for the support that has carried this company forward for nearly a century.”

Over the course of his leadership tenure, the company expanded its footprint across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, growing from 152 stores to 222 locations. During that time, the retailer also strengthened several of its banners, including Super 1 Foods, FRESH by Brookshire’s, and Spring Market, while adding the Reasor’s banner in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Brookshire’s time as CEO also included investments in store remodels, technology upgrades, and partnerships with national brands, as well as continued involvement in the communities served by the company’s stores.

The company highlighted several initiatives launched during his tenure, including the Heroes Flight program, which has escorted nearly 600 veterans on 21 all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., and the Focus on the Future Scholarship program, a more than $1 million scholarship endowment benefiting students attending over 45 colleges and universities in markets where the company operates.

Brookshire was inducted into the Food Industry Hall of Fame in 2020 and received the Food Industry Association’s Sidney R. Rabb Award in 2024, considered one of the grocery industry’s highest honors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also served on Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Strike Force to Open Texas.

Following the retirement announcement, the company confirmed that Jerry LeClair will step into the role of interim CEO. LeClair joined the company in 2019 as executive vice president and chief merchant officer and was promoted to chief operating officer last year, bringing more than four decades of grocery industry experience to the position.

“Brad’s leadership has shaped BGC in profound and lasting ways,” said LeClair. “He has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine care for people, ensuring that BGC continues to thrive while honoring the company’s heritage. Brad strengthened the foundation laid by our company founder, and we are determined to continue his legacy. As a team, we will remain focused on serving our customers and supporting our employee-partners.”

Brookshire Grocery Company plans to recognize Brookshire’s contributions later this spring with a celebration event honoring his years of service and commemorating his retirement.