WASHINGTON, DC - On Dec. 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint against Produce and More Enterprise LLC (Produce and More) of Houston, Texas, alleging the company failed to make full payment promptly for multiple lots of produce purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

USDA and Produce and More entered into a Consent Decision and Order finding that Produce and More committed repeated PACA violations by failing to pay $213,944.79 to seven produce sellers. The Consent Decision and Order took effect on Oct. 10, 2025.

Antana Capital Sapi de CV, the sole shareholder of Produce and More, may not be affiliated with any PACA licensee until Oct. 10, 2026, and then only with USDA approval and the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Antana Capital Sapi de CV is also ineligible to be licensed under PACA until Oct. 10, 2027, and then only with USDA approval and the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

In order to facilitate the resolution of this matter, José Miguel Pedraza, has stipulated that he may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Oct. 10, 2026, and then only with USDA approval and the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Mr. Pedraza has also stipulated that he is ineligible to be licensed under PACA until Oct. 10, 2027, and then only with USDA approval and the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish a finding that a business has committed repeated PACA violations and impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. 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 more information, contact the Investigative Enforcement Branch at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

FRESNO, CA - The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as the United States Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

“Dr. Callahan has long been a champion for America’s farmers and ranchers,” says Caroline Stringer, CFFA Director of Trade. “A strong advocate for ag is crucial as the U.S. endeavors to open new markets and expand market access around the world. Dr. Callahan’s record addressing unfair trading practices and promoting science-based trade regulations is a testament to her dedication to improving opportunities for CFFA’s members. We look forward to working with Dr. Callahan and her team in the coming months and years.”

California’s fresh fruit industry is heavily dependent on international markets, with exports playing a vital role in long-term sustainability.

The Association looks forward to engaging with Dr. Callahan and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office to support trade policies that strengthen agricultural exports for the fresh fruit industry.

NEW ZEALAND - Zespri welcomes the conclusion of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a new era in the relationship and unlocking an enormous opportunity for kiwifruit.

Under the agreement and in a first for India, New Zealand growers will see the tariff on kiwifruit exports into India removed on up to 15,000 tonnes per year, with all volume on top of that subject to a reduced tariff of 16.5 percent, down from the current 33 percent. Zespri’s sales into India have been heavily constrained by the tariff, which cost New Zealand growers $9 million on $27 million of sales last season. Zespri sold around 7,200 tonnes in India this year.

In return, the Kiwifruit Action Plan (KAP) will be launched as a flagship deliverable under the FTA, with the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd (BSI) and the New Zealand kiwifruit industry working alongside Indian kiwifruit growers in rural communities to support improved production and supply chain performance.

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake says the agreement unlocks one of the world’s largest markets for New Zealand growers.

“India represents a huge opportunity for kiwifruit, with the world’s largest population and fastest-growing large economy. Indian consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellbeing and looking for high quality, nutritious products to support this. The market access delivered through the FTA will allow us to invest to build high-value demand, providing the world’s best kiwifruit to more Indian consumers and delivering leading value to growers.”

Mr Te Brake says the agreement has been many years in the making.

“Zespri and Plant & Food Research (now part of the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd) have been working closely for several years with the governments of New Zealand and India to improve kiwifruit market access in return for supporting local growers whose product is counter-seasonal to New Zealand. To demonstrate the value of this partnership, the work included extensive two-way engagement, visits and the preparation of a comprehensive scoping study to support delivery of the cooperation. The conclusion of the FTA has made this a reality.

“We acknowledge Trade Minister Todd McClay’s drive and commitment to getting us to this point, alongside the hard work of New Zealand’s negotiators, the outstanding work of the team at the New Zealand High Commission in Delhi and the commitment of successive governments to improve access for New Zealand exporters,” says Mr Te Brake.

Mr Te Brake also acknowledged the huge amount of support from India’s Ministry for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and state governments who have been strong supporters of the cooperation proposal, recognising the mutual benefits it presents.

“Zespri believes in making a positive contribution in the markets where we operate around the world. This is a partnership which creates value for growers and communities in both countries.

"By working together, we can help Indian growers increase their returns, expand the market and have more Indian consumers enjoy great-tasting, healthy kiwifruit all year round,” says Mr Te Brake.

The Kiwifruit Action Plan

The Kiwifruit Action Plan (KAP) is a flagship project for broader New Zealand-India collaboration, falling under the Horticulture Memorandum of Cooperation signed during the Prime Minister’s trade delegation to India earlier this year. New Zealand and Indian kiwifruit seasons are counter-seasonal and complementary, allowing for year-round supply to Indian consumers and supporting rural development - especially for small-scale, family-run farms.

The KAP will see the BSI partner with Indian growers over five years to improve production, quality, and supply chain performance. Centres of Excellence (CoEs) or model orchards will be established in key growing regions, demonstrating best practice and providing training tailored to Indian conditions. The programme will also include technical exchanges, with regular visits by New Zealand experts and opportunities for Indian growers and officials to visit New Zealand.

The agreement will be governed by representatives from both governments, research institutes, and industry, ensuring strong oversight and regular progress reviews.

About the Indian kiwifruit industry

• India’s kiwifruit sector is young but strategically important for rural livelihoods, especially in the North and North-Eastern states, with around 5,390 hectares planted and 18,280 tonnes produced in 2023/24.
• The industry is seeing rising domestic demand but faces challenges such as fragmented supply chains, small average fruit size, variable quality and limited postharvest infrastructure.
• Most Indian kiwifruit is sold by weight at flat prices, regardless of size or grade, which reduces incentives for growers to invest in quality improvements.
• Farmer Producer Organisations are helping to aggregate supply, negotiate better prices, and coordinate logistics - empowering smallholders and supporting shipments to major cities like Kolkata and Delhi.
• Adoption of best-practice nursery, orchard management and postharvest protocols - supported by New Zealand expertise – have the potential to increase Indian kiwifruit production by up to 10 times.
• There is significant opportunity for value addition (such as dried fruit and purée), improved grading and cold chain development, which will help Indian kiwifruit reach premium domestic and export markets.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - The northern region of the Golden State is welcoming an abundance of wet weather this week, with a parade of storms from the Pacific Ocean bringing seven to 10 inches of rain to the area.

Forecasters have issued flood warnings and travel delay notices in portions of the Sierra Nevada and Northern California, expecting a mix of rain, snow, and wind to continue for up to seven days, according to The New York Times. A large portion of the state was under a flood watch through Monday, including the North Bay, the Sacramento Valley, and the northern portion of the San Joaquin Valley, the source stated.

Northern California is forecast to receive 3 to 7 inches of rain across coastal areas and valleys, and 7 to 10 inches in the coastal mountains over the next week, with the heaviest rain expected across Northern and Central California through Monday. The storm will push south Tuesday through Thursday as a colder system affects the area.

The state’s Southern regions may see half an inch to two inches of rain, with coastal cities recording up to three inches, and coastal mountains five to 10 inches.

Both rain and snow are expected in Northern California’s mountain regions, with snow forecast to fall at locations above 8,000 feet in elevation through the weekend and into Monday. This is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the snowpack, a key source of water for California and Nevada. Overall, the rain and snowstorms are predicted to bring beneficial precipitation to most locations, boosting the state’s water supply.

ANUK will continue to monitor these storms and their impact on the state’s growing regions and fresh transportation.

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - When an individual spends more than half of their life working, growing, and developing with a single company, it becomes a part of who they are. And if that individual is Tracey Lewin, she becomes an essential and vital part of it as well. It is difficult to fully capture what her 37 years with Allen Lund Company (ALC) have meant, but to Tracey, they are an integral part of her life; defined by a deep love for her team and a desire to see more companies like ALC thrive at the top of the logistics world.

As Tracey, Vice President of Sales and Operations, prepares to retire on December 31, 2025, I asked her what she hopes her legacy will be within Allen Lund Company and the fresh produce industry, and what advice she would offer the next generation of leaders.

“When I think of legacy, I think of Allen Lund himself. I struggle to think about myself in that context,” Tracey reflected. “I hope others can see themselves creating a career path the same way I did; entry level to Vice President; by putting in the hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears, never giving up or taking the easy road, always finding a way to say yes, and delivering on your word. The moment you doubt your abilities is the moment you have to lean in even harder. When you do, I promise your grit and courage will take you far.”

Tracey added that she is particularly proud to have built her career as a woman in the 3PL industry at a time when few women were represented, to have advanced to the Vice President level, and to have helped create opportunities for other women eager to grow in this fast-paced and evolving field. She emphasized that the industry has room for many more voices and encouraged women to step forward.

Allen’s heart, honesty, and grace had a lasting impact on Tracey, beginning with her interview with the man himself.

“When I arrived for my job interview with Allen in January 1989, I had my résumé in hand, filled with all kinds of odd-job experiences; none of which directly translated to anything at ALC,” Tracey recalled. “He took one look at it and promptly tossed it over his shoulder. Leaning forward, he looked me in the eye and said, ‘I don’t care what’s on that piece of paper. I just want to know about YOU.’ In that moment, I knew he and his company were going to be something special.”

That experience stayed with her throughout her career, reinforcing the value of genuine connection over words on paper. “I love that this story was included in the book Be Good, so many more people can experience Allen’s way with people, the way I did all those years ago. He never knew a stranger.”

Over nearly four decades with ALC, Tracey gleaned countless lessons, though narrowing down the moments that defined her career is no easy task.

“The things that impacted me most as a leader are centered on communication; being a good listener and responding with compassion and value,” Tracey said. “I’ve always believed that being a heart-centered leader is key to success at any level. When you lead with your heart, you naturally influence others, and influence is fundamental to effective leadership. People tend to follow those who positively influence them.”

That heart-centered leadership also supported a team driven to thrive in an industry where no two days were ever the same.

“Every challenge brought unique circumstances that required creative thinking, quick action, and trusting my instincts,” Tracey shared. “Delivering bad news alongside well-prepared solutions—and doing so with honesty, integrity, and genuine concern—often results in a grateful customer whose trust and loyalty multiply. That cycle is incredibly gratifying and helps define your ‘why.’”

Being part of Allen Lund Company also meant being shaped by its family-owned, relationship-driven culture.

“Starting with the company when it was still a true mom-and-pop operation cemented the Lund core values and the Lund Way of doing business in me,” Tracey explained. “It was a natural fit, coming from a family with similar values. I learned early how to read people, and I learned from Allen that hiring for culture and personality—rather than just skills—creates stronger teams. Skills can be developed. What you gain are long-term employees who want to grow and create their own success.”

Tracey concluded by sharing that customer relationships aren’t much different from employee relationships. Both require honesty, integrity, and heart. Allen always said, “Your word is your bond.”

And it truly is.

A huge congratulations to Tracey, and an even more heartfelt thank you for paving the way for those who will follow and providing a beacon of strength and heart.