BOISE, ID - Nothing like some friendly competition to get the football season started. Idaho® potatoes and Shuman Farms sweet onions duked it out at the first-ever Rooted Rivalry: Onions vs. Potatoes tailgate held at Georgia Southern’s Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia, on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

“It was a first-time meeting on the football field for Georgia Southern and Boise State, but sharing a tailgate spread is a time honored tradition for sweet onions and Idaho potatoes,” said John Shuman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shuman Farms. “Sharing delicious food and engaging with fans on how to include fresh produce in their game day dishes is a win all around.”

It was hard to miss the Rooted Rivalry tailgate with the Big Idaho Potato Truck and Shuman Farms’ Giant Sweet Onion parked at the entrance to Paulson Stadium, shared a press release. Both Georgia Southern Eagles and Boise State Broncos fans snapped photos with Spuddy Buddy, snacked on delicious Idaho potato chips and Shuman Farms sweet onion dip, and played games to win sweet onion or potato swag.

The Big Idaho Potato Truck made several stops around Statesboro, including the grand opening of Texas Roadhouse and Food Lion, where in partnership with the grocer, the Truck’s Big Helping Charity donated $1,000 to the Friendship Baptist Church Food Bank in Statesboro. For every signature received on the truck’s signature board, $1 is earned for a charity chosen by the store, and The Big Helping board received 1,000 signatures from shoppers throughout the day.

“When you combine two amazing college football teams like Boise State and Georgia Southern playing for the first time and a tailgate taste-off between Idaho potatoes and sweet onions, you get the Rooted Rivalry, a 'mash' made in heaven,” said Jamey Higham, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Idaho Potato Commission. “We’re always looking for unique and engaging opportunities to promote Idaho potatoes and this checked all of the boxes.”

Great to hear about this fun collaboration that also led to a generous donation!

Keep clicking back to ANUK for more exciting mashups and partnerships.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - ReposiTrak continues its expansion streak, as the traceability and regulatory compliance network welcomed another 25 produce companies to its ReposiTrak Traceability Network® (RTN).

“By joining ReposiTrak’s traceability network, these leading suppliers are reinforcing their dedication to transparency and food safety,” commented Randy Fields, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our hardware-free solution empowers them to seamlessly share traceability data with all their customers within the network, in any format. This not only streamlines operations but also greatly enhances the efficiency of supplier onboarding.”

According to a press release, these new members will efficiently exchange intricate, FDA-required Key Data Elements (KDEs) for each Critical Tracking Event (CTE) in their supply chains, ensuring proactive compliance well before the January 2026 deadline.

Although not one to name names, the new suppliers in ReposiTrak's network include companies with deep histories in the industry.

The first is a producer of high-quality dehydrated potato products, known for its efficient and sustainable field-to-shelf processes. The second is one of North America’s largest open-field tomato growers, recognized for its commitment to sustainable farming practices. The third is a vertically-integrated grower and processor of horseradish, with over 90 years of experience.

These companies are now prepared to share traceability data with three different retailers and wholesalers for every shipment, every time.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we plumb the depths of all things fresh.

AMSTERDAM - While we can't yet gaze upon a crystal ball and predict the future, AI solutions provider Source.ag is bringing a similar experience to the fresh produce industry. The innovator announced Pre-Season Simulations for Source Cultivate, which allows producers to simulate an entire cultivation period, strategically utilizing the data to optimize growth conditions and increase yield outcomes—all before a single seed meets the soil.

“We are thrilled to take greenhouse operational efficiency to the next level with the pre-season simulations launch for Source Cultivate,” said Rien Kamman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Source.ag. “The solution provides unmatched precision for yield forecasting, and with the new release, growers can estimate their harvest expectations even before the season starts.”

Since launching in July 2024, Source Cultivate has successfully supported growers in optimizing their yield forecasting and sales operations, a press release explained. Last season, the solution achieved an 84 percent accuracy rate for yield forecasts made up to 8 weeks in advance. With the solution’s newest development, greenhouse growers will be able to compare multiple scenarios to choose the most economically beneficial, least risky, or most sustainable strategy for the season before it begins. This includes adjusting their artificial lighting plans, monitoring the impacts of high temperatures or reduced sunlight, monitoring the growth factor throughout the process to ensure plants remain healthy, and more.

By simulating the outcome of cultivation strategies, growers can improve their decision-making processes using accurate, real-time yield forecasts and complex, consistent insights into how local greenhouse conditions impact production. Source.ag’s solutions have been rolled out across various lucrative fresh vegetable segments—including tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers—with the long-term goal of improving operations for all fruit and vegetable growers.

Read more about this innovative solution here, and keep clicking on ANUK for more industry news.

SALINAS, CA - In addition to its reputation as a premium fresh produce provider, Church Brothers Farms is also a longstanding advocate for the California ag industry. The company continues to make investments in agriculture and its surrounding communities, most recently announcing its participation in three scholarship programs benefiting students in California’s Monterey and San Benito counties.

“We understand the importance of investing in our employees and their families,” said Salvador Ornelas-Reynoso, Recruitment and Retention Specialist. “These scholarships are not just financial aids; they lay a foundation for a successful career in this industry. We believe in empowering the next generation to lead and innovate, ensuring a steady future for the Salinas Valley and beyond.”

Continuing its legacy of supporting the agricultural industry and the communities surrounding it, the family-run, vertically integrated company took part in various initiatives focused on fostering the next generation of leaders in ag. As a press release noted, the vegetable supplier began its scholarship contributions in 2015, having granted more than $202,000 to 132 students to date.

This year, the company contributed $13,000 to students through the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMCO) – Church Brothers Scholarship, which is available only to immediate family members of Church Brothers Farms, CB Harvesting, and True Leaf Farms employees. The funding aims to enhance educational opportunities or improve the quality of life for employees and their families, supporting them in their pursuit of undergraduate or postgraduate education, as well as certificate courses.

In addition, the fresh vegetable operation also supported two scholarships through UnitedAg: the UnitedAg Educational Scholarship and Vocational Scholarship.

As the release went on to note, the UnitedAg Educational Scholarship is offered exclusively to students affiliated with active members at regular or associate levels. The scholarship provides essential financial assistance for those pursuing degrees at the college/university level, with $86,000 available a year to support students with tuition, books, supplies, labs, and living expenses.

UnitedAg’s Vocational Scholarship is focused on members and employees seeking specialized agriculture-focused education and training. With a minimum of $30,000 available in grants this year, the scholarship empowers individuals pursuing hands-on agricultural training through certified vocational schools, trade schools, or other accredited institutions.

As always, we applaud Church Brothers Farms for its continuous efforts to support the ag industry and remain a pillar of its community.

For more industry news, stick around!

CORAL GABLES, FL - Exciting news landed on our desks this morning regarding Fresh Del Monte Produce’s leadership lineup. The industry giant recently announced the appointment of Dr. Imad Farhat as Senior Vice President, Specialty Ingredients. In this position, Farhat will spearhead Fresh Del Monte’s vision to develop groundbreaking ingredients, derived from both its portfolio and other agricultural products.

Farhat comes to the role after nearly 20 years at dsm-firmenich, where he served as Senior Vice President, Taste for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Here, he played a defining role in key platforms. Before this, he was an Associate Professor of Food Physical Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, has authored more than 70 scientific publications, and has an extensive patent portfolio in areas of food science.

In his new position, Farhat will focus on driving Fresh Del Monte’s long-term strategy in the ingredients industry.

According to a press release, Farhat's focus will be on developing innovative, nature-derived ingredients that align with the company’s core mission of providing healthful products to consumers worldwide.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Farhat to Fresh Del Monte. His expertise is a critical addition as we deepen our commitment to sustainable practices that harness the full power of nature,” added Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe nature holds the blueprint for a harmonious and sustainable future, and Dr. Farhat’s innovative approach will be key in unlocking its boundless potential while also driving the development of value-added, higher-margin products that enhance consumer offerings.”

The release went on to note that Farhat will champion the development of a product portfolio rooted in the principles of a circular economy. By utilizing residuals generated from Fresh Del Monte’s operations, he will help the company achieve its broader goal of sustainable operations. This position also echoes the consumer shift toward more natural products, as part of Farhat’s efforts will focus on creating products that align with this shift.

This is an exciting space for Fresh Del Monte Produce, and we look forward to seeing what Dr. Farhat brings to the operation!

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the latest across fresh produce.