MCLEAN, VA - New leadership expertise is being added to Gladstone Land Corporation’s Board of Directors. The company recently announced that Katharine Cornell Gorka has been elected to the 2027 class of Directors, effective as of August 22, 2024.

Gorka is the President of Threat Knowledge Group, which provides training and expertise on threats to United States national security, and also serves as the Chair of the Fairfax County Republican Party. She previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2017 until 2020. In 2020, Gorka served as Press Secretary for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and from 2020 to 2022 she served as the Director for the Civil Society at The Heritage Foundation.

Gladstone’s new Director graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with highest honors in 1978 and received her M.Sc. in Economics with Distinction from the London School of Economics in 1987.

A press release stated that the company believes Gorka's background and experience, including her management expertise and strategic analyses, will add value to its Board of Directors by further expanding its knowledge and expertise base, as well as its diversity of views.

Cheers to the appointment of a new leader!

UNITED KINGDOM - Gardin, an ag-tech company based in the United Kingdom, recently tapped Dorn Wenninger as an Advisor. Gardin and Wenninger first connected through the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Technology Accelerator program, and since then, their relationship has grown.

“For years, farmers have improved yields by dialing in the use of fertilizers, water, and light. Now, the Gardin sensor allows farmers to monitor the plant, in real-time, to reach its maximum potential,” remarked Wenninger. “While measuring photosynthesis (chlorophyll fluorescence) has been possible for years, the Gardin sensor and AI platform finally make it deployable at scale as an everyday tool for farmers and breeders. I’m excited to be a part of the Gardin team as we help farmers around the world be able to consistently reach for higher yields.”

Wenninger is a well-known produce vet who brings with him over 30 years of experience across multiple sectors, including growing, shipping, and retail.

According to a press release, he spent the first half of his career as a grower/shipper with Chiquita Bananas, before going on to lead Driscoll’s European business. Wenninger then went on to work with major retailers such as Walmart US and Walmart Mexico. For the past three years, he served as Senior Vice President of Produce for UNFI.

“Dorn brings a lifetime of experiences and connections to the most important grower/shippers, breeders, and produce retailers around the world. We’re excited to add Dorn’s deep industry knowledge and relationships to the Gardin team as we ramp up our global penetration,” commented Sumanta Talukdar, Chief Executive Officer and Founder.

As Gardin continues its expansion, Wenninger brings a truly global perspective to the operation, having visited farmers and retailers in over 100 countries around the world.

Congratulations to both Dorn Wenninger and Gardin on what is surely the beginning of a fruitful partnership!

GLENNVILLE, GA - Each year, consumers eagerly anticipate the Vidalia® Sweet Onion season, coveting the beloved variety for its distinctive mild, sweet flavor. Retailers are gaining the opportunity to maximize the merchandising power of this beloved offering as Bland Farms® announces an extended Vidalia season. For the first time in years, the supplier’s Vidalia Sweet Onions will be available through October.

"We have a rather unique opportunity this year because of a bumper crop," said Delbert Bland, Owner. "We typically supply Vidalia Sweet Onions until the end of August, but this year, thanks to exceptional weather and advanced storage technology, we will have a supply until the first part of October. The winter wasn't cold enough to damage the crop, and we enjoyed a perfect spring.”

Bland Farms typically transitions from Vidalias to Premium Sweet Onion from Peru by early to mid-August, a press release explained. However; due to this year’s bumper crop, the onion supplier will now export the early portion of its Peruvian onions to international markets.

"We’ve started harvesting in Peru, but with so many Vidalias still in storage, we’ll export our early Peruvian crop,” Bland explained. "It's a good problem to have, and we are committed to keeping Vidalias on the shelf as long as possible."

Playing a key role in the extended availability of Vidalia Sweet Onions, Bland Farms optimizes state-of-the-art controlled-atmosphere storage rooms that allow the onions to retain their quality and flavor, ensuring they come out of storage as fresh and delicious as when they were first harvested.

"The quality is excellent, and they look fantastic. Our controlled atmosphere storage helps the onions dry, healing any blemishes and maintaining their premium quality," Bland added.

In celebration of the extended season, Bland Farms has aligned with Big Green Egg for the second consecutive year to launch the Gameday Sweetness promotion, which includes social media giveaways from both companies along with promotional point-of-sale materials and extensive support through social media and the Bland Farms website.

To read more about the campaign, click here.

Keep reading ANUK as we continue to report on all fresh produce categories.