IRVINE, CA - Western Growers (WG) was awarded $486,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of the 2025 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program, which will allow WG to spearhead a partnership between fresh produce industry stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable fresh produce packaging alignment across North America. The TASC program funds U.S. entities to conduct projects to resolve barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops.

"The current landscape for sustainable produce packaging is an incongruent mish-mash of contradictory regulations that differ between retailers in different countries, as well as between federal and state governments," said Dr. Jeana Cadby, Director of Environment and Climate at WG, in a recent release. "It is critical that we maintain the functionality of fresh produce packaging while innovating for sustainability to bring safe, fresh produce from farms to the tables of consumers. Thanks to this funding from the USDA, we can continue the important work of collaborating with retailers, packaging suppliers, technology companies, and growers to reach sustainability goals that can realistically apply across the supply chain."

The funding will continue the work started in June 2024, when WG joined forces with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) to form a working group, the Sustainable Produce Packaging Alignment for North America (SPPA), to address the evolving landscape of packaging requirements imposed by both governments and retailers throughout North America.

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Igo Fresh Produce LLC, operating from McAllen, Texas, has satisfied an $11,857 reparation order resulting from unpaid produce transactions under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company is now free to operate in the produce industry. Oscar Manuel Corral Vega, Juan Enrique Gonzalez Gutierrez, and Liliana Rios Saenz were listed as managers and members of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

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.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are no outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

For more information, contact Penny Robinson-Landrigan, Chief, Dispute Resolution Branch, at (202) 720-2890 or [email protected].

REEDLEY, CA - With peak season officially underway for its California table grapes, Mountain View Fruit Sales is bringing some of its most flavorful varieties to consumers’ baskets. As the grower sees one of its strongest seasons yet in terms of quality, Grape Grower George Matoian provided a closer look at the company’s current production.

“We have been blessed with an ample snowpack and rainfall for this growing season,” George explains. “The weather has been almost ideal for berry sizing and color this spring and summer. If you remember, this time last year, we had a string of daily high temperatures from 100-114 ℉.”

As George shares with me, the harvest is about two to three days ahead of last season. The overall California table grape crop is currently estimated at 98-99 million boxes (19 lb).

With fields spanning from Delano/Earlimart up past the Fresno/Madera growing district, Mountain View will be in peak harvest over the next four to five weeks, harvesting some of the most flavorful and crispy grapes of the year. This includes several beloved green, red, and black varieties such as Ivory and Sweet Globe; Krissy, Scarlet Royal, and Timco; and Summer Royal. The grower is also kicking off harvest on a recently released USDA variety, Solbrio.

“The 2025 growing season here in the San Joaquin is shaping up to be one of the best quality years we have seen in a long time,” George adds. “Brix readings are averaging 1-2 points above recent years, and the coloring on the red and black varieties has been full and intense.”

The 2025 season presents retailers with an opportunity to optimize demand through Mountain View’s powerful grape portfolio.

“Our grapes are farmed by a group of family farms that have been cultivating table grapes here in the San Joaquin Valley for over 60 years and are constantly evaluating new and exciting table grape varieties for the future,” George concludes. “Consistent quality and a high level of service are what we deliver to our long-time and faithful customer base.”

Be sure to tap into these top-quality offerings to make the most of the peak California table grape season! And for more industry insights, keep reading ANUK.

WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt’s picking buckets will soon be full of premium, high-elevation cherries from now until mid-September. A Half Mile Closer to the Moon® cherries are available in late summer to offer retailers a grand finale opportunity to drive cherry sales through the end of the season. Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Brianna Shales, shares that volumes were down last season due to record-low temperatures during winter, but 2025 has bounced back with late-season Moon cherry supplies worthy of celebration and promotion until the end.

“While volumes of other cherry locales in Washington begin to dwindle, we’re just getting started on harvesting Moon cherries from our high-altitude orchards in Wenatchee, Washington,” said Shales in the recent release. “In 2024, promotions on Moon cherries were difficult to put into action because our supply was impacted by freezing winter temperatures that mostly affected our high-elevation orchards. Fortunately, weather conditions have breathed life back into the trees, and we’re seeing excellent quality from the crop this year.”

Moon cherries have earned their name because they are grown at 2,640 ft. above sea level and higher, or literally, a half mile closer to the moon. Every pack of these premium morsels is filled with large-size Skeena, Staccato™, and Sentennial™ cherries. These varieties bloom and ripen later in an optimal climate where cooler days and nights allow sweet cherry flavor to develop. Stemilt’s founder and 4th-generation cherry grower, Kyle Mathison, is the brand’s storyteller, believing the moon’s gravitational pulls contribute to a uniquely sweet and crisp eating experience.

“Moon cherries have a juicy, crunchy bite that’s hard to replicate if they were grown anywhere else,” explained Shales. “Inspired by Kyle’s passion, we created a National Holiday called Chant at the Moon Day on August 15, which encourages people to enjoy the deliciousness of these premium, late-season cherries. With great quality backing up volume this year, retailers can tie into Stemilt’s Chant at the Moon Day holiday on August 15 to dedicate a day at retail to Moon cherries.”

A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries are available in top seal, bag, and clamshell packs that feature a bright moon and a view into the dark, sweet cherries within. Stemilt is always willing to help retailers find success with cherries and can help plan ads and eye-catching displays to make Moon cherries stand out in stores.

“Cherry season isn’t over yet, so keep their space and momentum going,” added Shales. “Moon cherries can be part of keeping the category alive in August and September while supplies dwindle for other varieties. Offering consumers the chance to indulge in one more premium cherry eating experience can help drive last-minute dollars to the category to help you finish the season with a grand finale!”

MOUNT VERNON, WA - Bay Baby Produce reaffirms its position as the largest grower, packer, and shipper of Painted Pumpkins in the United States. According to IRI/Circana 2022 data, Bay Baby Produce outpaces the competition with twice the velocity of any other pumpkin brand in the category—solidifying its leadership in both volume and consumer demand.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Bay Baby Produce is unveiling several exciting new additions to its ornamental pumpkin line. Among them:

• Painted Eclipse Silhouette Pumpkins – A dramatic, nearly black pumpkin accented with a striking pop of white paint. Designed to captivate, this variety is perfect for Halloween and guaranteed to stand out on any doorstep or display.
• Lolita – The newest member of the ornamental painted pumpkin family, Lolita is a next-generation variety that pairs beautifully with best sellers: Tiger, Sparkler, and Casper. Also joining this family are Dune and Noche, each offering unique textures and tones that elevate seasonal décor.

“Bay Baby Produce is all about standing out and shaking things up,” said Lindsey Lance in the recent press release. “We’re constantly dreaming up new ways to wow shoppers and support our retail partners. This year’s lineup is packed with personality—and it’s all about bringing the magic and excitement of fall to life.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 Crop Outlook

With the 2025 harvest on the horizon, Bay Baby Produce remains optimistic. While mindful of Mother Nature’s role, heat units are up in the Pacific Northwest, and the team is actively irrigating and monitoring the fields to ensure a timely and successful harvest.

Bay Baby Produce remains dedicated to delivering quality, creativity, and consistency—season after season.

MONTEREY, CA - Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) and Vegetables by Bayer (VBB) joined forces to introduce new, healthy options at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Foodservice Conference through the use of a salad bar that will be donated to a local high school.

OSF showcased their Arctic® non-browning apples at the salad bar during the show, offering visitors a firsthand look at how these apples deliver on their name — and on the promise of “More Apples in More Places,” such as in schools, on salad bars, offered as sliced snacks or versatile diced.

VBB promoted “Veggies are a Vibe” and highlighted vegetables from their extensive seed portfolio, including tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, and carrots. Attendees at the show were also able to experience the latest kid-friendly produce innovations, such as broccoli chips, made possible by Bayer, alongside others in the produce industry.

“The IFPA Foodservice Conference is the perfect location to announce this donation,” said Andrew Marshall, who leads the association’s wholesaler-distributor partnerships as well as IFPA’s national engagement with the K-12 school nutrition community. “At the conference, we organize a special programming track to connect school menu planners with the produce industry, all focused on ways to expand the variety of fresh fruit and vegetables available to children at school. By highlighting this salad bar donation at the conference, we are not only recognizing the Soledad School District for their efforts to elevate their menu with fresh, produce-forward meals, but we’re also looking to inspire other school attendees and have them see, without a doubt, that salad bars are a visual representation of healthy school meals.”

The salad bar donation will benefit students at Soledad High School, the largest high school in South Monterey County, CA, which serves grades 9 to 12. The salad bar will also support the school’s ability to meet USDA nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program, which requires offering a colorful variety of produce choices throughout the week. The Soledad Unified School District also hired a new school foodservice director last year, Gabriel Ruelas, to help transition their meal programs to more scratch-made foods that can take advantage of the fresh produce from the surrounding area, and which will soon be included in the new salad bar.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation of a new salad bar for Soledad High School. This contribution directly supports our Food Services Department’s ongoing efforts to increase daily access to and consumption of a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for our students,” said Sarah Doherty, Chief Business Officer for Soledad Unified School District. “Partnerships like this play a vital role in promoting student health and well-being, helping us foster lifelong healthy habits across our school community.”

This new addition marks an exciting expansion for the district's meal program. Currently, each school site already has one salad bar in place, and the district has seen a clear positive impact from offering fresh, healthy options. At the high school, where approximately 900 students are served during a single 30-minute lunch period, the introduction of this new, second salad bar will double the availability of fresh selections and make it easier for students to enjoy nutritious choices within the limited time allotted for lunch.

“Fresh produce should be the norm — not the exception — in school meals,” explains Don Westcott, president of OSF, in the recent release. “School salad bars can empower students to make healthy choices, expose them to a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, and help to create lifelong healthy eating habits. We’re proud to support the Soledad School District’s efforts to offer more fresh options, and to also provide Arctic® apples, which help schools reduce waste and prep time without sacrificing quality.”

The donation will enable students to select their own fruits and vegetables each day from the diverse options available at the salad bar, including some produce options they might not otherwise have access to at home. When students have control over what they eat, they're more likely to choose healthy options, especially when those options are colorful, fresh, and varied.

“It’s always exciting to showcase our latest vegetable innovations at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, but what makes this year even more meaningful is this school collaboration,” says Jenny Maloney, director of industry relations for Bayer Vegetable Seeds. “Supporting schools that are committed to increasing kids’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables is at the heart of what we do — and it’s a powerful reminder of the impact healthy food can have on the next generation.”

This salad bar donation post-conference not only highlights OSF and VBB’s commitment to nutrition education and lifelong wellness but will empower students to take charge of their health by making informed, healthier food choices. Both OSF and VBB are proud champions of healthy eating and increasing produce consumption – especially among kids.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced the selection of three sets of agricultural retailers and their farmer partners as the 2025 4R Advocates. These grower-retailer partners are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to implementing nutrient management practices grounded in 4R principles: applying the Right fertilizer source, at the Right rate, Right time, and Right place.

“Our 2025 4R Advocates are leading the charge in three unique regions when it comes to sustainability and stewardship in agriculture,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch, speaking at TFI’s Agronomy Conference and Expo in Indianapolis, IN. “Their dedication to the 4Rs supports healthy soils, strong yields, and a more resilient food system. We’re honored to recognize these grower-retailer teams for advancing science-based practices that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.” 

Now in its 13th year, the 4R Advocate program showcases the tangible benefits of 4R Nutrient Stewardship through real-world application and field-level results. The 4R framework is designed to provide farmers with research-based, practical tools to improve crop productivity, enhance environmental outcomes, and promote sustainable farming for future generations.

Representing a wide range of crops and regions, the 2025 4R Advocates will engage in TFI-led outreach and education efforts throughout the year. These activities include speaking at on-farm field days, industry panels, and local engagement opportunities to help share their stories and encourage broader adoption of 4R practices. 

2025 4R Advocates:

• Retailers: Felipe Aguilar and Fernando Ceja: Helm, CA – Wilbur-Ellis Company
• Farmer: Sal Parra, Jr.: Helm, CA – Burford Ranch; Coyula Farms
• Retailer: Anthony Furlin: Trenton, MO – MFA Inc.
• Farmers: Mark and Kristi Urich: Laredo, MO – Urich Farms
• Retailer: Taylor Ivy: Stuart, FL – Nutrien Ag Solutions
• Farmer: Elizabeth Malek: Naples, FL – Lipman Family Farms

The 4R Advocate program is a key element of TFI’s efforts to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. This initiative underlines the critical role of efficient nutrient utilization in sustainable crop production systems. To learn more about 4R practices, please visit the TFI website.

Additionally, TFI announced in June that 65 million acres of U.S. cropland are under 4R nutrient management practices, well ahead of an industry goal of reaching 70 million acres by 2030. A 4R acre is defined as an acre of U.S. cropland under management using 4R practices, such as crediting organic sources and removal rates, variable rate technology, split applications, the use of cover crops, accounting for weather during application, etc.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - GrubMarket, the AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food eCommerce companies globally, proudly reflects on the incredible progress made with its Sustainable California initiative since its inception in 2023. 

In just two years, the program has made strides in environmental stewardship and farmer empowerment, teaming up with the non–profit organization, One Tree Planted, to reforest critical regions of the State; partnering with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) to provide grants and mentorship that help socially disadvantaged farmers obtain organic certification; and offering AI-powered software to help California-based farmers streamline their operations. The impact of Sustainable California has stretched from restoring watersheds and boosting biodiversity to promoting more equitable access to organic markets.

In its work alongside the global reforestation non-profit, One Tree Planted, GrubMarket has successfully planted over 130,000 trees across California, including drought-stricken areas ravaged by wildfires and deforestation. This extensive reforestation effort has not only helped preserve key watersheds and agricultural ecosystems but also helped enhance biodiversity, fight the impacts of climate change, and sequester carbon dioxide. As part of this tree-planting project, dozens of different tree species have been planted, and hundreds of hectares of land have been reforested, benefiting both the local wildlife and farming industry.

Looking forward, in partnership with One Tree Planted, GrubMarket has committed to planting an additional 100,000 trees in the Sierra Nevada region, which was severely damaged by the 2013 Rim Fire. This effort aims to rebuild forest landscapes, increase habitat for wildlife, and improve watershed health. By focusing on an area that still bears scars from wildfires, GrubMarket hopes to accelerate ecological recovery and ensure that California's working landscapes remain resilient for generations to come.

As part of its Sustainable California initiative, GrubMarket has also supported farmers transitioning to organic agriculture as a sponsor of the CCOF Organic Transition Program for the past two years. GrubMarket and CCOF have provided grants, mentorship, and technical assistance to underserved California-based farmers making the challenging leap to organic production. In 2023, the program kicked off with a strong cohort of 10 farmers selected out of dozens of applicants, collectively representing hundreds of acres of farmland located across 10 different counties in California. This group cultivates a diverse array of vegetables, berries, grapes, livestock, and poultry. By fostering inclusivity and opportunity within the farming community, GrubMarket has helped promote the adoption of organic farming practices. In 2025, GrubMarket renewed its commitment to continue supporting socially disadvantaged farmers in the CCOF Organic Transition Program.

"We have been honored to partner with One Tree Planted to restore California's landscapes with the planting of over 200,000 trees," said Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, in the recent press release. "We will continue to work together to bring the forest back to life, create habitats for wildlife, and protect the watersheds that sustain California's farms, including in the Sierra Nevada region, a special place in California's natural heritage where vast swaths of forest remain scarred by the Rim Fire. At the same time, our continued partnership with CCOF underscores our long–term commitment to empower socially disadvantaged farmers to adopt organic practices and thrive in a more sustainable food system."

The third pillar of the Sustainable California initiative was introduced in the wake of the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area in early 2025 and has focused on directly helping California farmers facing challenges associated with a deteriorating environment. To help them improve the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of their farming practices and operations, GrubMarket committed to offering free software subscriptions to all farmers based in California for the entire year of 2025, including its suite of AI-powered SaaS products:

• WholesaleWare ERP - the only Enterprise AI-enabled ERP solution for the industry, which assists farmers with efficient and accurate inventory, order, and operations management.
• Orders IO - eCommerce technology that provides farmers with mobile apps and online ordering portals to increase their sales capacity and digitally transform the cumbersome offline ordering process.
• GrubAssist AI - Artificial Intelligence agents specifically aligned and trained for the agriculture industry, to help farmers expedite and enhance operational efficiency across tasks such as business analysis, inventory analysis, order entry, and cashflow analysis.

Over the past two years, Sustainable California has grown into a multi–faceted, company–wide effort dedicated to preserving California's farming environment, empowering farmers, and reinvigorating the state's fragile agricultural ecosystem.

"Reflecting on these past 2 years, we are immensely proud of the accomplishments we have achieved through our Sustainable California initiative," added Mike Xu. "From planting trees to supporting cohorts of underrepresented farmers to offering cutting-edge technology solutions to help farmers achieve greater efficiency, every milestone has represented a step forward in GrubMarket's mission to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. Our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability is ingrained in every part of our company, and we are deeply committed to continuing to expand upon our Sustainable California initiative, to build the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future for the food industry."

California farmers and community members interested in GrubMarket's Sustainable California initiative are encouraged to learn more at sustainability.grubmarket.com or by emailing [email protected].

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - In a recent roundtable discussion, Ryan Lockman and Philip Symons explored key shifts in the U.S. and Europe berry market, from evolving retail demand to challenges in consistent supply.

Current Market Trends and Preferences

Q: What are the latest trends in berry varietals that you are observing in the United States and the EU markets?

A: “Genetics continue to be very important across all berry categories, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blues. The arms race for genetics with superior flavor, texture, appearance, shelf life, and being grower-friendly will continue to intensify within growers and marketers worldwide.” - Lockman

Q: How are these trends influencing the overall berry market share in both regions?

A: “We believe that due to improved genetics, we are witnessing a rise in consumption across all berry categories.” - Lockman

Q: How have consumer preferences in the US and the EU shifted in recent years regarding berry consumption?

A: “In the US, a good example of this would be consumers willing to pay higher retail costs for premium berries such as the NBP Reserve 9.8oz Jumbo pack due to the consistent eating experience.” - Lockman

“In Europe, the premium market in berries is growing well ahead of the standard. Retailers are looking to premium offers across all berries. We also need to consider that berries are a very convenient format for consumption. This increases the eating occasion opportunity," said Symons in a recent release.

Innovative Varietals

Q: Are there any emerging varietals that are gaining popularity due to these shifts?

A: “Again, I think varietals with flavor, texture, appearance, shelf life, and being grower-friendly will be the main target here - across all 4 berries.” - Lockman

“The interesting thing in Europe is that the buyers are often very clear on the varietals they are buying and what they want to have in their premium ranges. Often, this means that we need to have these new premium varieties available to supply. Without these, even getting a PO is difficult in many cases.” - Symons

Q: Can you discuss any new or innovative berry varietals that North Bay Produce is focusing on?

A: “Currently, NBP is focused on SEKOYA® and the University of Florida for blueberries; Splendor Genetics for Blackberries; Berry Tek and Molari for Raspberries.” - Lockman

“It is the same for Europe. We are looking to roll these varieties out globally for our Reserve premium brand," said Symons.

Q: How do these varietals differ from more traditional options in terms of flavor, texture, and size?

A: “All of the genetics lines that we are using again have the same characteristics in play - Flavor, texture, appearance, shelf life, grower-friendly. You can also add size in these as a quality as well.” - Lockman

See the full round table discussion here.