BAKERSFIELD, CA - Top Brass's organic potato season has commenced, bringing high-volume yields and exceptional quality, as I learned from a recent conversation with the company’s President of Sales, April Myers.

“We have experienced outstanding growing conditions for our organic gold, red, russet, and purple potatoes this season. With California beginning its harvest, the volume is increasing rapidly due to more favorable weather. The volume of organic potatoes will be abundant this season until the end of July and into August, and will offer a variety of promotional opportunities for organic potatoes,” she assured me.

To maximize the sales potential of organic potatoes as the season progresses, April said retailers should implement several strategies focusing on marketing, product presentation, and customer engagement.

“Retailers could emphasize the health benefits and environmental advantages of organic potatoes, highlighting the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers can attract health-conscious consumers. Retailers can also partner with local organic farms to enhance the potatoes' appeal, promoting the idea of supporting local agriculture and reducing carbon footprint,” she advised.

Zooming out further, April and I discussed challenges that continue to impact both the buy- and supply-side.

“The uncertainty of tariffs is a significant concern and is at the top of everyone's priorities, potentially causing disturbances in the market,” April observed. “This issue extends beyond just the produce itself; it encompasses every element related to produce that may be affected by tariffs, including packaging and the materials utilized during the growing and packing phases of the season.”

Even so, the company and indeed our industry at large are no strangers to challenges and pushing forward by taking each necessary step as it comes. For Top Brass specifically, that is the California grape season, set to kick off in early July.

“As previously noted, the weather conditions have been favorable, and we expect excellent grape yields. The season will commence with Flames, Karizma, Ivory, Sweet Bond, and Candy Snap. Additionally, we have some new varieties that are demonstrating significant potential: Cherry Crush, Fire Crunch, and Honey Pop,” April shared.

There is certainly more to dive into, and more to come, as the weeks continue to warm in the West and beyond. Keep an eye on AndNowUKnow as we bring you up to date on all the latest.

BERKELEY, CA - Akorn Technology, a pioneer in all-natural coatings for fresh fruits and vegetables, has launched a breakthrough in sustainable shelf-life extension for cucumbers – an edible coating that is set to revolutionize the way cucumbers are packed, distributed, sold and consumed by replacing single-use plastic wraps.

Akorn Natural Advantage for English cucumbers and bell peppers – which forms a natural, invisible barrier that mimics the protective function of plastic – eliminates the need for single-use plastic on long English cucumbers while maintaining freshness and quality. Akorn’s plant-derived coating has all the advantages of plastic wraps, but with none of the negative consequences and costs associated with single-use plastic pollution.

Akorn Natural Advantage preserves the firm texture of wrapped cucumbers while maintaining the crisp, refreshing crunch consumers love. Unlike traditional plastic-wrapped cucumbers, which often yellow due to ethylene buildup in the package, Akorn cucumbers stay vibrant with a deep green color and glossy finish.

Hailed by retailers who have found it meets or exceeds the efficacy of plastic, the coating’s commercial potential is such that it has been selected for a grant from the 2025 Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator cohort, a program led by the Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP) and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).

Letting produce breathe

The launch of Akorn Natural Advantage coating comes at an opportune time. Across North America, Europe, and other regions, consumers and retailers are powering a move towards more sustainable packaging, whether they be compostable or bio-based materials. Natural Advantage makes possible the near total elimination of single-use plastic on produce like cucumbers and peppers.

Akorn CCO and Co-Founder, Xander Shapiro, said in a recent press release: “Other companies have gone to extremes to find solutions, many of which are simply unpalatable to the average consumer and therefore retailer. Akorn Natural Advantage for cucumbers and peppers is highly effective in retaining product crispness and color, and all without gross ingredients that fly in the face of consumer preferences. Implementation of the solution is simple and only requires minor retooling. Akorn provides full support during this short process.”

Shapiro continued: “Plastic packaging on fresh fruits and vegetables not only contributes to pollution but can also increase food waste by accelerating spoilage and forcing bulk purchases. Studies show that selling produce loose or using breathable, compostable packaging can significantly reduce both plastic waste and food loss. As a result, the industry is rapidly adopting innovative materials and technologies that extend shelf life while supporting environmental goals.”

Sustainability through innovation

Since its foundation in 2019 by a team of technology and agriculture veterans, Akorn Technology’s mission has been to reduce fresh produce losses in the supply chain through all-natural, easy to use shelf-life extension solutions.

These include edible coatings (of which Akorn Natural Advantage for cucumbers and peppers is the most recent iteration), biological fungicides to reduce decay, natural antibacterials for improving food safety, and the development of other all-natural post-harvest solutions to optimize the delivery of superior fresh fruits and vegetables.

Akorn’s patented edible coatings make use of upcycled, non-GMO plant materials to offer a natural means of extending the shelf life and quality of fruits and vegetables, reducing the need for plastic packaging, and helping growers and retailers prevent food waste.

NOVI, MI - Lineage, Inc., the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, announces the planned retirement of its Chief Financial Officer, Rob Crisci. The Company has started the process of identifying a successor for the position with the assistance of a leading executive search firm. Crisci will continue as CFO until a successor is in place and will remain with Lineage through a subsequent transition period.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and Lineage’s executive leadership team, I want to recognize Rob for his important contributions to the Company, which include his leadership through last year’s highly successful initial public offering,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage, in the recent press release. “During his tenure, Rob and his team have recruited and developed several talented professionals across our finance organization, which will help to enable a smooth transition and set up our future CFO for success. We appreciate that Rob will continue to serve in his position and provide support during the transition process with his successor, once selected.”

Crisci joined Lineage in April 2023 in advance of the Company’s initial public offering, which launched in July 2024. Prior to joining Lineage, Crisci was a senior executive at Roper Technologies for a decade, including six years as their Chief Financial Officer.

“I’ve been honored to lead Lineage’s finance organization through our transition to the public market and look forward to continuing my service as CFO while we search for my successor,” said Crisci. “As the global market leader, Lineage is well-positioned to drive meaningful value for all our stakeholders. I’m proud of the team we’ve built and excited for the future of Lineage.”

DELTA, CANADA - WINDSET FARMS® is proud to celebrate the nomination of Franklin “Frankie” Rolando Carrillo Rodas as a finalist for the 2025 Farmworker of the Year Award, presented during the West Coast Produce Expo this past week.

Franklin’s nomination is a milestone not only for his personal journey but also for Windset Farms’ continued commitment to worker empowerment and ethical labor practices. As the first greenhouse operation in North America to earn its Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification, Windset is preparing to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with the program! EFI is a proud sponsor of the Farmworker of the Year award.

“Franklin embodies the values at the heart of our EFI certification,” said Tony Pacheco, Franklin’s manager, who nominated him for the award, in a recent press release. “He started with us nine years ago as one of our first temporary foreign workers, coming from Guatemala to our Canadian greenhouse. From the start he stood out, not just for his work ethic, but for his drive to grow, support others, and break down cultural barriers.”

Franklin began working in the greenhouse and quickly advanced to the grading and shipping department. Along the way, he taught himself English and began translating for both workers and managers. In his current role, where most of his coworkers speak Punjabi, Franklin has also started learning the language to better connect with the team. He is known for mentoring new workers and easing their transition into life and work in a new country.

“Franklin was the first of our temporary foreign workers to get a Canadian driver’s license and buy his own car,” said Pacheco. “That simple but powerful act encouraged others to believe they could do it too. His leadership goes far beyond his job title.”

LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing Communications at EFI, said Franklin’s story exemplifies the purpose behind the Farmworker of the Year Award: “Not only does the award celebrate Franklin's individual dedication and commitment, it underscores Windset Farms' dedication to a robust employee engagement program and reinforces their leadership in responsible sourcing.”

While many finalists of the Grow the Good award were noted for their openness and willingness to learn, Franklin’s nomination stood out for his leadership, multilingual efforts, and personal determination. He is also in the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada with Windset’s full support and a permanent role waiting for him.

As Windset approaches 10 years of EFI certification, Franklin’s story is a reflection of what’s possible when workers are empowered, heard, and supported. His nomination is not only a proud moment for him but a celebration of the values Windset has been championing for.

MONTEREY, CA - Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange). Applicants should be individuals who have an influence over policy issues impacting California agriculture, including California Assembly and Senate members or staff as well as employees of regulatory agencies and nonprofits.

The CA Exchange, organized by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is an experiential learning and leadership development opportunity that brings together participants and those who work in California’s $59 billion agriculture industry. This year's program – to be held Sept. 9-12 – will visit numerous farms, ranches, and agriculture-related operations in select Northern California counties.

During the program, fellows will develop a better understanding of how public policy affects complex and diverse agricultural systems. They will also gain tools for collaboration that may lead to more opportunities for multibenefit policy development and execution. California agriculture producers are provided an equally important opportunity to better understand the perspectives of regulatory agency representatives and the unique constraints, pressures, and concerns influencing their decision-making processes.

“The California Exchange is an invaluable program that cultivates an awareness for the innovation and resilience of California's agricultural industry,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49), in a recent press release. “By participating in this program, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing them with knowledge from the field that will drive positive change and ensure the continued success of California agriculture.” More information and the application are available at https://www.agleaders.org/programs/exchange-programs/. Applications are due July 11, 2025. Virtual interviews will be conducted July 29-30. For additional questions, call the CALF office at 831-585-1030.

DANVILLE, VA - AeroFarms, an indoor vertical farming company and the leading supplier of microgreens to the U.S. retail market, celebrates eight years of partnership with Whole Foods Market (WFM), working closely together to pioneer a new microgreens segment within the leafy greens category. The two companies share a common vision of ensuring access to nutrient-dense food options nationwide by offering AeroFarms microgreens in all Whole Foods stores across the country. AeroFarms currently offers seven microgreen products, celebrated among consumers for their robust taste, versatility of use, and nutritional benefits, with 4-to-40x more vitamins and phytonutrients than that of their mature vegetable counterparts.1

Since 2017, WFM has partnered with AeroFarms to conduct market research and testing in the natural channel. Together, they created a new segment within the leafy greens category, changing the way shoppers buy and use microgreens by positioning the AeroFarms portfolio of microgreen products in the packaged salad set. This merchandising strategy has shifted how shoppers use microgreens, moving them from a garnish to center-of-the-plate salads.

"From the beginning, WFM has been a fantastic partner, prioritizing innovation and recognizing the opportunity for microgreens to make a significant contribution to a healthy consumer diet,” said Dane Almassy, SVP of Sales & Marketing at AeroFarms, in a recent press release. “Whole Foods’ in-store merchandising and execution of AeroFarms in the salad section has transformed the way consumers think about and use microgreens. The wide variety of flavors that AeroFarms offers can elevate a broad array of food occasions as the primary ingredient in salads, power bowls, sandwiches, and more.”

Initially, WFM took a risk in devoting valuable real estate to microgreens in their salad set, realizing the market growth opportunity and the consumer appetite for sustainable foods that don’t sacrifice taste, texture, and nutrition.2,3 With the longest shelf-life on the market and a FlavorSpectrumTM of versatile flavors that pack exceptional nutrition value, AeroFarms microgreens have exceeded expectations and delivered sales velocity that exceed or are on par with that of branded packaged salad sets.

“Partnering with AeroFarms, who is laser-focused on accessibility of nutrient-dense food options, was a no-brainer,” said Whole Foods Market Global Produce Category Manager, Eric Cusimano. “AeroFarms delivers microgreens with the longest shelf life on the market, which enables us to deliver their microgreens to shoppers across the nation. Our ethos is to nourish people and our planet, and AeroFarms shares that – making nutrition-packed microgreens accessible to U.S. shoppers while using less resources, like water and land, to do so.”

Today, AeroFarms is the leading supplier in the U.S. microgreens category, with over 70% share of the U.S. retail market. AeroFarms’ portfolio of seven microgreen products, including the company’s new and first-to-market in the U.S., Micro Bok Choy, are available nationwide in Whole Foods Market stores.

To find AeroFarms microgreens at a Whole Foods Market store near you, visit www.aerofarms.com.