WASHINGTON - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) submitted policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, reinforcing its commitment to reducing diet-related diseases and improving public health nationwide.

In a letter addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House Domestic Policy Council Executive Director Vince Haley, and the MAHA Commission members, IFPA highlighted evidence-based solutions that prioritize fruit and vegetable consumption as essential to national health strategies. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing diet-related chronic diseases, IFPA noted that 90 percent of Americans fail to meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake levels and called for a systemic approach to increase consumption and drive meaningful, lasting change.

“With current rates of chronic diet-related disease, we must act swiftly and decisively to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns in a recent press release. “Our recommendations offer tangible, evidence-based solutions that will create a lasting impact on public health. We look forward to working with the MAHA Commission to turn these policy ideas into action.”

Key policy recommendations include:

• Embed Produce Prescriptions as a Covered Benefit within the Health System – IFPA advocates for incorporating produce prescriptions into federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to support diet-related disease prevention and reduce healthcare costs.
• Enhance Nutrition Clarity in Food Labeling – IFPA calls on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate transparent labeling for food products claiming fruit and vegetable content, enabling consumers to make informed dietary choices.
• Expand Financial Incentives for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases – IFPA proposes making fresh produce eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs), along with a federal tax credit for purchases that align with Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
• Expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) – IFPA recommends extending FFVP access to all low-income elementary schools and eventually middle and high schools, helping students develop healthy eating habits early.
• Modernize USDA Purchasing Programs – IFPA calls for recalibrating U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) procurement strategies to include a broader range of fresh produce and increase distribution to underserved communities through nonprofit organizations.
• Increase Fruit and Vegetable Access for SNAP Recipients – Citing USDA research, IFPA suggests incentivizing produce purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help recipients meet dietary recommendations.
• Enhance Data Collection for Federal Nutrition Programs – IFPA supports a systematic approach to track and analyze federal feeding and nutrition program data, ensuring alignment with public health goals.

IFPA is dedicated to working with the administration, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance these initiatives, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant future for all Americans.

UNITED STATES - After days of steady spring rain, rivers across the Midwest and South are running high, and still rising in places. NBC News reports that several states are recovering after last week’s storms brought widespread flooding.

The weather started its track late last week, moving east after bringing heavy rain and storms to parts of Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and more.

In Kentucky, where rainfall broke state records, crews have been working around the clock to check on neighbors, reroute traffic, and clear out the standing water where they can. In Anderson County, the water got high enough to reach power stations, so some areas had to be shut off as a precaution.

Across the region, folks are seeing fields hold water longer than usual, and roads that normally connect rural routes are temporarily out of reach. Rain continues today from Georgia up through the Carolinas, and lighter showers are making their way through the Northeast.

Looking ahead, the next few days will bring calmer skies for much of the South, while the Pacific Northwest sees a turn for cooler, wetter weather.

We’ll continue following how this stretch affects spring movement. Check back with ANUK for updates.

WENATCHEE, WA - It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Scott Marboe, a beloved leader, mentor, and friend in the Washington apple, pear, and cherry industry. At 66, Scott leaves behind an enduring legacy, having spent 39 years shaping the fresh Northwest tree fruit industry both domestically and abroad. His passion, innovation, and tireless dedication made a positive impact on countless lives.

Scott was more than a marketing visionary—he pioneered new marketing strategies, fostered deep industry relationships, and mentored the next generation of professionals always leading with heart and purpose. His wisdom and integrity earned him deep respect and his contributions to organizations like the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Pear Bureau Northwest, will be felt for years to come.

Beyond his professional achievements, Scott was known for his generosity, kindness, and remarkable sense of humor. A lifelong sports fan, he found joy on the golf course and remained a proud supporter of the University of Idaho Vandals, where he once played football.

Scott spent over 33 years with Oneonta Trading Corporation and Starr Ranch Growers before retiring to Phoenix, Arizona. When Starr Ranch joined CMI Orchards in 2023, CMI President Bob Mast knew Scott’s leadership was invaluable. "Even in retirement, Scott’s impact on our industry led to a conversation that brought him back to the work he loved," said Mast.

“When Scott and I were competitors, I developed a profound respect for his character. His values aligned perfectly with ours at CMI, making him an automatic fit. Bringing him on board wasn’t just a business decision, it was an opportunity to welcome a true industry leader and remarkable individual into the CMI family,” Mast added. Upon learning his cancer had returned, Scott approached the challenge with courage, coining the phrase "Win the Day," a mantra that continues to inspire the CMI team.

“Scott embodied what it meant to ‘Win the Day’. Even in the toughest of battles, he uplifted and inspired those around him through his actions, his resilience, and his unwavering spirit,” said Mast. “His legacy in the industry will always be remembered and we ask for prayers for his loved ones as they navigate their profound loss.”

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Wenatchee, WA, to honor his life, one defined by passion, integrity, and a commitment to the people and industry he loved. Scott’s presence will be deeply missed, but his impact will never be forgotten.

ORANGE, CA - Calling local growers—I recently learned that if you want to connect with some cool comedians, it helps to bring a box of fresh produce.

While at a recent hockey game to see the San Jose Sharks take on the Anaheim Ducks (if you know, you know), Brad Williams popped up on the jumbotron. It was a moment even more exciting to me than the rivalry I’d come to see. The comedian was there to support his home team and to promote his show at the same arena this summer.

Fatefully, the next day, I saw Kaitlyn Thornton, a fourth-generation grower, Influencer, and Co-Founder of AGNOVO, sharing apples backstage with Theo Von, Amir K, and Lee Kimbrell at a comedy show in Kennewick, Washington.

In a fun video posted to LinkedIn, Kait shares apple knowledge, inspires some cross-breeding banter that I hope made it into the set, and shows her followers how ag “has a place in pop culture.”

Not only was it great to see worlds collide, it was illuminating. How else can we get fresh produce to different stages and give it the spotlight it deserves?

As to these crucial questions—and whether produce factors in my meeting with Brad Williams in the near future—AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

WASHINGTON - The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the Trump administration’s announcement to impose reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners:

More tariffs equal more anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and consumers. While leaders in Washington may not care about higher prices, hardworking American families do.

Eighty-eight percent of voters say that small businesses play an important role in their local economy, according to an NRF poll conducted by Morning Consult. These tariffs will have a disproportionate impact on local communities and will be particularly harmful to small retailers.

Voters do not see tariffs as helping vulnerable communities including blue collar workers, rural communities, families with young children, low-income households, the elderly and farmers.

Tariffs are a tax paid by the U.S. importer that will be passed along to the end consumer. Tariffs will not be paid by foreign countries or suppliers.

Even more so, the immediate implementation of these tariffs is a massive undertaking and requires both advance notice and substantial preparation by the millions of U.S. businesses that will be directly impacted.

We encourage President Trump to hold trading partners accountable and restore fairness for American businesses without creating economic uncertainty and higher prices for American families.