Food, clothing and shelter. Generally, these three things are considered the essential, fundamental needs for human survival — of course that was determined before TikTok and Instagram were around. 

The Washington State Fruit Commission has appointed Eric Patrick as its new president to oversee marketing efforts for cherries and canned pears grown in the Northwest, as well as its industry education programs, effective March 2. He succeeds longtime President B.J. Thurlby, who retired Dec. 31 after 30 years with the commission.

With Valentine’s Day behind us, the berry category is working through its reset. Strawberries are mixed depending on origin. With holiday demand behind us, pricing is adjusting region by region, but West Coast weather will keep supplies from getting loose.

With the winter crop currently coming out of its Florida farms, plus a growing fresh-cut lineup that scales nationwide, Lipman Family Farms is sharing what is possible when innovation is a family tradition that spans more than 75 years. The company will be in booth No. 638 at the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure Feb. 26-March 1 at Orlando World Center.

Red Sun Farms will highlight its latest product innovations and business development plans at this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure.

As Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure approached, Wada Farms is solidifying its plans to ensure it gets the most out of the show.