The Southeast Produce Council’s 2025 STEP-UPP Retail Class launched its annual summer tour last week, offering participants immersive, hands-on experiences designed to strengthen partnerships with growers. STEP-UPP — the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — is SEPC’s premier initiative focused on developing retail and foodservice produce professionals through strategic education, leadership development and in-the-field learning.

Produce safety has always been at the forefront of the activities at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Did you know the watermelon was portrayed in Egyptian hieroglyphics? They actually originated in southern Africa well over 5,000 years ago before being cultivated in Egypt. Then they started their spread into China and Europe by trade route explorers.

Officials at the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council are proud of what their members are doing with the blueberry harvest. They want residents of the Garden State to be just as proud.

With the blueberry harvesting season up and running, officials at the Trenton, NJ-based council, a state-run organization that takes a small fee from growers in New Jersey, are excited about what is taking place and eager for retailers and consumers to get behind the blueberry market.

Kyle’s Pick cherries will return during Stemilt’s Washington cherry season and are backed by a new selective quality control process. Developed through a multi-stage research and development and quality control program, Kyle’s Pick represents the peak of cherry excellence, delivering fruit that meets ultra-premium standards for size, firmness, color and flavor. Each cherry pack is designed to captivate high-end shoppers and drive sales with a top-tier eating experience.

BrightFarms and its parent company Cox Farms recently celebrated the opening of its newest greenhouse in Macon, GA. The facility is among the most advanced in the state.

The grand opening event featured interactive tours of the new Cox Farms Discovery Center, an expert-led panel discussion on the future of food and an inside look at how BrightFarms is redefining freshness, innovation and accessibility.