Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers and retailers, has come up with a more streamlined approach for its certification process.

The 2025 SEPC Southern Exposure opening reception once again brought together the produce “family” for a good time on Friday, March 7 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This year’s theme was inspired by the warm and inclusive spirit of Hawaii. Featuring Hawaiian-style food and fare, reception attendees mixed and mingled as they wound down from a day of educational sessions and prepared for the next day's exhibition.

BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open 25-30 clubs over the next two fiscal years, including several clubs set for the Dallas-Fort Worth area starting in early 2026.

The Consumer Connection Conference, hosted by The Foundation for Fresh Produce, is a premier gathering for industry leaders who are passionate about increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Taking place April 28-30 in Dallas, the conference offers a unique opportunity to network with 30 Food and Nutrition Influencers and explore the evolving landscape of produce consumption. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

Tanimura & Antle has hired Laura Rosemeyer as its national account manager. With over a decade of experience in national account management and retail partnerships, Rosemeyer brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to the company.

“I am honored to join a company that has long been recognized as an industry leader in both premium quality fresh produce as well as innovation," said Rosemeyer. "I look forward to working alongside this talented team to strengthen key partnerships and contribute to the company’s success."