John Strickland has joined Collins Family Farms - Vidalia Sweet Produce as chief operating officer, supporting operations, logistics and business development.

Strickland’s background combines hands-on experience in the produce industry with experience in project management, bringing a structured, systems-driven approach to operations and team leadership.

Babé Farms, a grower of specialty vegetables and greens, traces its roots from a humble beginning 40 years ago to a mainstay in the category that ships more than 70 items across the country and to Canada.

The family-owned Santa Maria, CA, grower celebrates its 40th anniversary this year by highlighting the innovation that drives the company’s growth, and recognizing the work of its founders, current leadership and generations of employees.

Erin Nealy Cox has been named Walmart’s next executive vice president of global governance, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Cox will assume responsibilities on April 13.

D’Arrigo California launched Andy Boy Baby Romaine Hearts, naturally compact, non-hybrid Romaine hearts.

As one of the premier grower-packer-shippers of Romaine hearts in North America, D’Arrigo California has built its reputation on disciplined growing practices, premium quality standards and dependable year-round supply. The introduction of baby Romaine hearts expands the company’s romaine portfolio while maintaining its premium hearts program.

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 from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

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

Bella Vista Produce, a grower, packer and shipper in Santa Maria, CA, is preparing for the start of its spring line-up of high-quality crops in late March.

Bella Vista Produce offers lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, romaine, romaine hearts, leaf lettuce, Brussels sprouts and green cabbage.