Rice Fruit Co. announced the groundbreaking of a new controlled atmosphere storage facility at its Gardners location in Adams County, PA. The project is partially funded through a $1.25 million grant awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on seven 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:

PennRose has named Luis Corella president of Mexican growing operations, strengthening the company's leadership as it continues to expand across Mexico and North America.

Corella brings extensive experience across retail, sales and grower relations. He began his career as a retail buyer with Safeway before moving into sales with Fresno-based grower-shippers, ultimately rising to president Baloian Mexico. In that role, he drove growth, expanded distribution networks and built strong strategic partnerships.

BJ’s Wholesale Club launched its Texas operations with the Forney club’s grand opening set for Friday, April 24. The company plans to open three more Texas clubs — in Waxahachie, Southwest Fort Worth and Grand Prairie — in the coming weeks.

Rich Lazer has been selected as PhilaPort's next executive director and CEO, ushering in a new chapter for one of America’s fastest-growing ports. Lazer will succeed Jeff Theobald, who announced his retirement in December after a decade of transformative leadership. Lazer is expected to assume the role on June 1.

Rosy Red Valencias, an exciting new citrus variety native to California’s Central Valley, will be available at Bee Sweet Citrus later this spring. Discovered in 2009 by Bee Sweet Citrus grower Nancy Lange, this variety is an excellent choice for customers seeking unique produce to enhance their summer selection.