Some of the most meaningful research opportunities come from stepping beyond the familiar — new environments, new collaborators and new ways of thinking. A new named fund through AFE is designed to make those experiences possible for Ph.D. students in floriculture.

Established in January 2026, the Royal Heins International Floriculture Research Scholarship Fund supports semesterlong international research experiences that help doctoral students grow both scientifically and professionally.

Northland Potatoes has spent nearly eight decades bringing together growers across Minnesota and North Dakota, and as the organization moves through the current shipping season, its role as an advocate, promoter and connector for the region’s potato industry remains as important as ever. 

The National Watermelon Promotion Board’s mission centers on a single, industry-wide objective: increasing consumer demand for watermelon. 

As the watermelon industry gets set to gather for its annual convention Feb. 19-22 in St. Pete Beach, FL, NWPB continues its year-round work to support this industry by strengthening watermelon’s relevance, visibility and value in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

A sales representative placed a call to the produce buyer of a large supermarket chain. “Hi, I’d like to set up an appointment to show you some new fresh-cut salad mixes of organically grown baby lettuce varieties that include organic salad dressings. The bags are biodegradable and very consumer-friendly.”

Without hesitation, the buyer replied, “No thanks, we don’t need another salad mix. We’re out of shelf space now on packaged salads. Besides, we’ve been doing business with the same supplier for five years and don’t want to change. Sorry, I’m in a hurry, good-bye.”

North Bay Produce is a cooperative of approximately 30 grower-owners from North, Central and South America with apples being one of its main commodities. 

“The winter market has been strong, with significant movement in both domestic and export markets,” said Ken Korson, apple category manager for the Traverse City, MI-based company.  “The season is shaping up to remain robust for both processed and fresh apples.”

Wada Farms has been part of the potato industry since 1943, and over the decades it has  grown into a national grower-shipper and marketer.