A farm bill set to expire in September, Congress looking to cut $1 billion in fresh fruit and vegetable investments, Congress on the verge of considering several agriculture labor reform bills, FDA has unveiled their plan to reform the federal governments food program framework. These are just a few of the pivotal issues that attendees will confront at IFPA’s 2023 Washington Conference, Sept. 12-15 in Washington, DC.

A variety of factors contributed to a slow start for Sierra Produce’s summer citrus program, but things are now picking up and on track for a strong finish, according to Miles Fraser-Jones, vice president of new business development, who works from the company’s Swedesboro, NJ, branch office.

Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart, will be locating a multi-purpose distribution center in Oklahoma City. The 300,000-square-foot facility will open in early 2024. The company plans to make a capital investment of approximately $40 million to open the facility.

“Since Sam’s Club first opened in Oklahoma in 1983, Sam’s has been an important economic driver for our state,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “I am thrilled that partnership will continue as the company brings 130 long-term jobs to Oklahoma with this new distribution center.”

CMI Orchards is gearing up for a new crop with a large selection of branded, core and organic apples and pears all in one place. Despite a late bloom, CMI’s Robb Myers, vice president of business development, said it was an excellent one.

Foremost Fresh Direct, a leading service provider of cold storage and imports logistics services in the Houston region, announced the hiring of Kyle Reeves as vice president of business development.

Reeves will lead FFD’s new division focused on developing category management programs with retail and foodservice clients, and the procurement of high-quality produce sourced directly from a consortium of vetted growers from around the world.

With school now a distant memory, summer is picnic season for families from coast-to-coast. Young children, teenagers and busy parents all love a fun family picnic because it’s a chance to get out of the house, relax and enjoy great food. Whether you’re spending your day at the beach, playing at the park down the street, taking a long family hike in a national park, or simply hanging out in the backyard, everyone in your family will cherish their memories of these special moments.