The northwestern region of New York state is known for its great growing conditions with rich fertile soil, consistent sources of natural precipitation and overall moderate temperatures. Last winter, the weather in the region proved to be overall mild, which followed with a cool spring that set up near ideal conditions for the start of the apple season.

Mastronardi Produce is expanding its U.S. network through a joint venture formed with Intergrow Greenhouses Inc., which will include the acquisition of Intergrow’s commercial greenhouse facilities and trucking business in the state of New York.

The new company, Sungrow Farms LLC, adds 105 acres of high-tech greenhouse production capacity to Mastronardi’s ever-growing domestic network and ensures continuity of operations at local greenhouses, keeping more than 280 people employed in the workforce.

The Kroger Co. is going on a hiring spree. The company is seeking to hire associates for salaried and hourly roles, across all geographies, searching for talent in retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, supply chain, merchandising, logistics, corporate, pharmacy and healthcare.

Measure to Improve and Equitable Food Initiative partnered for the first time on a pilot program, bringing an innovative approach to building organizational capacity, improving waste management practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to three California agricultural facilities. The Produce & Reuse pilot program’s success is attributed to the open collaboration between the two industry leaders and three participating companies — Misionero, Good Farms and Windset Farms.

Niagara Fresh Fruit Co., a division of Bucolo Cold Storage, has added John J. King to its sales team.

King originates from the crop protectant industry with over 15 years of sales experience working with apple growers in western New York.  His extensive field experience and knowledge of growing apples will bring a new and invigorating perspective to the sales team at Niagara Fresh Fruit. 

In addition to sales responsibilities, King will also be helping to manage over 1,000 acres of the farming operation.

Limoneira Co. has entered into an exclusive licensing relationship with Apeel Sciences. Limoneira will protect lemons across its supply chain with Apeel’s coating technology.