The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Alvarez Farms LLC, operating from Everett, WA, has satisfied a $39,004 reparation order resulting from unpaid produce transactions under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company is now free to operate in the produce industry. Ruben Alvarez was listed as the member/manager of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

Sunkist Growers is continuing to invest in operational strength and global growth with the addition of two new leadership roles: Joshua Carr, director of procurement, and Stephen Sheldon, director of global business development. Both roles report to Christian Harris, chief operating officer, and reflect Sunkist’s continued investment in top talent to strengthen its operations, expand global opportunities and deliver long-term value for its grower-members.

Prime Time Produce, Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms and Tasteful Selections have partnered to launch #NourishTheMoment, a spring campaign celebrating nutritious produce as the centerpiece of spring gatherings.

Rolling out across social media today, the collaborative campaign will feature seasonal recipes, influencer-driven content and entertaining inspiration designed to encourage consumers to bring vibrant, fresh produce to the center of their spring tables. A giveaway inviting followers to join the conversation and celebrate the season will be announced on March 23.

March 31, dubbed Cesar Chavez Day in 2014 by then President Barack Obama, was supposed to be a celebration. A celebration of Cesar Chavez, who was president of the United Farm Workers Union, which he co-founded ​in 1962 and who did more for farm workers than perhaps anybody in the history of this country. 

Grimmway Produce Group announced that current President and CEO Jeff Huckaby will transition to a new role effective March 23.  Huckaby, who has been the company’s chief executive since 2016, will focus all of his time on GPG’s farming operation as chief agricultural officer.

Mission Driven Distributors LLC, operating out of Houston, TX, has posted a $50,000 surety bond with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Pursuant to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act regulations, the company was required to post the bond following its principals’ involvement in bankruptcy. The company posted the bond as a prerequisite to obtain a new license to operate in the produce industry.