Target plans to roll out a new generative artificial intelligence tool to team members at all of its nearly 2,000 stores by August. The tool, called Store Companion, is a GenAI-powered chatbot designed by Target that can answer on-the-job process questions, coach new team members and support store operations management. Target is currently piloting the tool at about 400 stores, using the teams' feedback to improve the experience ahead of the chainwide rollout.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will resume inspections of avocados and mangos in the Mexican state of Michoacan, according to Ken Salazar, U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

For the past several years, the Southeast Produce Council has been the title sponsor of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life Superhero Sprint. Reinforcing its SEPC Cares initiative, SEPC member volunteers joined the CHOA team once again on Saturday, June 8, at Piedmont Park to distribute fresh produce to event attendees, benefiting their Strong4Life program, which helps Georgia families raise healthy, resilient kids.

The Floral Conference - Miami hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association was held on June 18, 2024. This event provided an immersive exploration of the future of the floral industry, emphasizing how attendees could utilize research to foster innovation and growth. The conference served as a vital platform connecting all facets of the floral supply chain, facilitating the exchange of valuable insights aimed at enhancing company success and advancing the entire industry.

The Jersey Fresh program turns 40 this year and during that time we’ve met a lot of retailers looking for top-quality products that are fresh from our farms and orchards. Last year during peach season, our peach farmers met a lot of new customers. We hope all of you enjoyed the Jersey Fresh peaches last season and will want to source from the Garden State again this year. Our growers are expecting a full crop of yellow and white peaches and nectarines from now through Labor Day and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture stands by them to help promote availability of their products.

The next generation of the floral industry is getting ready to kick-start their hands-on internships at top production and retail operations around the country through AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program.