Heath Webber has joined Black Gold Farms as its chief financial officer. Webber has more than 30 years of finance experience and a combined 10 years in the CFO role. He holds a bachelor's degree in accountancy from the University of North Dakota and a master's in business administration from the University of Mary.

Robt. T. Cochran & Co. has more than 130 years of experience in the produce industry, working with farmers to provide the best value around for its customers.

Mike Cochran, vice president of the company, started working with his father Richard in 2003 and is a fifth-generation family member at the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY.

Last month the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a swearing-in ceremony for 30 producer members and two importers to join the Potatoes USA board of directors during its annual meeting.

In a display of commitment to the potato industry, the USDA appointed 16 new members and reappointed 16 members to the board to serve three-year terms, expiring Feb. 28, 2026. Alex Caryl, branch chief of the Market Development Division of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crops Program, officiated the swearing-in ceremony.

Dynapro Transport, a Courchesne Larose Group company specializing in the transport of fruits, vegetables and dry goods, acquired Quebec-based Transport TEB, a key player in the delivery of fresh produce over short distances. The complementary nature of the two companies’ truck fleets will ensure a complete and diversified service offering for a clientele that includes food chains, market gardeners and processors.

With more than 2,500 attendees roaming the 200-booth Viva Fresh Expo in Dallas on April 1, the show got very high marks from exhibitors who lauded both the intimacy of the show and the great turnout by buyers.

The fifth annual Food Lion Feeds Orange Bag campaign has helped to provide 1.6 million meals for neighbors facing hunger, surpassing the campaign’s 1 million meal goal. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

The Orange Bag campaign benefits Feeding America and local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. According to Feeding America, the campaign is especially critical right now, as more than 53 million people turned to food banks, food pantries and meal programs in 2021.