Wada Farms, a family-owned farming operation that began in 1943 with 160 acres of potatoes, is now one of the nation’s largest suppliers of fresh potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes, with long-standing partner relationships throughout the U.S. and in countries around the world.

It’s that time of the year again when the entire floral community gears up and comes together for one of 2023’s most anticipated events: the Wholesale Florist and Floral Supplier Association’s Floral Distribution Conference.

The floral industry gathered in Miami to attend WF&FSA’s Floral Distribution Conference, where the theme was ‘The Future in Bloom.’ The goal was to enrich knowledge, drive success, make connections, and learn from each other. That sentiment continued at the Above All Flowers & New Bloom Solutions’ third annual Bloom Together After Party, where more than 250 people and the city of Doral Mayor Christi Fraga gathered.

Preliminarily, Monterey County officials and agricultural experts have indicated that crop losses from the torrential rains that have hit the Salinas Valley this year could easily top $500 million.

Those numbers are just guesstimates with no expectation that a final figure will be available for several months. What seems to be certain, however, is that crop losses are significant and the vegetable market will soon be feeling the effects with much higher prices.

On March 20, Stemilt celebrated its second annual Stemilter’s Day to recognize the hard work that nearly 4,000 team members put into growing and producing high-quality fresh fruit every day. This year’s Stemilter’s Day focused on what it means to be a Stemilter, and recognized people for their years of work at Stemilt.  

The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival announced on March 17 that Bob Mast, president of CMI Orchards, is being recognized as the 2023 Apple Citizen of the Year. The award was bestowed in a surprise presentation by Festival Administrator Darci Christoferson, along with Apple Blossom Queen Scarlette Cron and Princesses Natalie Pearson and Dylan Schmitten.