AppHarvest Inc. named AppHarvest Board Member Tony Martin as its chief operating officer, effective immediately. He will retain his board seat, and as COO he will lead efforts to optimize production and revenue across the AppHarvest four-farm network that now includes 165 acres under glass.

As the new year kicks off and resolutions are top of mind, it's a great time to try out some new, healthy recipes, like the Little Smoochies Citrus Salad using Smoochies citrus from Consalo Family Farms. With healthy ingredients, this two-step recipe will brighten your day.

Superfresh Growers started the new year with the release of a new pear variety, Mardi Gras, which offers a sweet and juicy eating experience. The pear will be available in February 2023.

The company said Mardi Gras pears will stand out on the shelf with an elongated bottle shape and natural russet over a green background. It said the very sweet, buttery and juicy pear will melt in your mouth at peak ripeness. It is a medium-sized winter pear. The Conference pear, Europe’s favorite variety, is a parent of the Mardi Gras pear.

Chuck Church has been named chief performance officer of Church Bros., effective immediately.

Chuck Church has played an integral role in in sales and marketing over the last nine years at Church Bros. Chuck brings over 20 years of experience in the agriculture industry, along with growing up as part of a multi-generational agriculture family in the Salinas Valley.

SpartanNash continues to support local food pantries across the country. It recently raised $313,000 on behalf of the SpartanNash Foundation through in-store fundraising efforts. The SpartanNash Foundation pledged additional funding to make a total donation of $400,000 to help fight food insecurity.

A U.S. Customs Brokerage based in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas is gearing up for 2023 with a focus on customer service.