Registration is now open for the American Institute of Floral Designers’ 59th annual national symposium.

Far more than an ordinary flower show, the Elevate symposium will showcase a lineup of world-renowned industry educators. Attendees can look forward to inspiring main stage programs, dynamic hands-on workshops, insightful lecture sessions and more.

The official symposium brochure is available online.

Registration is available through the symposium website.

Goody’s selling season begins strong as nationwide wellness trends spotlight grapefruit for consumers. Current consumption of grapefruit remains robust, with 2026 estimated U.S. sales expected to meet the 2024 high of more than $400 million. While data for 2025 is still being finalized, consumption in the U.S. for 2024 exceeded 330,000 tons, an approximate increase of 9.5 percent from recent years, according to Index Box.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against G&S Produce Inc. The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 19 produce sellers in the amount of $333,072 from August 2023 through August 2024, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.  

John Strickland has joined Collins Family Farms - Vidalia Sweet Produce as chief operating officer, supporting operations, logistics and business development.

Strickland’s background combines hands-on experience in the produce industry with experience in project management, bringing a structured, systems-driven approach to operations and team leadership.

Babé Farms, a grower of specialty vegetables and greens, traces its roots from a humble beginning 40 years ago to a mainstay in the category that ships more than 70 items across the country and to Canada.

The family-owned Santa Maria, CA, grower celebrates its 40th anniversary this year by highlighting the innovation that drives the company’s growth, and recognizing the work of its founders, current leadership and generations of employees.

Erin Nealy Cox has been named Walmart’s next executive vice president of global governance, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Cox will assume responsibilities on April 13.