BioWorks Inc., a biological products company for the horticulture industry, has named Chris Rose as interim general manager, effective immediately. The appointment marks a leadership transition aimed at accelerating sales and expansion.

Rose, a biologist, has been with the company since 2013. He has held leadership roles in operations, research and development, and marketing. He succeeds Bill Foster, who led the company for decades.

The International Fresh Produce Association has named Dr. Eric Stevens vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs, a role in which he will lead the group’s global efforts to shape policy in those areas.

Stevens, who starts March 18, will serve as a key liaison to U.S. regulatory and food safety agencies and strengthen engagement with global and regional standard-setting bodies. He will also support member needs through technical expertise and strategic collaboration with internal teams and external coalitions.

The Eastern Produce Council has selected 18 produce professionals for its 2026 Leadership Class.

The program provides industry and professional development opportunities throughout the year, including seminars, farm tours and networking events, Susan McAleavey Sarlund, the council's executive director, said in a statement.

Bimi Baby Broccoli, the branded business branch of Sakata Seed America, has announced a strategic partnership with Cal-Organic Farms to expand organic production capacity and North American distribution for the Bimi brand.

The agreement adds Cal-Organic Farms, a division of Grimmway Farms and one of the largest organic growers in the country, to Sakata's licensed network. The partnership is designed to meet demand for premium specialty vegetables across retail and foodservice channels.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board has elected an all-female slate of executive officers for the first time in its history.

The election took place Feb. 21 in St. Petersburg, FL, during the board's spring meeting, which was held alongside the National Watermelon Association's annual convention.

Jill Barton, of District 1, was elected president. Renee Goodwin, of District 4, was re-elected as vice president. Camille Lombardo, of District 5, was re-elected as secretary-treasurer.

The current lettuce market is trending lower as demand has eased, making this an excellent time for consumers to enjoy salads. With lettuce now more promotable, shoppers can take advantage of favorable pricing and good supply.

The history of salads made from lettuce dates back as far as 4500 BC in Egypt, where they were originally prepared using a bitter weed. The practice of cultivating lettuce for salads was later adopted by the Romans and Greeks, who enjoyed it with oil and vinegar. Lettuce made its way to the Americas in the 1400s, thanks to Christopher Columbus.