The IFPA Women’s Fresh Perspectives Pacific Northwest Regional Conference brought together women from across the fresh produce and agriculture industries for a day focused on leadership, connection and community building. 

“The passion in the room was incredible, and it was inspiring to watch women from across agriculture and fresh produce come together to learn, connect and support one another,” said Catherine Gipe-Stewart of Superfresh Growers. 

Started in 1984, New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Jersey Fresh program is the longest-running state agricultural marketing and quality grading program in the country.

BJ’s Wholesale Club announced its next wave of new club growth with locations in Kentucky, Florida and Indiana set to open this fiscal year. The new clubs are part of the company’s ongoing strategy to open 25-30 new clubs every two years.

The new clubs will be located in Frankfort, KY; Ocala, Lecanto and Port St. Lucie, FL; and Portage, IN.

This expansion strengthens BJ’s presence in the Florida market up to 46 clubs and grows BJ’s footprint in the recently launched Kentucky and Indiana markets.

Summer is almost here in the Pacific Northwest, and Superfresh Growers is gearing up for the return of its highly anticipated summer fruit lineup, featuring sweet cherries, juicy blueberries and fresh apricots.

San Diego Farms, parent company of Fresh Origins and BrightFresh Microgreens, announced senior leadership promotions for Tiago Castro, now vice president of operations, and Shelby Rodich, now director of marketing.

Castro's new role recognizes his record of professional excellence and contributions to the company's expansion. Castro previously served as director of operations for the company, where he led significant capacity growth and strengthened production processes to support customers nationwide.

After a winter marked by cold temperatures, supply disruptions and rising production costs, Nardelli Lake View Farms is optimistic about the upcoming New Jersey season as crops begin developing across the state.