Ayco Farms Inc. announced a significant expansion of its agricultural footprint in Costa Rica to support multifold growth in its pineapple program. The initiative reflects Ayco’s long-term strategy to strengthen global supply, increase operational scale and reinforce its commitment to sustainable farming.

We’re officially in the home stretch of the Salinas season, with most shippers expecting to transition to the desert the week of November 17 fully. That still gives us a few more weeks in the Valley, but conditions in the field are deteriorating quickly. This week’s inch-and-a-half of rain, combined with lingering heat and humidity, has only added to the already high pressure from disease and pests.

JBJ and Veg-Land, leaders in sustainable agriculture and organic produce, announced the appointment of Elisha Cope to its team. Elisha will take on a pivotal role in driving the development and expansion of the company’s organic vegetable program, bringing her extensive expertise and passion for the industry to this dynamic initiative. She will be joining the team at this year’s IFPA show at the Veg-Land booth No. 4197.

 A coalition of produce industry leaders has released A Guide: Fraud Prevention in Produce, a comprehensive resource designed to help companies protect themselves against the rapidly escalating threat of fraud that has cost the industry tens of millions of dollars annually.

Wakefern Food Corp. announced the appointment of Travis Riepenhoff as group vice president, Fresh. Riepenhoff succeeds Mark Van Buskirk, who now leads Wakefern’s Center Store divisions as group vice president.

This week, the Bee Sweet Citrus team is off to IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, CA. The company plans to kick off its new season by debuting a new booth, packaging and more.