Joel Silverman was a successful salesman in the produce business when he was inspired to establish his own company.

There is, perhaps, no more important issue in the produce industry today than the safety of our fresh fruits and vegetables. The work to ensure consumers can safely enjoy such nutritious food can often feel daunting and fulfilling at the same time, with constant changes in the regulatory and legal environment and the development of new technologies changing the way produce is processed, packaged, and delivered.

During March, when our world was shutting down, I decided to fully embrace meal planning and put together a healthy meal plan for my husband and I each week. My husband normally travels for work and I often eat dinner alone, so I welcomed having him home every day. I planned our meals, put together a shopping list, ordered everything through Instacart and picked up curbside at my local Publix.

A harvest shortfall late in the Red River Valley potato harvest has disappointed some growers, but overall the valley has a nice crop, according to Ted Kreis, marketing director of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association.

In 2020, yellow potatoes now account for 28 percent of the valley’s fresh crop.  “Increasing production of yellow potatoes has been the trend for the last decade or more,” Kreis said. Red potatoes still hold a predominant position as the core business for Red River Valley growers.

World Fresh Produce, an importer and marketer of high-quality produce from around the world, is anxiously awaiting the start of its Italian kiwifruit season, with expectations of an extraordinary crop.

Michel Matouk, president of World Fresh, said harvest in Italy was scheduled to start in late October, with the first shipments arriving in the U.S. market during week 48.

Kroger Houston announced details of its recent investment in associates, including $56 million in wage increases and steps to ensure access to reliable, affordable health care benefits.

"Kroger's commitment to increase wages and ensure our associates have access to world-class affordable, secure and reliable health care benefits is a core priority for the company," said Joe Kelley, president of Kroger's Houston division.