What began 50 years ago as a spontaneous golf outing by a group of hardworking potato packers has grown into one of the produce industry’s most enduring charitable traditions.

The Spudman Open will celebrate its Golden anniversary this July 14, marking five decades of industry camaraderie, charitable donations and longstanding partnerships. Held annually at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, CT, the tournament is expected to sell out once again this year while also surpassing a remarkable milestone of raising $1 million for charity since its inception in 1976.

Red Sun Farms has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 14th consecutive year, maintaining its Platinum Club status.

The Horticultural Trades Association is recruiting three new non-executive directors to its board. The roles offer HTA members the opportunity to help shape the strategy and direction of the trade body representing U.K. environmental horticulture.

Whole Foods Market announced its smaller format store concept, Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, will open in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia over the next two years, continuing the brand’s expansion of the format into dense urban neighborhoods.

JOH has named Tom Eynon its director of produce for the Pittsburgh/Cleveland region.

Eynon brings 37 years of food industry experience to JOH, beginning his career as a produce clerk in 1989 and growing into a respected leader across produce merchandising, category management and retail operations. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of leadership positions across the produce industry, most recently serving as senior director of produce and floral for a leading regional supermarket retailer.

Orchard View Cherries, a fourth-generation grower based in The Dalles, OR, is gearing up for a promising 2026 season, with harvest anticipated in the second week of June following a favorable growing cycle. The company expects to pack approximately 1.2 million boxes of premium cherries this season.