When people think of Arizona, they often picture a vast desert landscape—but over the past century, the state has quietly become one of America’s top producers of specialty crops, especially winter vegetables. Central to this story is lettuce, a crop that turned Arizona into a major agricultural power and transformed rural economies across the state.

A coalition of papaya industry stakeholders is taking steps to strengthen category performance in the United States, inviting growers, shippers and marketers to participate in a virtual briefing focused on the creation of a national research and promotion board.

The Papaya Board Working Group will host a Zoom session May 27 aimed at outlining a framework for a performance-based board designed to expand consumer awareness and drive demand for papayas across the U.S. market.

Larry Brown, an industry icon who dedicated most of his professional career to the fresh produce business, died surrounded by his family in Orlando, FL, on April 30.

The International Fresh Produce Association submitted comments to the National Organic Standards Board outlining priority issues for the organic fresh produce sector in response to the board’s spring 2026 agenda. The comments, developed in consultation with IFPA's Organic Committee, emphasize the need for clear, consistent and science-based standards that protect organic integrity while supporting a stable and reliable supply of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association has officially opened registration for its 2026 Development Experience (DevX), taking place July 28-31 in Atlanta.

Stop & Shop announced a new partnership with Uber Eats to bring enhanced on-demand grocery delivery to customers across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Stop & Shop’s 350-plus stores are now live on the Uber Eats marketplace, providing another channel for customers to access thousands of items such as fresh foods, pantry staples, household essentials and alcohol at select locations, with same-day and on-demand delivery options.