The New York Apple Association has hired Susan Chekow Lusignan as its new CEO.

Lusignan brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, with a career defined by strategic organizational management, operational excellence and a consistent commitment to measurable outcomes. She is recognized for her ability to lead with structure and discipline, fostering effective teams and building partnerships that strengthen the organizations she serves. 

The Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year Award annually spotlights an emerging talent in horticulture and plant sciences. It recognizes exceptional internship performance through the Vic and Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program, administered by the American Floral Endowment.

The 2026 recipient is Alana Wood, a student at Kansas State University majoring in horticulture production.

GrubMarket has launched Sales AI Agent, the newest specialized AI solution within the GrubMarket AI platform. Designed specifically for wholesale food distribution sales teams, Sales AI Agent helps users identify prospective customers, analyze menus and order guides, generate professional price sheets, and deliver proposals through a single AI-powered workflow.

Guan’s Mushroom has achieved Organic Certification, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving the evolving needs of the produce industry. Guan’s Mushroom’s Ventura, CA, farm has been organically certified by SCS Global Services to meet USDA National Organic Program for growing and packing organic mushrooms.

Ippolito International has added three new members to its sales team: Tina Gularte, Cassie Piearcy and Isabel Pozas.

The Delaware sweet corn crop is on track to hit its post-July 4 harvest date, following a cool early season that slowed growth.

A warm, but very dry period spurred growth but forced growers to heavily rely on irrigation to keep the sweet corn on track, and harvest is set to begin at the normal time, around July 10-12.