California Giant Berry Farms has hired Justin Kosta as director of sustainability. He will play a pivotal role in the expansion of California Giant’s corporate sustainability program, which will extend to its grower partners throughout the Americas. 

Tomato volume from Florida and Mexico is on the rise with excellent quality of all varieties. There is a good supply available to begin ad promotions, and demand is fairly light with a slightly lower market.

Vertical farming company Kalera Inc., headquartered in Orlando, FL, is seeking relief under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. Kalera's parent company intends to use the court-supervised process to evaluate strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of Kalera or its assets.

Additionally, Jim Leighton’s employment with the company as president and CEO ended March 29 so that he could pursue other opportunities.  He also resigned as member of the company’s board of directors.

Heath Webber has joined Black Gold Farms as its chief financial officer. Webber has more than 30 years of finance experience and a combined 10 years in the CFO role. He holds a bachelor's degree in accountancy from the University of North Dakota and a master's in business administration from the University of Mary.

Robt. T. Cochran & Co. has more than 130 years of experience in the produce industry, working with farmers to provide the best value around for its customers.

Mike Cochran, vice president of the company, started working with his father Richard in 2003 and is a fifth-generation family member at the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY.

Last month the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a swearing-in ceremony for 30 producer members and two importers to join the Potatoes USA board of directors during its annual meeting.

In a display of commitment to the potato industry, the USDA appointed 16 new members and reappointed 16 members to the board to serve three-year terms, expiring Feb. 28, 2026. Alex Caryl, branch chief of the Market Development Division of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crops Program, officiated the swearing-in ceremony.