Did you ever think we would have to encounter so many farming obstacles as we’ve experienced the past couple years? Now old man winter returns and is already harassing California, Florida and Mexico with unfavorable cooler weather accompanied by rain.

A new year at the American Floral Endowment will also bring a new chapter for its research program. Research Director, Terril Nell AAF, is retiring at the end of the month and passing the torch to Research Coordinator, Laura Barth, who has been working closely with Dr. Nell throughout the last year.

Ask anyone who is doing business in the produce industry in the Boston area and they will tell you it is a unique marketplace, filled with both opportunities and pitfalls. The key is to stay ahead of the curve.

That is the approach officials at Peter Condakes Co. will tell you has worked for decades as the company first established itself and thrived in the region.

Food waste in the fresh produce sector was the focus of an International Fresh Produce Association virtual town hall meeting in late December with two major retailers weighing in on their desire to be part of the solution.

Symbolizing love and growth, 1-800-Flowers.com has named the peony and the philodendron as its 2024 Flower and Plant of the Year.

Grower Alliance was coming off two successful industry events in early November, emboldened about its growth plans for the future.

“We had a great IFPA Global show,” said Michelle Ramirez-Jacobson, owners representative. “It was our first time exhibiting there, and we made a lot of great contacts. We took 28 growers with us, and most of our long-time growers already registered for next year.”