Mandarins originated in Southeast Asia and China, dating back approximately 4,000 years. Historical accounts suggest that missionaries introduced mandarins to Southern California in the 1800s, while others report they arrived with miners during the Gold Rush. Currently, California supplies over 90 percent of the U.S. mandarin market, with the San Joaquin Valley serving as the leading production area. California mandarins are available from November through April.

Delaware Valley Floral Group LLC has acquired Rokay Floral Inc., a wholesale floral distributor serving the Michigan floral community for 35 years.

Owned and operated by Rob and Sandy Stogdill since 2000, Rokay Floral serves professional retail florists and event designers throughout Metro Detroit and Southwest Michigan. The company operates two locations in Novi and Battle Creek, MI. Both will continue to operate with the same team to ensure continuity for customers and suppliers.

Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer‑owned supermarket cooperative with member companies that own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, the Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Morton Williams and Di Bruno Bros. banners, is seeking local growers to join its network of suppliers and participate in its Local Produce Supplier Summit on July 15. Applications opened March 9 via the RangeMe platform and will remain open for 30 days.

Last week, Tanimura & Antle marked the official opening of La Mesa Ridge, a state‑of‑the‑art agricultural employee housing community, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony held in Yuma, AZ. The event celebrated a major milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its workforce through innovative, purpose‑built housing solutions. 

Ocean Mist Farms returned from the 2026 SEPC Southern Exposure show energized by meaningful conversations with retailers and trade partners.  

According to Ocean Mist, events like SEPC provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing customers, engage face-to-face with new prospects, and build meaningful connections with potential partners across the industry. This year’s show was no exception.

In agriculture, experience is often measured in acres, years or harvests. But for Jenny Garley, experience has been measured in moments and opportunities—moments and opportunities full of resilience, risk, mentorship and discovery. As she graduates from the Western Growers Women (WGW) Program, her journey reveals how determination, curiosity and strong influences can shape a career in unexpected ways.