Recognizing the growing impact of women in agriculture worldwide, the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The resolution, led by the United States and supported by 123 countries, is backed by the California Avocado Commission as part of its ongoing commitment to leadership and sustainability in the produce industry. Further support of women’s advancement across all fields is highlighted through International Women’s Day (March 8), which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. 

The Southeast Produce Council returned to the Orlando World Center Marriott for the 2026 Southern Exposure. Farm and family was the theme and as usual, the Southeast Produce Council did not disappoint.  The floor was busy from open to close as show-goers conducted business and fostered relationships.

Prior to the opening of the expo, keynote speaker John Maxwell, world-renowned leadership author, speaker and coach, emphasized the important role strong leadership plays in running a successful business.  

Set against the backdrop of the Southern Exposure conference in Orlando, FL (Feb. 26 – March 1), the SEPC's Southern Roots Women's Luncheon welcomed chef, author and Food Network host Molly Yeh as its keynote speaker. Renowned for her series Girl Meets Farm, Yeh brought her distinctive warmth and perspective to the stage, offering insights into her culinary style and the cultural traditions that inspire her to connect people through food. 

J Schwanke and RJ Pole will launch the new "Behind the Bloom" podcast with special guest Lane DeVries on Feb. 16. New episodes are available first on Schwanke's YouTube channel and uBloom.com.

In the debut episode, Schwanke and Pole speak with DeVries about his career, his leadership role at CalFlowers and his new book, "The Pursuit of Purpose." The "Behind the Bloom" podcast is currently ranked No. 127 in the United States. The podcast is sponsored by CalFlowers and Chrysal.

Harps Food Stores, an employee-owned retailer operating 160 stores across Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma, is rolling out a new postharvest technology designed to reduce broccoli shrink and improve freshness. 

The company has partnered with Verdant Technologies to implement HarvestHold Fresh, which are sheets added to its iceless broccoli supply chain, following a successful pilot in late 2025.

Joolies is expanding national distribution of its Date Pops product line into Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Meijer, The Fresh Market and Hy-Vee. The expansion marks a significant milestone in scaling one of the fastest-growing value-added date formats at retail.

The new placements build on an already robust lineup of more than 45 retail banners, including Target, Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, Ralphs, Wakefern, Thrive Market and regional independents — positioning Date Pops for continued ACV growth in 2026.