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.

Healthy Family Project welcomed more than 200 produce industry professionals on Feb. 27 for its annual Thank You Reception during the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Exposure event. The event celebrated the collective impact made in 2025 through retail and digital cause marketing campaigns supporting families across the country.

For decades, fresh potatoes have operated largely as a commodity category. Labels rotate. Packaging changes. Differentiation often comes down to price alone.

That model worked in a more predictable retail environment. Today, it constrains growth.

Inflation fatigue and cautious consumer spending have reshaped grocery behavior. Shoppers are more intentional with every purchase. They are not simply chasing the lowest price — they are evaluating value. That value equation blends affordability, quality and confidence that the product will consistently meet expectations.