The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

The International Fresh Produce Association applauded the introduction of the Continuous Improvement in Organic Standards Act.  The bill is a product of a coalition of industry partners, including the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, Organic Trade Association, Organic Produce Association, National Organic Coalition and the Organic Farmer’s Association.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge seized $10.7 million in methamphetamine from a shipment of fresh Jalapeño peppers.  

Due to growing customer demand, Joolies Dates, a leading name in the world of California-grown premium date products, has launched its latest product offering:  Post-Recycled Tubs, featuring a wide range of organic and conventional dates, including its beloved Medjool Dates and now expanding to Deglet Noors as well as coconut and almond roll varieties. This expansion in the Joolies product lineup is a testament to the company’s commitment to offering retail customers an even broader selection of high-quality options, making Joolies a true one stop date shop.

Coliman Bananas, an iconic name in the world of banana production, is celebrating its remarkable journey that began in 1978. Under the leadership of CEO Jorge Aguilar Jr., the company has thrived for decades, making significant strides in the international market.

Coliman’s inception 45 years ago was driven by a mission to provide dependable bananas to the Mexican market. Impressively, the company has skillfully established a distinctive presence in the export market, prominently showcasing its organic bananas.

Calavo Growers, a global avocado-industry leader and provider of value-added fresh food, will feature new ready-to-cook meal solutions at the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce and Floral Show in booth No. 1839, Oct. 19–21 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.