Suppose you needed a ladder to paint some walls in your home office. You go to your local home improvement store to buy a stepladder. You see many different options with a wide range of prices. Do you buy the smaller, lighter, cheaper ladder or a better-quality heavy-duty priced ladder? Basically, which ladder would you feel safe climbing with a full gallon of red paint?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Sunbelt Produce Distributors Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Georgia, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 20 produce sellers in the amount of $1.92 million from February 2023 through February 2024.

Idaho apple season kicked off in August this year with the Gala variety. The early apples, growers said, were somewhat smaller after Mother Nature’s hot flash in July, but later fruit is sizing up, and quality is reported as good.

As the many varieties queue up, Idaho apple lovers are glad to accept the perennial invitation to “Taste the Flavor,” as the Idaho Apple Commission’s tagline suggests.

While the Gloucester County Packing Corp. does not grow its own product, the company works with eight commercial growers in New Jersey, and being able to source the product in its backyard provides a big advantage.

Operating in a 45,000-square-foot facility in Woodbury Heights, NJ, the company packs, distributes and handles potatoes and onions from all over the United States and beyond. 

NASHVILLE, TN — The Southeast Produce Council kicked off Southern Innovations 2024 with the VIP dinner Wednesday evening, Sept. 11, aboard the General Jackson Showboat.

Mike Roberts of Harps Food Stores and chairman of the SEPC board of directors welcomed everyone on board and thanked them for all their work on behalf of the council.

Brad Franklin, produce manager for Tops Friendly Markets in Towanda, PA, will receive the 2024 Retail Produce Manager of the Year Award.  For his commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, Franklin is one of only 20 produce managers nationwide being recognized by the International Fresh Produce Association with this high distinction.