By now, most people are familiar with modified atmosphere packaging and what its purpose is. To put it simply, it is vital for extending food shelf life and in our case, reducing spoilage of items such as fruit and vegetables.

For tens of millions of people facing hunger across the country, fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most sought after foods, and sometimes among the most difficult to access consistently. When produce companies and growers choose to donate surplus, that choice has a direct and meaningful impact on families in need of fresh, nutritious food that supports their health and well-being. The question is not whether that surplus can do good, it is how to make sure it gets there.

The International Fresh Produce Association announced that Sara Neagu-Reed, director of production and environmental policy, has been named one of “Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2026” by Washingtonian.

Washingtonian recognized Neagu-Reed as “a decisive force in shaping agricultural policy,” highlighting her leadership in elevating specialty crop producers and helping pioneer a national benchmark for regenerative farming.

Air fryer adoption is creating new momentum for fresh potatoes, and Side Delights is giving retailers a clear path to capture it. As shoppers seek fast, crispy, restaurant-quality results at home, potatoes are emerging as a top-performing air fryer staple.

For retailers, sustainability is no longer a side conversation. It is a shelf strategy, a sourcing decision and a point of differentiation that shoppers expect to see backed up with real proof.

At Naturipe Farms, that proof starts in the soil.

As we move past one of the biggest holiday pulls of the spring season, we’re finally starting to see a little pressure come off parts of the market, though row crops are still feeling tight.