After nearly 17 years with the Idaho Potato Commission and over 50 years in the food industry, Armand Lobato has retired, closing an impressive chapter in a long and accomplished career. 

Known for his dedication, humility and genuine relationships, Lobato continues to have a lasting presence among growers, commissioners, colleagues and friends.

This summer, the National Mango Board is teaming up with fan-favorite Squishmallows to celebrate peak mango season in the sweetest way. 

Launching nationwide, the partnership will promote the joy and nutritional benefits of fresh mangos through a playful, multi-channel campaign that includes a giveaway, in-store activations and digital content — bringing together the joy of mangos with the collectible fun of Squishmallows to engage fans and drive excitement all season long.

Sweet corn and green bean grower Papen Farms, which is in its second season without its third signature crop, cabbage, has effectively shifted that crop’s acreage to mostly green beans.

Whole Foods Market opened the third location of its smaller format store concept, Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, located in Hell’s Kitchen. The 8,500-square-foot store features more than 400 local items from the Northeast, each meeting Whole Foods Market’s rigorous quality standards.

The Jersey Fresh brand is the longest running state agricultural marketing and quality assurance program in the country, having started just over 40 years ago in 1984. Since then, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has focused on promoting the local, New Jersey growers throughout the state each and every Jersey Fresh season.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against International Fresh Produce LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The company, operating from Texas, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 12 produce sellers in the amount of $161,510 from January 2024 through September 2024.