AI and human intelligence: The real advantage at work
A recent roundup of headlines about artificial intelligence shows tales of AI gone rogue, from the AI assistant that almost deleted the entire inbox of a Meta SuperIntelligence AI executive to the AI agent who applied for almost 300 jobs (in addition to signing up for Hotmail and a LinkedIn account) all on its own. These stories are great fodder for late-night talk show hosts and underscore the reality that AI still needs a human handler in how the technology is used in business.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Florida freeze fallout meets Mexican heat
The market remains under pressure as Florida continues to recover from freeze damage and Mexico struggles with extreme heat. The combination is limiting supply, impacting quality and keeping both pepper and tomato markets elevated as March winds down.
Stemilt highlights Farmworker Awareness Week
As Farmworker Awareness Week begins, Stemilt is highlighting a new Equitable Food Initiative case study and the completion of 48 worker-driven production improvement projects made in the past year. What began as a partnership to strengthen the health, safety and wellbeing of farm workers has grown into a company-wide commitment to creating a better future for the people behind World Famous Fruit. Stemilt said it is proud to share the measurable results that have come from collaboration with EFI.
California Crema GEM avocados deliver flavor of the Golden State
California Crema GEM season is back. From April through June, California Crema GEM Avocados from Index Fresh will satisfy avocado cravings with a distinctive California-grown brand featuring the GEM variety, a sibling of the traditional Hass known for its golden flecks, dark skin, rich, nutty flavor and high-density nutritional value. California Cremas have quickly caught on with shoppers, and Index Fresh will continue to position this local brand for expansion among avocado lovers looking for a premium, seasonal variety.
ECIP launches LAB for farm labor contractors
The Ethical Charter Implementation Program, overseen by a multistakeholder industry group to build alignment with the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices and facilitated by Equitable Food Initiative, launched a new platform for farm labor contractors.
Blooms appoints agribusiness veteran Miguel Hernandez Storey as COO
Blooms Trade Inc., a financial technology company engineering a borderless future for produce, announced the appointment of Miguel Hernandez Storey as chief operating officer.
Harps Food Stores to deploy AI shopping assistant
Harps Food Stores will deploy SmartMeals, AWG's AI-powered shopping assistant powered by Breez AI, across its network of more than 150 stores.Harps is one of the largest operators in the AWG network, and this decision to deploy SmartMeals at scale sends a clear message to independent grocers everywhere: AI is already shaping where customers shop. The question is whether our stores are part of that conversation.
Windset Farms honors farmworker awareness
In honor of Farmworker Awareness Week, Windset Farms is celebrating its farmworkers and its over 10-year partnership with the Equitable Food Initiative.For over a decade, Windset Farms has worked alongside EFI to build a more transparent, responsible and people-first approach to greenhouse agriculture. This milestone reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to continuous improvement in worker well-being, food safety and communication across all levels of the organization.
IFPA to spotlight Gen Z, Gen Alpha consumer trends in State of Retail session
The International Fresh Produce Association will present The Pulse of Retail: IFPA’s 2026 State of Retail at The Retail Conference & Golf Tournament, April 27–29, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ, delivering a forward-looking analysis of the trade shifts and consumer trends shaping the future of fresh. Registration for the event is now open.
Vista Vineyards names Shawn Caldwell director of sales
Vista Vineyards has named Shawn Caldwell director of sales, bringing more than 30 years of table grape industry experience to the company's newly launched leadership-owned supply platform.