USDA files action against Georgia company for PACA violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against A. Garcia Produce 2 LLC. The company, operating from Georgia, allegedly failed to make prompt payment to 14 produce sellers in the amount of $556,941 from December 2023 through April 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Ocean Mist's convenience-driven offerings help busy shoppers
At this year’s SEPC show, the theme From Fields to Families underscored a growing reality in today’s marketplace: consumers want fresh, wholesome meals – but they are more time-starved than ever. Ocean Mist Farms was excited to showcase how its premium, convenience-driven vegetable offerings are helping retailers meet the demands of today’s busy shoppers.
Nopales bring tradition, versatility and strong seasonal demand for Chico Produce LLC
Nopales, the edible pads of the prickly pear cactus, have long been a staple in Mexican and the broader Latino cuisine, and they continue to be an important specialty item for Chico Produce LLC. The company sources high-quality Nopales from Mexico and supplies retailers across the United States, where demand rises sharply during the Lenten season.Rob Ybarra, president of San Antonio, TX-based Chico Produce LLC, said nopales are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and remain a versatile ingredient in both classic and modern cooking.
WFFSA announces new venue for 2027 Floral Distribution Conference
The Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association announced Wednesday that the 2027 Floral Distribution Conference will take place at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami.
Stephen Mansfield addresses Good Seeds MENtor Program
Stephen Mansfield, a New York Times best-selling author and popular speaker who leads a training and consulting firm based in Washington, DC, spoke to a large crowd Friday afternoon, Feb. 27, at the Good Seeds MENtor Program, part of the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Exposure, held in Orlando, FL.Mansfield has written celebrated biographies of Booker T. Washington, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill, Pope Benedict XVI and Abraham Lincoln, among others.
Dandy celery-brates centennial with sweepstakes
Duda Farm Fresh Foods announced its eighth annual National Celery Month consumer sweepstakes aligning with the company’s 100th anniversary.Throughout March, Duda Farm Fresh Foods will educate shoppers on its proprietary seed varietals, the benefits of purchasing Dandy celery, inspirational usage of the veg and offer 100 exciting opportunities for participants to win.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Seeing the freeze up close
I spent last week in Orlando, FL, for SEPC, and it was nice connecting with many of you out there. While I was in Florida, I got a firsthand look at what the late January freeze did to crops in the region and the impact is more significant than the reports suggested.
Hass Avocado Board seeking nominations
The Hass Avocado Board has opened its 2026 board nomination period, inviting eligible Hass avocado producers and importers to help guide the future of the U.S. avocado industry. Now, through March 27, qualified individuals may nominate themselves or others for 10 open Board seats, each for three years.
SEPC draws enthusiastic crowd to Southern Exposure 2026
The Southeast Produce Council welcomed a large and enthusiastic crowd the last week in February to its flagship event, Southern Exposure, where attendees celebrated this year’s theme, From Fields to Families.Southern Exposure 2026 took place from Feb. 25 to March 1, about a week earlier than usual, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, the same venue as last year.
AFM, Chef Pati Jinich empower Hispanic communities
What if your path to better health was paved with the ingredients you already love? Avocados From Mexico is reaffirming its ongoing commitment to improving Hispanic health by continuing its collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, showing how Hispanic health has never tasted so good.