Johnston Farms in Edison, CA, near Bakersfield, is a fourth-generation family farming operation. According to Dennis Johnston, a partner in the company, his grandfather, John C. Johnston, started farming potatoes in the Edison area of Kern County in 1947, and the family planted its first Navels in 1963, making 2013 the 50th anniversary of the company’s involvement in citrus.

With the 2012 harvest nearing completion, pistachio growers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada are expecting a record crop of around 550 million pounds, but that number is down from a pre-harvest estimate of around 600,000 pounds, according to Richard Matoian, executive director of the 450-member association.

Just 25 years ago, the people of Colombia were caught in a vise of poverty and terror. Powerful drug organizations like Pablo Escobar’s Medellin Cartel and southern Colombia’s Cali Cartel battled for control of the country’s finances, politics and people. As much as half of the country’s economy came from the cocaine trade, and that product had surpassed even coffee as Colombia’s leading export. In the struggle for control, thousands were killed and honest citizens found they had no means of support.

Ready Pac's Disney-themed Ready Pac Cool Cuts salads and mini-meals line was awarded a PMA Impact Award for packaging excellence at Fresh Summit 2012, held Oct. 26-28 in Anaheim, CA.

Initially named one of 25 finalists from a pool of 61 entries, the salad and mini meals line was one of six award winners.

ANAHEIM, CA -- Seth Mattison, a renowned expert on workforce trends and generational dynamics, helped kick off the 2012 PMA Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, here, Oct. 26 with a fun and informative workshop entitled "Closing the Gap: Engaging Multiple Generations in Today's Dynamic Marketplace." During his presentation, Mr. Mattison advised attendees about how to truly understand today's customers, sales and marketing professionals by first gaining a clear understanding of the different generations that consume the marketplace.

ANAHEIM, CA — The e-revolution is changing the produce industry, including how product is grown and tracked as well as how consumers make purchases.

“As landscapes change, the things you’ll need to do in order to compete will change,” Kevin Coupe of MorningNewsBeat.com said at an educational session titled "The Innovation Conversation: How to Survive the e-Revolution” held at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit, here.