The International Fresh Produce Association released its 2026 U.S. Public Policy Agenda, a comprehensive framework for advancing the fresh produce and floral industry's priorities across six critical areas at a time of significant legislative and regulatory activity in Washington. 

For 80 years, long before “local,” “sustainable” and “traceable” became industry buzzwords, G&R Farms was quietly building something far more enduring: trust.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted suspected methamphetamine valued at more than $17 million concealed within a shipment manifested as blackberries.  

“Our CBP officers use all available tools and technology to thwart smuggling attempts at our international crossings,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “This massive interception of meth illustrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

Recent trends indicate that over 50 percent of melon sales are influenced by advertising promotions. The U.S. retail market has seen an uptick in melon consumption, largely driven by consumers’ growing interest in fresh and nutritious produce. Melons have become a popular addition to healthy diets due to their nutritional benefits. Year-round availability has sustained consumer demand throughout all seasons.

In order to meet the growing consumer demand for seed-oil-free products Taylor Farms has launched Taylor Farms ZERO. These products do not contain seed oils, including soybean or canola. They are made with dressings, dips and ingredients that use alternative oils such as olive and avocado oil. 

When I first got involved with Women’s Fresh Perspectives, I saw it as something special but contained — an annual moment to step back from the day-to-day grind of produce and invest in ourselves as leaders. In our industry, that’s rare. Produce is fast. It’s perishable. It’s margin-driven. It’s operationally complex.