The cooler temperatures along with a heavy marine layer and drizzle look to continue in the Salinas Valley as we move through May. The cooler temperatures continue to slow down growth rates while increasing mold, mildew and disease pressure in these stands. Some acreage in the valley is showing disease pressure impacting yields as growers disk some affected fields.

We have seen an uptick in pest activity in the fields recently, especially insect activity. Aphids, gnats and other small insects are being reported in some leafy green fields. Growers utilize integrated pest management techniques

Equitable Food Initiative launched an awareness campaign for Farmworker Women’s Health Week, spotlighting the unique health challenges faced by women in the agricultural workforce and promoting resources that empower them to take charge of their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

The week coincides with National Women’s Health Week May — 11–17 —and was created by the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 26 percent of farmworkers are women, performing physically demanding labor in fields and packing facilities. Typically, women

Online grocery sales continue to grow with April’s total sales reaching $9.8 billion, a 15.2 percent increase compared to last year and the ninth consecutive month above $9.5 billion, according to the latest Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey, sponsored by Mercatus. The steady run of positive results, largely fueled by delivery, highlights how customer preferences are evolving due to a combination of aggressive promotions and the increased availability of services that help shoppers save both time and money.

Delivery led the growth for April, reaching $4.2 billion in sales with a 29

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation launched its 2025 Grants Program, with $3 million funding available to support local organizations that advance nutrition education, nutrition access and wellness for children and adults in the communities where Sprouts operates. More than 500 local nonprofits will be selected to receive grants up to $10,000.

“At Sprouts, our purpose is to help people live and eat better, and we’re proud to support the incredible work of local nonprofits who are doing just that,” said Jack Sinclair, CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market. “Through these grants, we’re able to

Washington Fruit Growers has completed its new state-of-the-art cherry packingline, which is designed to enhance production capacity and better serve the company's growing customer base. This new investment demonstrates its commitment to meeting rising demand while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Construction on the new line began in August 2024, following a design phase that started that May. The project was led primarily by Unitec Group, an Italian manufacturer known for its innovative packing systems. The line features advanced sorting technology and was built

Founded in 1985, Markon Cooperative will reach its milestone 40th anniversary this November. The company officially kicked off its year of celebrations at the May board of directors meeting in Monterey, CA. The three-day event brought together Markon leadership and representatives from all five of its independent foodservice member companies — Ben E. Keith, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Nicholas & Co. and Shamrock Foods. 

The gathering included dinners with key strategic suppliers and served as the launch point for the celebrations planned throughout 2025.

This year