Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers and retailers, has come up with a more streamlined approach for its certification process.

Building on a decade of experience certifying produce farming operations and incorporating valuable input from growers, suppliers, retailers, auditors and other key partners, EFI is evolving its certification program. Market feedback consistently reports that EFI’s core strengths are in workforce engagement and workplace culture change. EFI is responding by streamlining its

BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open 25-30 clubs over the next two fiscal years, including several clubs set for the Dallas-Fort Worth area starting in early 2026.

“We are eager to continue our expansion by bringing unbeatable value, convenience and assortment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” said Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Economic expansion and a growing population make Texas a great fit for us. We believe our unique club model, which delivers savings of up to 25 percent off grocery store prices every day, will resonate with the families in this area. We look

The Consumer Connection Conference, hosted by The Foundation for Fresh Produce, is a premier gathering for industry leaders who are passionate about increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Taking place April 28-30 in Dallas, the conference offers a unique opportunity to network with 30 Food and Nutrition Influencers and explore the evolving landscape of produce consumption. 

The program will provide groundbreaking insights into shifting consumer priorities, guidance for navigating demographic influences on purchasing decisions and strategic solutions for marketers looking to

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Harvest Pro Inc

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association released The Power of Produce 2025 report for the seventh consecutive year at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference. With 94 percent of produce shoppers actively using social media platforms and 36 percent discovering new fruits and vegetables through these channels, digital engagement, especially with younger shoppers, is proving to be vital.

"Younger shoppers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are driving significant shifts in the produce industry," said Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods for FMI. "Their preference

Representatives from The United Family recently joined city officials and other community representatives to break ground for a new Albertsons Market grocery store and fuel station in the Lovington, NM, community. This will be the first United Family location in the market and is slated to open in 2026.

“We are thrilled to announce a new Albertsons Market location in Lovington,” said Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family. “It is always exciting to enter a new community, especially one that desires a new grocery store. We love New Mexico and our team can’t wait to serve guests in